News & Reports
Last Friday (6/8/2018) we again received notice (shown below) from WDNR about a meeting on the proposed ATV trail inside the TFSWA boundary.
WDNR has scheduled an “open house” type public information meeting for June 19, 2018 from 4-6 p.m. at the Sherman Town Hall which is located at 4094 Hwy 182, about 10 miles west of Hwy 47.
While we understand this is very short notice for such an important issue, we are encouraging all interested members to attend this meeting and express your thoughts on this issue. If you are not able to attend, comments can be sent to:
Mr. John Pohlman – LF/6
WI-DNR
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Email: John.Pohlman@wisconsin.gov
Comments are due no later than July 10, 2018.
WDNR EMAIL:
Proposed master plan changes would improve access, including ATV/UTV opportunities, at three Northwoods properties
DATE: June 8, 2018
MADISON – The public will have an opportunity to comment on draft changes to management plans for three properties in the Northwoods Region of Wisconsin at upcoming public meetings and through a comment period. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is proposing modifications to the property master plans in response to public requests.
The changes at two properties, the Upper Wolf River Fishery Area and the Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area, would enable the department to provide all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle access on designated trails across short stretches of these properties. These short connections on department property, both less than a half mile in length, would create linkages in larger regional trail networks. The department is also proposing to update the land management classifications and maps for these properties and to expand the protection along the Wolf River corridor.
The proposed changes for these two properties will be addressed through master plan amendments. The department anticipates presenting the proposed amendments to the Natural Resources Board at their meeting in Hayward on September 26.
The department also received requests to construct two parking areas at the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area: a small handicap parking area near the dam and a multi-use parking area at the far south end of the property to serve snowmobilers, ATV/UTVs riders, and boaters. These small additions to the property will be addressed through a variance to the existing master plan. Department staff expect to decide on the proposed parking areas after the public input period.
The department is not undertaking a review of the entire range of management actions at these properties, but rather is focusing on potentially authorizing these specific changes to the existing master plans.
The public can learn more about and comment on the proposals at two open house meetings. Both meetings will run from 4 to 6 p.m. and will be held:
June 19, Springstead – Sherman Town Hall, 4094 State Highway 182
June 20, Antigo – Langlade County Fairgrounds, 1633 Neva Road
The public can review the draft amendments and variance along with a series of maps by searching the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, for “property planning” and clicking on the link for “Northwoods Region.” On that page people can fill out an online questionnaire to submit comments, or can download the form and mail it in. Comments, either online or hardcopy, are due by July 10, 2018. Questions can be directed to John Pohlman at 608-264-6263 or john.pohlman@wisconsin.gov.
The TFF-TL POA Board continues to oppose this proposal and Board members will be at the June 19th meeting in Springstead to offer comments and express concerns on behalf of the Association.
Details of the proposed DRAFT amendment can be found at this link: https://dnr.wi.gov/topic/
Thanks in advance for your attention to this important issue. Should anyone have questions, please let us know. Contact info for all Board members is located here: https://tfftl.org/about-us/
As many of you know, walleye populations are declining in many lakes and waterbodies in Wisconsin. Fisheries researchers are now trying to determine the cause(s), using McDermott Lake in Iron County. You can learn more about the issue here – walleye populations, and the study here – walleye study.
Jenna Kosnicki, DNR Mercer wildlife biologist, will be planting wild plum trees on the Little Turtle Flowage June 1. Volunteers are really needed for this effort. Jenna says “I plan to start planting wild plum trees on the Little Turtle Flowage property on June 1 st and am looking for some volunteers. I understand that this is late notice, but the trees have come in early. We will be using hand tools to rake away dead grass, dig holes, pound stakes, and wrap fencing. If we get enough help or finish ahead of time, I would love to cut some dogwood and create fascines for the Iron County Woods and Waters program (however, feel free to come and go as you please). Cutting dogwood will also help to remove some of the encroaching woody vegetation within the grasslands. If you’re available June 1st and would like to assist, we plan to meet at the Joe’s Shack Road parking lot at 10 am. Be sure to dress appropriately and bring work gloves. I’m trying to get an estimate on available hands, so please RSVP as soon as possible”.
Jenna Kosnicki
Wildlife Biologist – Bureau of Wildlife Management
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
5291 N State House Circle
Mercer, WI 54547
Phone: (715) 476-7843
Fax: (715) 476-7603
Jenna.Kosnicki@wisconsin.gov
The Iron County Land and Waters Conservation Department has released the 2018 schedule for their “Conservation on Tap” series, which is presented at the Pines beer garden in Mercer.
