FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 8, 2025
Contact: Erin Rieser, DNR Property Planning Section Manager
[email protected] or 608-400-6171

DNR Seeking Public Comments On North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan

Public Meetings Scheduled For Nov. 3 And 4; Public Comment Period Open Through Dec. 7

The North Central Forest Ecological Landscape encompasses 9,500 square miles in northern Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input on the North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan and Environmental Analysis, which outlines proposed future resource management and public use and development of DNR-managed properties within the North Central Forest Ecological Landscape. The public may submit comments through a variety of opportunities, including in-person meetings.

The North Central Forest Ecological Landscape encompasses 9,500 square miles in northern Wisconsin and includes all or portions of the following 20 counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Florence, Forest, Iron, Langlade, Lincoln, Marinette, Oconto, Oneida, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor, Vilas and Washburn. DNR-managed properties in the North Central Forest include fishery areas, a state forest, state natural areas, a state park, a state recreation area, wildlife areas, state and national trails and various smaller parcels. 

Significant resource management opportunities on the North Central Forest properties include a variety of forest types such as northern mesic, boreal and forested wetlands, ephemeral ponds and non-forested wetlands and unique geological features such as bedrock outcroppings. Primary recreational activities on the North Central Forest properties include hiking, hunting, trapping, fishing, boating, camping and snowmobiling.

A master plan, guided by Chapter NR 44, Wisconsin Administrative Code, establishes the levels and types of resource management and public use permitted on DNR-managed properties. The North Central Forest Draft Regional Master Plan proposes management for nearly 250 DNR properties, including updates to management for three properties with existing NR 44-compliant plans in the region (Chippewa Moraine State Recreation Area, Flambeau River State Forest and Totogatic Wildlife Area). Highlights of the management proposed in the draft Regional Master Plan include:

• Expansion and enhancement of state and national trails
• Protection and management of forested wetlands and ephemeral ponds
• Protection and maintenance of existing cold water streams and trout fisheries
• Designation of a new stream protection program, the Brook Trout Reserves Program, to protect and enhance cold brook trout streams
• Expansion and improvement of water access sites
• Management of forests for age class and composition diversity to support wildlife habitat, watershed health and economic opportunity

The DNR is also seeking public input on an option to establish a project boundary for a new property at the Grandfather Falls in with Wisconsin River, potentially known as the Grandfather Falls State Ice Age Trail Area.

The public is encouraged to submit comments using an online public input form found on DNR’s North Central Forest Regional Master Plan webpage. Comments may also be made by downloading a hard copy form to be sent via U.S. Mail or email. Submit written comments by Dec. 7 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Erin Rieser, DNR Property Planning Section Manager
101 S. Webster St.
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
[email protected] or 608-400-6171

The public is invited to attend an in-person meeting to learn more about the plan and give comments. There will be opportunities for the public to view informational material about the draft plan, speak with DNR staff during the open house and submit written comments. 

The public is encouraged to visit the DNR's North Central Forest Regional Master Plan webpage for additional information about the project and to find input opportunities.

Following the close of the public comment period, the DNR will summarize the input received and adjust the plan as necessary before presenting the proposed master plan to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board for consideration.

PUBLIC MEETING DETAILS

Public Meeting #1
What: In-person North Central Forest Regional Master Plan Public Meeting – Rhinelander
When: Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: Nicolet College, Northwoods Center
Conference Room (#207)
5350 College Drive
Rhinelander, WI 54501

Public Meeting #2
What: In-person North Central Forest Regional Master Plan Public Meeting – Park Falls
When: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: Park Falls Public Library
Third Floor Auditorium
121 4th Avenue North
Park Falls, WI 54552