DNR News Release Header Image [ [link removed] ]




*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: *Dec. 12, 2023
*Contact:?*Erin Rieser, DNR Property Planning Section Chief [email protected] or 608-400-6171

DNR Approves Master Plan Variances For Northern Highland ? American Legion State Forest And Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area

"More ATV/UTV Routes To Be Added At Both Properties"

?

*MADISON, Wis.*?? The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has approved master plan variances at two state properties that will create additional ATV/UTV routes and trails within the areas. The variances apply to the Northern Highland ? American Legion State Forest Master Plan [ [link removed] ] and the?Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan [ [link removed] ].

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 Northern Highland ? American Legion State Forest Master Plan [ [link removed] ] approves approximately 7 miles of ATV/UTV route and trail in four segments. The approved routes and trails contribute to regional ATV/UTV network connectivity and rider safety. This variance approval accompanies an October 2017 amendment [ [link removed] ] to the recreation portion of the State Forest?s 2005 Master Plan [ [link removed] ] and subsequent variances approved in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Spread across three counties near the towns of Woodruff, Minocqua and Boulder Junction, the Northern Highland - American Legion State Forest [ [link removed] ] provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation on its 236,000 acres and more than 900 lakes within its boundaries.

The variance to the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan [ [link removed] ] approves an additional 2.5 miles of ATV/UTV routes and trails in two segments. Most of the approved mileage is on DNR roads currently open to highway-legal vehicle use during the summer months and snowmobiles during winter months.

Located in Oneida County, the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area [ [link removed] ] is a large, island-studded reservoir that includes 73 miles of shoreline (95% of which is undeveloped), 106 islands and seven boat landings. The Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan [ [link removed] ] was approved by the Natural Resources Board in 2016.

The public can review the approved variances and associated maps by visiting the DNR's?Northern Highland ? American Legion State Forest Master Plan [ [link removed] ]?and the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan [ [link removed] ]?webpages.







________________________________________________________________________

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ]??? [ [link removed] ]? ?? [ [link removed] ]? [ [link removed] ]

[ [link removed] ] Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].


________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ? 101 S. Webster Street?? Madison, WI 53707-7921?? 608-266-2621 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]