• Each color represents a land use type in Dane County
• Hover over each box to see the area for each land use, its percentage, and how that percentage has changed since 1990.

Full Screen Data Source: 2015 data is available on the Dane County DCiMap. To see 2015 land use within individual watersheds visit the Watersheds page. The 1990 and future land use datasets are maintained by CARPC. 

There is a strong relationship between land use and water quality. Nonpoint source pollution from land uses, such as agriculture, roads or residences, each impact our region's waters in unique ways. Application of fertilizer and salt can degrade surface and groundwater quality. Planning the location and intensity of future development so that water resources stay protected benefits the entire region.

Regional planning must utilize land use planning and management to limit pollution and protect important environmental resources from the impacts of urban development, rural land uses, and agricultural practices. Cost-effective sewer service areas (ones that concentrate urban development and avoid sprawl) and protection of environmentally sensitive areas are important considerations for regional land use planning.

Areawide water quality management plans are required to address the relationship between water resources and land use. This incorporates evaluation of existing and projected land use patterns, delineation of sewer service areas, and designation of areas that should not be developed or disturbed because of resource value or other environmental or physical constraints.

The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission and a public-private coalition are working to update the Dane County Land Use and Transportation Plan from 1997. This initiative, A Greater Madison Vision, works to establish a shared vision and plan for future regional growth.