I am reposting this message from Joel Patenaude. The text editor "dropped" some of the punctuation and text features, but please read regarding NHAL planning meeting dates. Thanks to Joel Patenaude and Sue Drum!
Specifically regarding the proposal to develop an ATV trail in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and the master planning process for the forest in general, I received the following information: Public meetings are set for early May, as indicated by Vilas County resident Sue Drum of Northwoods Citizens for Responsible Stewardship; all Wisconsin residents are encouraged to weigh in, according to a letter by NHAL State Forest Superintendent Dennis Leith; and there are various ways to do so, as listed at the end. All this will be included in the May issue of Silent Sports magazine. But the early dates of the meeting prompts me to send the info your way in hopes you can spread the word.
Joel Patenaude, EditorSilent Sports
NHAL plan meetings set
Thank you, Joel, for such extensive coverage of the ATV issue in Wisconsin and your strong personal interest.As you know, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resoures is proposing an 8- to 12-mile loop trail in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Park Superintendent Dennis Leith has scheduled public hearings to take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 3 in Neenah at the Neenah Public Library, Shattuck Meeting Room; May 4 in Fitchburg at the Fitchburg Community Center, Oak Hall Room; May 5 in Boulder Junction at the Community Center; and May 9 in Wausau at theWausau Park Inn, 2101 N. Mountain Road.By their 63 percent to 37 percent vote on the February 2004 referendum, Vilas County residents showed their opposition to ATV trails in county forests. Our group, Northwoods Citizens for Responsible Stewardship, was hoping to make Vilas County known as “One Quiet County” reserved for silent sport users. We would like to promote healthy trails and waterways, meaning environmental health and human health. Vilas County – with its many lakes, wetlands and bogs – has the most fragile environment of any northern county. Due to its beauty and serenity, it also attracts the most tourist dollars (without counting the revenue generated by ATV riders) of any northern county. We would like a county that promotes human health through outdoor exercise and quiet contemplation without motor noise and fumes. Slow up! Get off your ATV and smell the flowers to relieve stress.SUE DRUMPresque Isle, WI
Help plan NHAL forest’s futureWisconsinites care deeply about the current and future use of the public forests in Wisconsin. the Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest is no exception. As the largest state-owned property, the NHAL is a vast and cherished part of Wisconsin’s ecological , economic and social past, present and future. The NHAL State Forest covers 225,000 acres located in Northern Wisconsin in Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties.The draft NHAL master plan is designed to inform both general and technical readers about the future use and management of the forest. I hope the information and vision in the plan will encourage enthusiasm and constructive discussion.the forest generates employment and supports the economic well being of rural and urban communities alike through the production of forest products we use daily and the recreation and tourism generated by the fantastic forest and lakes. the forest provides opportunities for a diverse array of recreation such as hiking, snowmobiling, biking and hunting, as well as the opportunity to simply sit quietly and enjoy ints natural beauty. in addition, the forest cleans our air and water, provides habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species, and helps sustain our quality of life.Virtually all elements of the forest have seen increasing demands in the last decade – demands for ecological protection, forest production and increased recreation activity. These demands have potential positive impacts – if development and use is properly planned and managed. Unplanned use and management could, however, overwhelm the NNHAL Sate Forest’s unique ability to provide ecological, economic and social benefits that are so highly valued by current risidents, visitors and businesses.How is it possible to understand all of the various dimensions of the NHAL State Forest and meet the increasing demands? What is the future of the forest and what policies will ensure its long-term sustainability?Your feedback on the plan is welcomed and encouraged. with over 225,000 acres of land in the heart of the Northwoods, Wisconsinites have a real opportunity to contribute to sustainable forestry.DENNIS LEITHNHAL State Forest SuperintendentEditor’s note: The draft master plan and environmental impact statement for the NHAL State Forest is available for public review and comment through June 1. Comments received by or on that date will be reviewed and considered by the DNR as it revises the master plan last approved in 1982. The new plan will direct how the state forest is managed for the next 15 years.The new draft plan can be viewed at www.dnr.state.wi.us/master_planning/nhal. Copies of the plan can be requested from Robert Dall at 715/365-8993, robert.dall@dnr.state.wi.us or by writing to the DNR Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501.Written comments on the plan should be sent via e-mail to Dennis.Leith@dnr.state.wi.us or by regular mail to Leith, DNR Service Center, 8770 Hwy. J, Woodruff, WI 54568.Questions and comments can also be can be posed to the planners at the meetings listed above in Sue Drum’s letter.
10:05 AM
No comments:
Post a Comment