Boundary fences are the responsibility of both parties sharing a common border WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAVE LIVESTOCK. The responsibilities are shared equally and are outlined in state statutes (Wisconsin Chapter 90). These boundaries are also not to be moved without consent or agreement of all parties involved. It is wise to have a survey completed before you purchase land.

Remember, if you are planning to build a home or move to Cross Township, that you are moving into an agricultural area. Along with the beautiful landscape and wonderful country setting comes livestock odors, manure and noise from agricultural equipment and activities, which during busy times, can last into or through the night and on weekends. (The farmer faces many weather-related time constraints and must get things done when the weather is right.)

Before moving into an agricultural area, consider the possibility of your new neighbors expanding their farming operations and the noise odors and other issues that will increase with that expansion. Agriculture, like any other business, has to expand to meet family living expenses, inflationary pressures, low market prices, and to keep the bankers happy.

Anticipate that alternative agricultural businesses will develop over time. These businesses could have an impact on traffic, odor, and noise, year round or seasonally.

Animals must be restrained. There-are three Wisconsin Statutes (Chapters 172- 174) on owner's responsibility for their animals. Stray dogs, for example, may pose a risk to children, or pose a disease transfer risk. The Township also requires that you pay a dog tax and that each dog has a dog tag or license.

Livestock, at times, has a way of finding its way through a fence. Don't be surprised if you see cattle on the road or maybe even in your yard or garden. If this happens, those of us who farm, would appreciate your patience and maybe even your help in rounding up our critters. Keep in mind that some animals can be dangerous—especially bulls (male bovines) and stallions (male equines). They may look cute, but they might not act cute.

Nature can provide you with some wonderful neighbors. Most, such as dear and eagles are positive influences on the environment. However, even "harmless" animals like deer can cross the road unexpectedly and cause a hazard. Rural development encroaches on the habitat of coyotes, deer, rattlesnakes, skunks, raccoons, mosquitoes, etc. Some of these animals can be dangerous and you need to know how to deal with them. The Wisconsin DNR is a good resource for information.

Wisconsin has "No Trespassing" laws (Wisconsin Trespass to Land Statute Sec, 943.13). You cannot enter another person's property without consent. So, in an effort to show neighborly relations and to maintain the beauty of the Township, it is not necessary to plaster your property with NO TRESPASSING signs.

Caution is advised on rural roads. At times you will encounter large agricultural equipment that is moving slowly and taking up much of the roadway. Other considerations are wildlife and the occasional tourist enjoying the countryside.

At certain times of the year or depending on your location, emergency response could be slow due to driveway conditions and accessibility or the weather - even though we have an excellent voluntary fire department and first responders team. A hard-to-reach building site could affect the ability to obtain reasonably priced insurance because of the increased risk.

Police services are provided by the Buffalo County Sheriff's Department. Although it is unlikely that you will be attacked in your home by roaming bandits, having your mailbox destroyed, your yard or field driven through or having litter tossed in your driveway can at times feel almost as terrible. Remember, that in a rural setting, police personnel have to drive long distances and may have other more pressing matters to deal with, so their response may be slow. However, they will get to you, so please show some courtesy and have patience.

Roadways are plowed in order of importance with consideration to school bus routes and major traffic areas. If you are going to move into an out-of-the-way area, you will probably not be the first to be plowed out. You also need to be aware that the roads are seldom kept open through the nighttime hours. Plowing on weekends is not always much of a priority in some areas. (Consider this if you anticipate having off-peak travel needs.)

School buses travel, for the most part, on maintained county and town roads that have been designated as bus routes by the school district. You may need to drive your children to the nearest route so your children can get to school.

Every effort is made to maintain our roadways and level of service that we have. However, in an effort to keep taxes as low as possible, we all have to realize that at times we have to temporarily put up with a bump in the road or a muddy gravel road.

Also, unpaved roads generate dust. Dust and dirty automobiles and trucks will be a fact of life for many rural residents. Please realize that most unpaved roads are likely to stay that way. Do not expect a high level of service as this all comes with a high cost.

Trash removal can be much more expensive in rural areas than in the city. It is illegal to create your own trash dump, even on your own land. It is best to find out the cost of trash removal before you move into the area. In some cases, you may need to haul trash to the designated landfill yourself. Recycling is also difficult, because pick-up is not available.

Not all land has decent, build able sites. Steep slopes can slide in unusually wet weather. Large rocks can also roll down slopes and present a danger to people and property in some of the bluff areas.The topography of the land will tell you where water will go in heavy precipitation. If you build in a ravine, you might want to consider that the water that previously drained through the ravine may now drain through your house.

With the development of alternative energy systems, it can be anticipated that one or more could be located in the Town of Cross. The Town of Cross will consider the effect on local aesthetics, wildlife, domestic animals, quality of life, traffic, etc, but the greater public good will also be considered.

Being aware of all of these points, know that the Town of Cross is a great place to live and work and we WELCOME you to our community!