DNR Publishes Initial Public Input Summary for Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has published a summary of public comments from input the DNR, the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (LCO) collected during the initial public input period earlier this year for the updated Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan.

The formal public input period ran from Dec. 16, 2024, until Jan. 31, 2025. The DNR, USFS and LCO received input by online input form.

The DNR, USFS and LCO will use the input received in the next phase of the planning process, which is the drafting of the updated Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan. The joint agencies appreciate the public’s interest in Chippewa Flowage and this management plan, and the time people took to convey their perspectives and experiences.

The Chippewa Flowage is a 15,300-acre impoundment in central Sawyer County, 15 miles east of Hayward. Dotted with about 200 undeveloped islands, it is Wisconsin’s third-largest lake and boasts a highly irregular, wooded and generally undeveloped 233-mile shoreline. The islands and surrounding shorelands on the flowage are owned by public, tribal and private landowners. The flowage supports a wide range of popular recreational opportunities, is important to the local economy and includes culturally important sites and features.

In 2000, the DNR, LCO and USFS ratified the inaugural Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan. The plan was collaboratively developed to provide information and guidelines for each party to consider in planning, designing and implementing management activities on their properties and other areas within their respective jurisdictions in the area. The DNR, LCO and USFS are now working together to review and update the plan.

Questions related to the public input summary or the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan can be directed to any of the following individuals:

René Buys, DNR Property Planner
ReneJ.Buys@wisconsin.gov or 608-982-1688

Erin Rieser, DNR Property Planning Section Manager
ErinE.Rieser@wisconsin.gov or 608-400-6171

Brett McConnell, LCO Environmental Specialist
Brett.McConnell@lco-nsn.gov or 715-634-0102 (ext. 7726)

N. Ginger Molitor, USFS District NEPA Planner
Nicole.G.Molitor@usda.gov or 715-638-0272

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.