DNR Seeking Public Comment On Master Plan Variance For Vernon Wildlife Area And Bloomfield State Habitat Area

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment on a variance to the Southern Region Planning Group Master Plan. The proposed variance would designate nonmotorized trails at Vernon Wildlife Area and Bloomfield State Habitat Area.

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 Southern Region Planning Group Master Plan proposes existing facilities at both Vernon Wildlife Area and Bloomfield State Habitat Area be designated as trails. These facilities currently exist as department access roads or maintenance trails but are not regularly maintained for public use. Designating the facilities as trails requires assigning NR 44 development levels and conducting regular maintenance and associated inspections, ensuring improved access and providing a consistent recreational experience.

The Southern Region Planning Group Master Plan includes over 20,000 acres of department land across seven counties in southeast Wisconsin. Vernon Wildlife Area, located north of Mukwonago in Waukesha County, provides hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities on over 4,000 acres of wetlands, grassland and hardwood forest mosaics.

Bloomfield State Habitat Area, also known as Bloomfield Wildlife Area, located just east of Lake Geneva in Walworth County, provides hiking, hunting and trapping opportunities on over 1,200 acres of wetlands, grasslands and scattered woodlots, with some frontage on Lake Ivanhoe.

The public can review the draft variance by visiting the DNR’s Southern Region Planning Group Master Plan Variance webpage.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding the proposed variance to the Southern Region Planning Group Master Plan Variance. Submit comments by April 17, 2025 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Erin Rieser, DNR Property Planner
101 S. Webster St.
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
ErinE.Rieser@wisconsin.gov or 608-400-6171

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.