DSORe POLL S1005

LAST WEEK'S POLL RESULTS: Do you think "Learn to Hunt" events are the best way to recruit new hunters?

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THIS WEEK'S POLL

Are there enough public shooting ranges in Wisconsin?

Are there enough public shooting ranges in Wisconsin?
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Open house and public hearing set for shooting range in Columbia County

PORTAGE, Wis. – The public is invited to an open house and public hearing on two draft documents that are part of the development of a new public shooting range on the Mud Lake Wildlife Area in the Town of Lowville, February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Columbia County Law Enforcement Center, 711 East Cook Street, Portage.
Both documents are available for review by visiting dnr.wi.gov, and entering the search words, “Columbia County Shooting Range Proposal.” Online comments will be accepted through February 27.
The open house is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Department of Natural Resources staff will be on hand to answer questions on the proposed amendment to the Columbia County Planning Group Master Plan and the Environmental Impact statement for the project.
At 7 p.m. a formal hearing on the EIS will begin.
“This is the second scheduled opportunity to provide comment before these documents are presented to the Natural Resources Board for approval at its April 8 meeting in Madison,” said Eric Lobner, a DNR wildlife supervisor for the area. “At that time the board will also take additional public comments before acting on the documents.”
Based on comments received at the first public listening session held for these documents on December 17, the layout of the range has been updated to include perimeter fencing and a gate controlling access.
The Mud Lake location for the new public shooting range was selected by an ad hoc citizens committee after reviewing the pros and cons of seven possible state-owned sites within the county and public input on two of the sites the committee felt were the best candidates.
The proposed master plan amendment is needed to reclassify approximately 10 acres of the Mud Lake WA from “habitat management area” to “special management area.” The draft EIS evaluates potential impacts to natural resources in and adjacent to the site.
“Our master planning guidelines require us to craft an amendment that reclassifies the area designated for the range to a category that allows this kind of development,” said Lobner. “The EIS identifies potential environmental impacts from the project and the significance of those impacts on habitat and area wildlife and nearby human populations.”
Following this open house and hearing and after the close of the online comment period the department will evaluate all comments and make modifications to the amendment and EIS if deemed necessary.
Persons wishing to speak to the board at their April 8 meeting must preregister with
The board liaison

• Laurie Ross
• Phone: 608-267-7420

Contact(s):

• Eric Lobner, wildlife supervisor – (608) 275-3474
• Bob Manwell, DNR communications – (608) 275-3317

READ MORE HERE: http://dnr.wi.gov/news/releases/article/?id=3463

DSOR POLL S829

Results for POLL S828
Do you agree with Gogebic Taconite's decision to hire guards armed with semi-automatic rifles and wearing camouflage from Arizona-based Bulletproof to protect their work site in Iron County? Comments [3]
INSTANT SURVEY VOTE ON - POLL s829 Which of three proposed alternative plans for the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area do you favor
Sauk Prairie Rec - 3 Proposed Plans - WHICH ONE ... ???
The Question: "Which of three proposed alternative plans for the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area do you favor" WHAT do YOU think of this. VOTE YOUR OPINION photo c. WDNR ©2013 Public asked to comment on draft conceptual alternatives for operation of former Badger Army Ammunition Plant as the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area FITCHBURG, Wis. – The public is invited to share their comments on the preliminary vision and goal statements and three draft conceptual alternatives prepared by Department of Natural Resources planners for future development and operation of the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area, formerly known as the Badger Army Ammunition Plant located between Baraboo and Sauk City. Alternative 1: No action The property will have limited public access for the nature based outdoor activities of hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, and cross country skiing. Public access to cemeteries on the property will be maintained. No additional funding will be spent on restoration or property development. Any structures or debris left on the property at the time of the land transfer will remain. The department will restrict access if there are any public safety concerns. Alternative 2: Ecological restoration emphasis Under this management alternative, the primary emphasis is on restoration work of the grassland ecosystem. A variety of management tools will be used to maintain grassland and savanna. No development is proposed, and access will be limited to pedestrian use. Most remaining infrastructure, buildings and debris would be removed. Visitors would enjoy a perceived remoteness and quiet. Recreation opportunities will be limited to the nature based outdoor activities of hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and cross country skiing. There would be limited vehicle access and no permanent DNR staff stationed at the location, interaction with DNR staff would be limited. Volunteers would promote community participation in educational activities. Alternative 3: Outdoor recreation emphasis Under this management alternative, the primary purpose is getting users onto the property. Visitors would be offered a variety of outdoor recreational experiences while providing interpretive and educational opportunities related to the property’s history and restoration efforts. The visitor experience will include a higher level of development and accessibility. Opportunities for the nature based outdoor activities of hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking and cross country skiing will be provided as well as opportunities for biking, horseback riding, motorized use and a shooting range, picnic areas, viewing areas and a fishing pier. This alternative also projects selectively siting and constructing (through community partnerships) a new visitor center with interpretation and education opportunities; the center could also serve as a trailhead facility near the railroad corridor, which will serve as a designated recreation corridor in the future. Areas of grassland and shrub land compatible with low-impact recreation trails would be restored. READ MORE HERE:   Sauk Prairie Master Plan

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NEXT WEEK: Results for POLL S829