MADISON -- State and local leaders are trying to lock in the beauty of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail by partnering up with area landowners to connect the trail through several local communities.

U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin announced on Monday she secured $2 million to help preserve and manage the trail. Baldwin also announced that federal funds secured in 2009 will be used to help acquire a long-sought parcel of land in Cross Plains that will then close a gap in the Ice Age Trail.

The Ice Age National Scenic Tail's beauty dates back more than 15,000 years and winds through 30 Wisconsin counties. The glacial terrain in Cross Plains is nothing short of spectacular. It's part of the Ice Age Trail that's on private property, for now.

Janice Faga is willing to sell 137 acres of her family's land to the county.

"We are pleased to be part of this partnership and assisting to achieving the goals," she said.

State officials said taht this piece of the puzzle will not only connect Verona to Middleton, but it will also enhance the path through nature.

"The potential for this property is just enormous. You can see it's absolutely beautiful piece of land. There are some scenic vistas here that are tremendous," said Matt Frank, secretary of the Department of Natural Resources.

The county is working to acquire land from public and private owners like Faga through agreements or easements, WISC-TV reported.

"Which will allow a user to be able to experience the features of each of those communities but also experience the natural features that make those communities work holistically on the landscape," said Jeff Prey, a senior planner for Wisconsin State Parks.

"We're very happy that they plan to purchase these lands for the Ice Age Trail and the natural scenic reserve," said resident Arnold Harris.

However, Harris said he has some concerns. He is with the citizen group, Western Dane Coalition for Smart Growth and Environment. He said he isn't against acquiring the land, but says it's overvalued at more than $22,000 per acre when it was sold for $11,000 dollars a few years ago.

His coalition wants the county to redraft the proposal and buy the entire 159 acres to avoid future development near the trail.

"They're withholding 22 acres which would enable them to build three new houses along Timber Lane, immediately to the west of us blocking from the public, all this grand territory," said Harris.

The county is in talks with the owner about potentially buying the additional 22 acres, said Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk's office. Dane County also has an option to purchase an additional 175-acre parcel nearby.

There will be two public hearings in which residents will be able to voice their opinions about what the county should do with the newly acquired land in Cross Plains. The meetings will be on Sept. 10 and 11 at the Cross Plains and Middleton Town Halls.