February 13, 2017

The public will have a second opportunity at upcoming open house meetings and open office hours to review and comment on proposed changes to master plans for several northern forests.

Northern State Forests Land Management Classifications Variance

The department is proposing a variance to the master plans of all northern state forests, except Governor Knowles State Forest, so that 75 percent of all the land is classified as a forest productions area, as directed by the legislature.

Open houses, open office hours to be held February 22 and 23

Public comments received during the first phase of public review, along with maps and revised documents for the northern forest land classification variance master plan updates can be found by searching the DNR website for keywords “master planning,” and then clicking on the links for “Northern State Forests“.

All of the documents as well as associated maps will also be available at the open houses that will be held:

  • Wednesday, February 22, Woodruff4-6 p.m., Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest meeting: Woodruff Town Hall, 1418 First St.
  • Thursday, Feb. 23, Brule – 6-8 p.m., (with a presentation at 7:00 p.m.), Brule River State Forest meeting: Brule Town Hall, 5814 S. Maple St.

The documents and maps will also be available for review and open office hours that will be held:

  • Wednesday, Feb. 22, Black River Falls – Noon-4 p.m., Black River State Forest office, W10325 Highway 12
  • Thursday, Feb. 23, WinterNoon-4 p.m., Flambeau River State Forest, W1613 County Road W

The public review period runs through Feb.27, 2017.