Northern state forest classifications
The Wis. DNR is currently in the process of reviewing two elements of Northern State Forests classification: Motorized Road Access and Land Management Classifications.
The seven forests involved in the process are the: Brule River State Forest (Douglas County, approximately 47,000 acres); Northern Highland American Legion State Forest (Oneida, Vilas and Iron counties, roughly 230,000 acres); Peshtigo River State Forest (Marinette County, roughly 11,000 acres); Flambeau River State Forest (Rusk, Sawyer and Price counties, roughly 90,000 acres); Coulee Experimental State Forest (La Crosse County, roughly 3,000 acres); Black River State Forest (Jackson County, 70,000 acres); and Governor Knowles State Forest (Burnett and Polk counties, roughly 20,000 acres).
To make sure those involved in silent sports aren’t left out of the decision-making process, head to this link and make your views known: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/MasterPlanning/NorthernSF/.
Via the grapevine, it’s come to our attention that ATV, UTV and snowmobile interests are already heavily invested in the process, but silent sports are lagging behind on these 15-year master plan reviews.
Initial public involvement will begin in late spring of this year. Master planning events and opportunities for public involvement will be announced via statewide media, mail and email distribution. Comments on the department’s public involvement plan are being solicited until April 5, 2016.