Northwest Wisconsin Residents Asked for Input on Forest Plan

NORTHWEST WISCONSIN (WCFW / WBZH) – Northwest Wisconsin residents are being asked for input on the Department of Natural Resource’s North Central Forest Regional Master Plan.

According to a press release, the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape covers about 9,500 square miles. A number of northwest Wisconsin counties contain a portion of the forest, including Ashland, Barron, Chippewa, Sawyer, and Douglas.

The North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan and Environmental Analysis is meant to guide resource management and public use plans for the region. It covers things like expansion projects on state and national trails, protection efforts for wetlands and streams, and strategies for supporting wildlife habitats. The plan also covers popular recreational activities like hiking, fishing, boating, and snowmobiling.

The agency also recently released a summary of public comments on the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan in the region. A review of the public comments showed managing natural resources was the top concern of residents, as well as improving fish stocking and enforcement of fishing regulations. Residents also expressed concerns regarding the management of water levels in the area and the effect that low water levels could have on the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Department of Natural Resources officials will now use that input for the final update to the Chippewa Flowage plan. Public comments on the North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan and Environmental Analysis could center around similar concerns.

The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled public meetings on the draft plan for Monday, Nov. 3 and Tuesday, Nov. 4. Area residents can submit public comments online or by mail through Dec. 7.