Draft revised Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area master plan continues to emphasize balance

WOODRUFF, Wis, – September 2, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — Management of the approximately 25,000 -acre Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area in Oneida County will continue to emphasize a balance among public motorized access, scenic resources, timber production, and recreation, under proposed revisions to the property plan currently open for public comment.

The Department of Natural Resources in May and June of this year conducted an assessment and public review of the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area Master Plan that was adopted in 2000, and has now offered proposals in a revised master plan available for review and comment.

“In order to maintain the revered character of ‘the Willow’ and integrate with the local area the proposed changes are balanced and reflect the public and partners interests. Much of the current plan is working well but some adjustments are proposed to reflect changes in conditions and public interests.” said Tom Shockley, Willow Flowage property manager. Changes in the draft plan include an increase in motorized access based on opportunities on adjacent lands, slight adjustments to land management classifications focusing on scenic management areas and the forested backlands, and additional camping along the river and flowage.

The draft revised master plan for the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is available by searching the DNR website for keywords “master planning” and then clicking on link for Willow Flowage.

The public review and comment period is open through Sept. 25, 2015. A public informational open house meeting will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the Nokomis Town Hall, 2541 Lake Nokomis Road, Tomahawk.

Additional citizen involvement is encouraged and suggestions about the proposed changes for the future management of this popular public property will be considered to help shape a final plan recommendation. The final plan will be presented to the state Natural Resources Board for approval in October. Wisconsin administrative code requires the department to review each master plan (approved after 1996) every 15 years to determine if any changes should be made.

The Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area is both a productive and popular public recreation property. The property’s remoteness and miles of natural shoreline draws visitors from around the state and region.

“With its diverse natural resource base ranging from remote habitats to varied and accessible recreational opportunities, the Willow Flowage will continue to provide significant social, ecological, and economic benefits now and into the future,” Shockley said.

The public can comment online at Willow Flowage or send their comments by mail or email to: Bob Dall, DNR Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave., Rhinelander, WI 54501 or by phone to 715-365-8993 or email Robert.dall (at) wisconsin (dot) gov.

For more information about the Willow Flowage Scenic Waters Area, contact Tom Shockley, Willow Flowage Property Manager, DNR Service Center, 8770 Highway J, Woodruff, Wisconsin 54501 or by phone at 715-356-5211 or email at tom.shockley (at) wisconsin (dot) gov.

Contact(s): Tom Shockley, (715) 356-5211 tom.shockley (at) wisconsin (dot) gov