MADISON, Wis. -- The state's Department of Natural Resources is looking into a proposal that would expand the Glacial Heritage Area.

Right now the glacial area is primarily in western Jefferson County. If approved, it would expand to cover most of Jefferson County, along with parts of Dane, Rock and Dodge counties. The idea behind the proposal is to connect existing recreation and conservation areas and, at the same time, create new ones.

"The entire project is intended to try and bring together a wide variety of opportunities for folks to engage in different kinds of outdoor activities," said John Pohlman, of the DNR. "The Lake Mills area is really sort of the heart of the project."

DNR officials said new acres of conservation parks, recreation trails and wildlife areas are just a few of the expected additions.

"Hopefully, people can day trip here from Milwaukee, Janesville, Madison and even Chicago to enjoy the gems that are here in Jefferson County," Jefferson County Board Member Steve Nass said. "For Jefferson County as a whole, it becomes a great economic driver. We're predicting it could be up to 1,000 jobs in tourism.

The project is a collaboration between the DNR, Jefferson County and the community. County board members say the proposal will bring in new businesses and protect the area's landscapes.

"If this project is implemented, it would become the model that other areas of the state would look to," said Pohlman.

A public hearing on the proposal will be next Wednesday at the Lake Mills Community Center. There's also an online survey at www.dnr.state.wi.us

The final proposal will be given to the state DNR board for approval in October.