Nonmotorized recreational trails as well as the snowmobile trail opening policy were on the agenda for the March 3 meeting of the Vilas County forestry, recreation and land committee. According to Vilas County parks and recreation supervisor Todd Bierman, in the way of nonmotorized recreational trails, the county had received an RTP grant for cross country ski trail and equestrian trail maintenance. They will also be enhancing some signs at the Pioneer Creek Ski Trail, he said.
The future of portions of Gobler Lake Road and Kelly Fire Lane is uncertain. Recently the town of Little Rice made the decision to discontinue sections of both of these roads. The Oneida County Forestry, recreation and land department was made aware of this discontinuation via a legal notice.
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the Natural Resources Board (NRB) met for their regular meeting and received an update from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff. Alene Kleczek, the DNR’s program director for customer and outreach services started the presentation, saying while the changes in the Northern Zone Deer Management Units (DMUs) had the potential to be confusing to those hunting in the north, the amount of outreach done flattened that learning curve for many.
Each year the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partner for the spring hearings. The hearings are held on the second Monday in April in every county in the state. Now there is also an online option to answer the same questionnaire regarding the state’s natural resources.
Each year on the second Monday in April, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hold the annual spring hearings. This year, 22 citizen resolutions passed through the WCC and WCC chair Rob Bohmann spoke virtually to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) about the process as well to present the questions, in an information-only agenda item.
Last year’s Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club’s Vintage Snowmobile Day drew almost 1,000 people. Organizers say this year’s program is shaping to draw even more people to the event. The event will take place at the Area 31 complex at 13050 Gilbertson Road, Minocqua.
An annual favorite for many, the Lake Tomahawk Family Fisheree hits the 20 year mark this year. While many tournaments have come and gone during that time, this one has stayed strong. With the entire community coming together to ensure anglers of all ages have a great time with family and friends on the water, it is no wonder it has endured the test of time.
On Monday, Feb. 9, the Oneida County land and water conservation committee met to discuss the county’s shoreland protection ordinance and language around what should be deemed acceptable in the way of clear cutting. County conservationist Michele Sadauskas recently brought a letter to the planning and development committee, but said they did not seem to want to consider the thoughts of the land and water department in relation to clear cutting or the definition of landscaping as it appeared in the ordinance.
Those who have been down Willow Road in the town of Lynne are painfully aware of the road’s deteriorating status. For those who have not, imagine four-inch ruts in the roadway and never-ending bumps that jar the spine and conditions that make hydroplaning in rainy conditions not just a possibility, but headed towards a probability. While most towns in the Northwoods struggle to keep up their roads, the town of Lynne has a special situation with Willow Road, according to town board member Jeff Brown.
On Monday evening, Jan. 19, the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association invited Department of Natural Resources game bird ecologist Taylor Finger to a Zoom call looking at Mississippi Flyway changes and to take input on setting the 2026 season. He stated a public input form would be available in March and urged stakeholders to contribute their thoughts.