DNR Seeking Public Comment For Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on the future management of department properties in the Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological Landscape.

A regional master plan, guided by Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, establishes the levels and types of resource management and public use permitted on department-managed properties. Under the regional master planning process, department staff will develop a plan for department properties located within the region.

The Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Ecological Landscape includes the majority of Milwaukee, Kenosha and Racine counties and portions of Ozaukee, Waukesha and Washington counties. DNR properties in the region include fishery areas, natural areas, parks, wildlife areas and various other types of properties. This regional plan includes properties such as Lakeshore State Park, Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Chiwaukee Prairie-Carol Beach State Natural Area, Forest Exploration Center, Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area and many others.

DNR-managed properties in this region will have new management plans developed as part of this planning process. Existing plans for properties in the region that are already compliant with Chapter NR 44 will be referenced during the planning process. The DNR will evaluate whether any updates need to be made to these existing plans and include any necessary updates as part of the overall regional plan.

Members of the public are invited to learn more about the Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Region, become engaged in the DNR’s planning process and share their thoughts on the future use and management of DNR properties in the region by visiting the DNR’s website and/or by attending a public meeting and open house on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Milwaukee Service Center. DNR staff will give a short presentation at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to attending the public meeting to submit comments and questions, the public is encouraged to submit their input by U.S. mail, email, phone or through the DNR’s online survey form on the Southern Lake Michigan Coastal webpage, where printable versions are also available. Please complete the online survey(s) and submit comments by July 16, 2025 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Dominique Swangstu, DNR Property Planner
1027 W St. Paul Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233
Dominique.Swangstu@wisconsin.gov or 920-492-8822

EVENT DETAILS

What: In-person Southern Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan Public Meeting
When: Monday, June 23, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Milwaukee Service Center
Harbor Room #107 (1st floor)
1027 W St. Paul Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53233

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.