LAC LA BELLE, Wis. — The village of Lac La Belle is aiming to renegotiate the terms of a land sale to Tall Pines Conservancy, with Village President Tim Clark expressing concerns that the initial agreement was not executed properly.

Susan Buchanan, executive director of Tall Pines Conservancy, stated that the nonprofit is ready to close on approximately 14 acres of land on Saeger East and 60 acres along Saeger West by the July 29 deadline, according to the Oconomowoc Enterprise.

Buchanan emphasized that Tall Pines has completed its due diligence and wishes to proceed with the purchase as planned.

However, Clark indicated that the village has additional questions and alternative proposals that could benefit both parties. Specifically, Clark mentioned a small piece of land bordering Lac La Belle, which he believes should remain under village ownership while still allowing Tall Pines oversight.

Clark suggested exchanging different village-owned property for the 60-foot lakeside property that includes part of the village’s sewer easement and a village road. He believes retaining this land is in the village’s best interest.

The land sale agreement was initially reached in January, after both Tall Pines and The Prestwick Group expressed interest. Prestwick aims to expand The Club at Lac La Belle golf course, while Tall Pines plans to incorporate the land into its conservancy network. The village purchased the land from the Department of Transportation in 2018 after attempts to farm it were unsuccessful.

Clark hopes to revisit the deal to ensure it meets the village’s needs. He stated that if a conservation easement is agreed upon, the village is willing to make a financial contribution.

“We need to take a hard look at this and what’s best for the village and Tall Pines,” Clark said.

Buchanan noted that she has not received recent communication from Clark regarding a meeting and reiterated that Tall Pines intends to uphold the current agreement. She confirmed that the village would retain the sewer easement under Tall Pines’ ownership.

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