DNR seeking public comment for the North Central Forest Regional Master Plan
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on the North Central Regional Master Plan for properties it manages in the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape. The initial public comment period is open through Aug. 15.
The public can learn about –– and share perspectives on –– the DNR’s regional master planning process for properties in the North Central Forest region through upcoming open house public meetings, the DNR’s website and input forms. Following the close of the comment period, department staff will summarize the comments received and post them on the project’s webpage.
The North Central Forest region includes portions of the following 20 counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas and Washburn. DNR properties in the region include state parks, trails, natural areas, wildlife areas, fishery areas and state forests. This regional plan also includes the Turtle Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, Brunet Island State Park, Kimberly Clark Wildlife Area and the Upper Wolf River Fishery Area.
Taylor County properties include the Pershing Wildlife Area, Diamond Lake State Natural Area and the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
A regional master plan, guided by Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code (NR 44), establishes the level and type of resource management and public use permitted on department-managed properties. Under the regional master planning process, department staff will develop a plan for department properties located within the region.
Most of the DNR-managed lands in this region will have new master plans developed as part of this planning process. Existing plans for properties in the region that are already compliant with Chapter NR 44 will be referenced during the planning process. The DNR will evaluate whether any updates need to be made to these existing plans. The DNR will include any necessary updates in the regional plan that is to be developed.
Members of the public are invited to learn more about the North Central Forest Region, engage in the DNR’s planning process and to share their thoughts on the future use and management of DNR properties in the region by visiting the DNR’s North Central Forest Regional Master Plan webpage (https://dnr.wisconsin. gov/topic/fl/PropertyPlanning/NorthCentralForest) or by attending a public open house meeting hosted by the department.
In addition to attending a public meeting, the public is encouraged to submit comments and questions through the DNR’s online public input form, (https:// survey123.arcgis.com/share/b43199f7a1ce4c88a72bdb0506fcc004) a downloadable hard-copy input form (https://widnr.widen.net/s/mrgddzdjpk/fl_mp_ncf_ publicinputform_hardcopy_scoping) or by U.S. mail, email or phone. Submit comments by Aug. 15 to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources c/o Savannah Ernzen, DNR property planner P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921, Savannah.Ernzen@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-4336 Two public meetings are scheduled. The first is Tuesday, July 26 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Nicolet College’s Lakeside Center in the first floor commons area, 5535 College Drive in Rhinelander. The second is Wednesday, July 27 at the Barry Wehmiller Learning Center, 165 CTH F in Phillips. DNR staff will give a short presentation at 5:30 p.m. in both meetings.
A recorded version of the presentation that will be given at these meetings will be posted on the DNR’s North Central Forest Regional Master Plan webpage on July 26. Both meetings will cover the same material and attendance at both is not necessary.
