FOREST SERVICE SEEKS INPUT ON RECREATION SITES
RHINELANDER, Wis. (November 1, 2017) – The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest is seeking input from recreationists and community stakeholders as it works to develop a sustainable level in the recreation program, specifically for its campgrounds, boat landings, trailheads, picnic areas and beaches.
The Forest has closed or reduced services at a portion of these recreation sites since 2015.
“For many years (prior to 2015) the Forest maintained service levels despite financial challenges,” said Strong. “During that time, the amount of deferred maintenance continued to grow and for the last three years, the Forest had to reduce services and close some recreation areas each year to have a balanced budget in recreation. It is now time to make longer lasting decisions.”
Since then, the Forest has been developing ideas to provide a sustainable recreation program which also includes motorized and non-motorized trails, management of its five federally designated Wilderness areas, recreation special uses, and outfitter/guiding: a lasting program that balances the economic, social and ecological benefits with changing public needs and flat or declining federal budgets.
“The comments we receive through this process will help us better understand who visits us, what their favorite places are and most importantly why,” said Paul Strong, forest supervisor on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. “We want to know what it is about our recreation sites that make them special to our visitors and how they contribute to local communities and their economies.”
The input will be reviewed by the Forest and used to develop a draft proposal for the best use of current and future resources. The Forest anticipates sharing a draft proposal in spring 2018.
The Forest acknowledges that this is not an easy task, the input received combined with the Forest’s internal analysis, will come with tough tradeoffs.
“As we face these challenges, we want to work with others – tribes, partners, volunteers, visitors and surrounding communities – to understand their desires and identify a path forward that builds a sustainable, high-quality recreation program on the National Forest for today’s visitors and those of the future,” said Strong.
Visitors to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest have enjoyed the full spectrum of outdoor recreation opportunities for many, many years. From developed campgrounds to primitive camping, to beaches, boat launches and picnic areas, to non-motorized and motorized trails, and the thousands of miles of roads open to vehicles, the Forest provides a variety of outdoor experiences that draw locals and visitors alike to the National Forest.
As the population continues to grow, the demand for recreation opportunities will likely increase.
“Many of the Forests recreation assets continue to age and the costs to operate and maintain these sites continues to increase to a level that is beyond the Forest’s capabilities,” said Strong. “As we go through this process, the Forest is looking for innovative solutions as we determine the most suitable activities, investments and locations; and how they complement other offerings on private and public land."
This past year the Forest also sought public input on a proposal to increase fees at recreation sites across the Forest.
“While this proposal for modestly increased fees will bring additional funding to the recreation program, it is still not enough,” said Strong.
The fee increase proposal is currently being reviewed and will be decided upon at a Recreation Resource Advisory Council meeting this winter.
To start the public engagement process for the campgrounds, boat landings, trailheads, picnic areas and beaches, the Forest is hosting five open houses to provide an opportunity for visitors to engage with staff, to learn more about recreation assets on the national forest and on other nearby public lands, and to ask questions. The Forest has a comment form on the website for visitors to provide comments on specific recreation sites and the services provided.
The initial comment period is from November 1 through December 31st. The Forest will also be using comments submitted in the past as part of this process.
Open Houses:
November 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Crandon Town Hall in Crandon, WI
November 7 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Nicolet Technical College Campus in Phillips, WI
November 13 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Suring High School in Suring, WI
November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center in Ashland, WI
November 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Flat Creek Eatery in Hayward, WI
For more information about the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest please visit our website at www.fs.usda.gov/CNNF or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CNNF002 or like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CNNF002.