Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting public input on the management of its properties within the Central Lake Michigan Coastal Region. The department is developing a regional master plan that will determine how resources are managed and what types of public use are allowed on DNR-managed lands in this area.

The planning process follows guidelines set out in Chapter NR 44 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code. Through this process, DNR staff will create a comprehensive plan for all department properties located in the region, which covers parts of 13 counties: Brown, Calumet, Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Waupaca and Winnebago.

These DNR properties include fishery areas, natural areas, parks and wildlife areas. Notable sites involved in this planning effort are Collins Marsh Wildlife Area, Harrington Beach State Park, Kohler-Andrae State Park, Navarino Wildlife Area and Point Beach State Forest.

New management plans will be developed for these properties as part of the regional master plan. For those properties with existing plans already compliant with Chapter NR 44 requirements, those documents will be reviewed to determine if updates are needed. Any necessary revisions will be incorporated into the overall regional plan.

Public participation is encouraged throughout this process. "Members of the public are invited to learn more about the Central Lake Michigan Coastal Region, engage in the DNR’s planning process and share their thoughts on the future use and management of DNR properties in the region by visiting the DNR’s Central Lake Michigan Coastal Regional Master Plan webpage or by attending a public open house meeting or office hours."

Community members can provide feedback through several channels: an online input form available on the department's website; downloadable hard-copy forms that can be filled out for either region-wide or property-specific comments; or by sending comments via U.S. mail, email or phone. All comments should be submitted by September 12, 2025.

For those who prefer to participate in person or seek more information directly from staff members:

- An in-person Regional Master Plan Public Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 13 from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Department of Natural Resources Green Bay Service Center (Lake Michigan Conference Room), located at 2984 Shawano Ave., Green Bay.

- Office hours for additional comment opportunities will take place at Kohler-Andrae State Park’s park office on Tuesday August 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 1020 Beach Park Lane in Sheboygan.

- Another session is scheduled at Navarino Wildlife Area’s Navarino Nature Center on Wednesday August 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at W5646 Lindsten Rd., Shiocton.

Comments may also be directed to Natalie Avallone at:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

C/O Natalie Avallone

1027 West St. Paul Ave.

Milwaukee WI 53233

Natalie.Avallone@wisconsin.gov or call at 920-492-81

The DNR encourages anyone interested in how state-managed lands are used and preserved within these counties to take part before final decisions are made.