DNR Publishes Summary Of Public Comments On Central Sand Hills Region Master Plan Supporting Document

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that it has published a summary of public comments it received on the Draft Vision, Goals, Objectives and Management Alternatives for DNR-managed lands in the Central Sand Hills region.

Among the more than 60 properties included in the plan are Devil’s Lake and Hartman Creek state parks; the MacKenzie Center; Mecan River, Caves Creek and Pine River fishery areas; White River Marsh, Grand River Marsh, and Lawrence Creek wildlife areas; and Lunch Creek Wetlands, Observatory Hill and Plainfield Tunnel Channel Lakes natural areas.

A public comment period on the Draft Vision, Goals, Objectives and Management Alternatives ran from Sep. 18 to Nov. 2, 2023. The department received input by letters, emails and hardcopy and online input forms.

The DNR will use the public input in the next phase of the planning process, which is the development of the Central Sand Hills Draft Master Plan. The document will include preferred management objectives for each property and action items to achieve the objectives.

The Central Sand Hills Draft Master Plan will also describe changes to project boundaries for the DNR-managed parks and recreation areas, natural areas and fish and wildlife areas in the region. The DNR anticipates releasing the Draft Master Plan for public review and comment in the fall of 2024.

The DNR appreciates the public's interest in the properties in the Central Sand Hills region and the time people took to convey their perspectives. For more information about the planning process for the Central Sand Hills region, visit the project’s webpage.

Questions on the summary of comments or the Central Sand Hills master planning process can be directed to:

John Pohlman, DNR Property Planner
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
John.Pohlman@wisconsin.gov or 608-264-6263