§ 1.2. Regional Perspective

The City of Greenwood is centrally located within Clark County along STH 73 (see Map 1-1). The city has a population of 1,079 persons according to the 2000 census. The city is bordered by the Town of Warner to the north and the Town of Eaton to the south. The name Greenwood comes from the combination of two previous names, Greenland and Land of the Big Woods. The city was incorporated in 1891. The Greenwood area has many farms and milk processing plants along with one of the largest butter plants in the state.

Local attractions include Greenwood Park located north of the city along the Black River, access to snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, fishing, hunting, and various other activities. Summer events include June Dairy Days and the Stampede Run/Walk, a Thirty Mile Bicycle Race held in July, Concerts in the park, and numerous softball tournaments including a popular men's tournament held on the 4 of July weekend. One of the city's attractions is the Branstiter Main Streets of Greenwood Museum. Also, the Robert Schofield house in Greenwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Clark County, Wisconsin is located in West Central Wisconsin. Geographically, Clark County is very large (1,215 square miles) and is host to 46 local units of government that include eight (8) cities, five (5) villages and 33 towns. With a 2000 census population of 33,557 and a total land area of 1,215 square miles, population density in Clark County is low with an average density of 28 persons per square mile. Clark County is predominantly a rural county which revolves around the agriculture, manufacturing and recreation industries.

The foundation of Clark County and the City of Greenwood is based in agriculture, particularly the dairy industry. Dairy processing and agri-business is very important to residents as an employment opportunity and as a way of life. Clark County maintains a strong manufacturing base as well.

The cornerstone to Clark County's recreation industry is the 133,000 acre Clark County Forest. The county-owned forest provides residents and visitors a variety of recreational opportunities including hunting, camping, ATV riding, snowmobiling, hiking, skiing and horseback riding. The Clark County Forest is managed as a sustainable resource and generates opportunities for the forest products industry as well. In addition, considerable private holdings of forest land exist throughout the county. Private forestland generates additional recreational and economic opportunities for landowners as well as providing valuable wildlife habitat. The county's and the city's major water feature is the scenic Black River. The river flows north to south through the entire length of the county before it empties into Lake Arbutus.