MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is asking for public input on the North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan and Environmental Analysis, which outlines proposed future resource management and public use and development of DNR-managed properties within the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape. The public may submit comments through a variety of opportunities, including in-person meetings.
The North Central Forest Ecological Landscape encompasses 9,500 square miles in northern Wisconsin and includes all or 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-managed properties in the North Central Forest include fishery areas, a state forest, state natural areas, a state park, a state recreation area, wildlife areas, state and national trails and various smaller parcels.
Significant resource management opportunities on the North Central Forest properties include a variety of forest types such as northern mesic, boreal and forested wetlands, ephemeral ponds and non-forested wetlands and unique geological features such as bedrock outcroppings. Primary recreational activities on the North Central Forest properties include hiking, hunting, trapping, fishing, boating, camping and snowmobiling…