Master planning resumes for Powell Marsh Wildlife Area
RHINELANDER -- The public will have an opportunity at an upcoming open house to contribute ideas and discuss how the Powell Marsh State Wildlife Area should be managed for recreation use and resources protection.
The Department of Natural Resources is resuming the master plan revision process for the approximately 4,800-acre Powell Marsh Wildlife Area in Vilas County. The wildlife area lies three miles south of Manitowish Waters. It is bounded on three sides by the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest and by the Lac du Flambeau Indian Reservation on the south.
A public information meeting will be held on August 24 from 2-5 p.m. at the Manitowish Waters Community Center, with a short presentation at 3 p.m.
DNR staff have updated draft vision, goals and conceptual master plan alternatives that were developed by volunteer citizen panels in 1999 as part of an initial combined planning effort with the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest in the 1990s. Planning for the wildlife area was put on hold in 2000 to allow DNR staff to focus on completing the forest plan. These draft documents are being used as the starting point for this renewed planning effort. The planning documents, including maps of the property can be viewed by searching for “master planning” on the DNR website dnr.wi.gov and clicking on “Powell Marsh Wildlife Area.” The public is also encouraged to submit comments on additional issues that should be addressed in the plan revision process. The planning materials area also available at the DNR Woodruff Service Center, or by contacting Michele Woodford, Manager, Powell Marsh Wildlife Area, at 715-356-5211, ext. 207, email: Michele.Woodford@Wisconsin.gov.
A draft public involvement plan outlines the planning process steps as well as the primary opportunities for public involvement in the plan revision process. The regional and property analysis contains baseline information on the wildlife area as well as information on the region surrounding it.
This analysis describes the habitat and wildlife, infrastructure, and important management issues on the property. It also identifies important values and management opportunities for the wildlife area based on regional needs and benefits.
Currently Powell Marsh Wildlife Area is mostly an open peatland with several small flowages and small lakes. It encompasses a portion of a 20,000 acre wetland complex mostly owned and managed by the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.
The large open wetland habitat with shallow open water habitat of Powell Marsh is unique in the region, according to Michele Woodford, DNR wildlife biologists and manager for the Powell Marsh Wildlife Area.
“While Powell Marsh does not lie on a major waterfowl flyway, its open water and early successional wetlands provide essential habitat for migrating waterfowl, shore birds and grassland birds,” Woodford said. “It also provides regionally significant nesting habitat for a number of uncommon to rare bird species. Powell Marsh Wildlife Area is popular site for hunters and bird watchers and it is an important resource for local trappers.”
Current management emphasizes habitat for bird species that require open wetland and grassland habitat. The habitat is maintained by seasonally regulating water levels on the property’s flowages and by controlling brush and trees by mowing, shearing, and prescribed burns. There is a 1,800 acre wildlife refuge located within the property that is closed to hunting and other disturbances from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31.
“Many people visit Powel Marsh each year, including hunters, trappers, berry pickers, bird watchers, photographers and hikers,” Woodford said. “The most common hunting activity is for deer and waterfowl. The marsh is an important resource for local trappers. Powell Marsh has been highlighted as a stop on the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail and is part of an Important Birding Area.”
The DNR is accepting comments on the draft documents through 5 p.m., Sept. 6, 2013. Staff will take those comments into consideration as they develop the draft revised Master Plan and Environmental Assessment. That is projected to be available for public review in the spring of 2014. Comments may be submitted at the public meeting, by email to Michele.Woodford@Wisconsin.gov, through the DNR website or by U.S. mail to Michele Woodford, DNR Woodruff Service Center, 8770 Highway J, Woodruff, WI 54568.
Woodford said “the primary purpose of the meeting is to present information on the planning process, about the property, including results of hydrological studies, and to receive comment on the draft planning materials and issues that should be considered in the plan revision process. DNR staff will be available to answer questions at the meeting".