Master plan in need of comments for outdoors
Public comments are sought on the North Central Regional Master Plan, for properties the DNR 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 20 counties, including Chippewa and Rusk. DNR properties in the region include state parks, trails, natural areas, wildlife areas, fishery areas and state forests, including Brunet Island State in Cornell.
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.
Comments can be submitted to: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, c/o Savannah Ernzen, DNR property planner, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921; at Savannah. Ernzen@wisconsin.gov or 608-381-4336 A recorded version of the presentation that will be given at meetings in Phillips and Rhindelander, will be posted at widnr.widen.net by July 26.
