Draft master plan for Horicon-Shaw Planning Group available for public input
HORICON, Wis. - The Horicon-Shaw Planning Group draft master plan is
available for public review and comment through Friday, August 19.
The Horicon-Shaw Planning
Group<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/MasterPlanning/HoriconShaw/>, located in
Dodge County, includes Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area, Shaw Marsh Wildlife
Area, Sinnissippi Extensive Wildlife Habitat, and the Horicon Rough Fish
Station. Primary objectives of the draft plan include maintenance of open
wetland habitats, such as emergent marsh for a wide variety of wildlife.
While public comments may be submitted through Aug. 19, a public meeting
Aug. 3 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center
will provide an additional opportunity to submit feedback. The Horicon Marsh
Education and Visitor Center is located at N7725 Highway 28, Horicon - the
meeting agenda is as follows:
* 5:30-6:15 p.m. - open house with informational displays available and
staff present for questions and discussion;
* 6:15-6:30 p.m. - formal presentation providing an overview of the
draft plan;
* 6:30-6:45 p.m. -formal question-and-answer period; and
* 6:45-7:30 p.m. - additional open house and one-on-one questions and
discussion.
[Join DNR staff for a public meeting Aug. 3 at the Horicon Marsh Education
and Visitor Center.]
Join DNR staff Aug. 3 at the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor Center for
a public meeting regarding the draft Horicon-Shaw Planning Group master
plan.
Photo Credit: DNR
The draft master plan and environmental analysis, maps, and other background
information will be available at the public meeting. These materials can
also be found online and at the Horicon DNR Service Center and public
libraries in Beaver Dam, Horicon, Hustisford, Mayville, and Waupun.
Public comments may submitted at the Aug. 3 public meeting, on the
Department of Natural Resources website (dnr.wi.gov<http://dnr.wi.gov/> -
search keywords "master
planning<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/lands/masterplanning/>" and select
"Horicon-Shaw Planning
Group<http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/Lands/MasterPlanning/HoriconShaw/>) or sent to
the following department staff via mail, telephone or email:
* Bret Owsley, N7725 Hwy 28, Horicon, WI 53032, 920387-7874,
bret.owsley@wisconsin.gov<mailto:bret.owsley@wisconsin.gov>; or
* Yoyi Steele, 101 S. Webster Street, WM/6, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI
53707-7921, 608-266-8169,
yoyi.steele@wisconsin.gov<mailto:yoyi.steele@wisconsin.gov>.
The draft plan describes proposed land management strategies, recreational
opportunities, and other public use proposals for the properties. Highlights
of proposed management include:
* continued emphasis on management of open wetlands, including emergent
and submergent marsh, sedge meadow, and wet prairie, and associated upland
grassland and shrub habitats;
* sustainable management of forested stands, particularly oak, aspen,
and bottomland hardwood for forest health and wildlife benefit;
* protection and enhancement of colonial waterbird nesting areas;
* continued emphasis on traditional outdoor recreational activities such
as hunting, fishing, and trapping, as well as other nature-based activities
such as wildlife viewing and nature enjoyment, hiking, paddling, and
cross-country skiing;
* maintenance and enhancement of the Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor
Center and its wildlife conservation education programming and recreational
facilities; and
* continued collaborations with conservation organizations, local
governments, and private landowners on shared stewardship, management, and
recreation goals.
New proposals include modifications to existing closed or restricted areas
and a new picnic shelter and flush toilet building at Horicon Marsh Wildlife
Area. The draft master plan also includes two alternatives related to a
request by proponents of the Gold Star Memorial Trail to allow bike use on
existing hiking trails at Horicon Marsh Wildlife Area.
Proposed actions are not anticipated to result in significant adverse
environmental effects - the department has made a preliminary determination
that an environmental impact statement will not be required.