Madison Reporter

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released a summary of public feedback collected earlier this year regarding the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan. The input period, which ran from December 16, 2024, to January 31, 2025, was organized in partnership with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (LCO). Feedback was gathered through an online form.

The DNR stated that the comments received will inform the next phase of planning for the Chippewa Flowage area. The agencies are now preparing to draft an updated version of the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Management Plan. According to their statement: "The joint agencies appreciate the public’s interest in Chippewa Flowage and this management plan, and the time people took to convey their perspectives and experiences."

Chippewa Flowage is a large reservoir located in central Sawyer County, about 15 miles east of Hayward. Covering approximately 15,300 acres, it is Wisconsin's third-largest lake. The area features around 200 undeveloped islands and a shoreline stretching roughly 233 miles that remains largely wooded and undeveloped. Ownership of these lands includes public entities, tribal authorities, and private individuals.

The flowage is noted for its recreational value as well as its significance to the local economy. It also contains sites and features important to local cultural heritage.

The original joint agency management plan for Chippewa Flowage was established in 2000 by DNR, LCO, and USFS. That plan set out guidelines for managing activities within each agency’s jurisdiction in the region. The current effort aims to update those guidelines based on contemporary needs and recent public input.

Those seeking more information or with questions about either the summary report or master planning process are encouraged to contact one of several representatives: René Buys (DNR Property Planner), Erin Rieser (DNR Property Planning Section Manager), Brett McConnell (LCO Environmental Specialist), or N. Ginger Molitor (USFS District NEPA Planner). Contact details have been provided by DNR for further inquiries.

The collaborative approach between state agencies, tribal partners, and federal officials reflects ongoing efforts to manage shared natural resources effectively while considering diverse stakeholder interests.