Contact: Phil Rynish, DNR Property Planning Section Chief
Phillip.Rynish@Wisconsin.gov or 608-977-0286
Two Master Plan Variances Now Available For Public Review And Comment
Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area And Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan Variances Open Through June 4, 2023
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comments on two master plan variances. The proposed variances to the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan and the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan would add additional ATV/UTV routes and trails within the areas.
As described in Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, a master plan variance is a change in the use or management of an area that is consistent with the area’s land management classification and objectives.
The variance to the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan proposes an additional 2.5 miles of ATV/UTV routes and trails in two segments. Most of the proposed segments are on DNR roads currently open to highway-legal vehicle use during the summer months and snowmobiles during winter months.
Located in Oneida County, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is a large, island-studded reservoir that includes 73 miles of shoreline (95% of which is undeveloped), 106 islands and seven boat landings. The Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan was approved by the Natural Resources Board in 2016.
The variance to the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan proposes approximately seven miles of ATV/UTV route and trail in four segments. The proposed routes and trails contribute to regional ATV/UTV network connectivity and rider safety. This variance proposal accompanies an October 2017 amendment to the recreation portion of the State Forest’s 2005 Master Plan and subsequent variances approved in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction, the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation on its 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries.
The public can review the draft variances and associated maps by visiting the DNR's Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest Master Plan and the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan webpages.
The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed variances. Submit comments by June 4, 2023 to:
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Phil Rynish, DNR Property Planning Section Chief
101 S. Webster Street; PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phillip.Rynish@Wisconsin.gov or 608-977-0286
