HAYWARD, Wis. (WBZH / WHSM) – Public comments on the Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan have been published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The agency began collecting public comments on its updated master plan for the area throughout December and January last winter. The plan was initially developed in 2000 through a partnership between the Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, and the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

The plan is meant to guide management activities throughout the over 15,000-acre impoundment in Sawyer County. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the Chippewa Flowage is the state’s third largest lake with around 200 undeveloped islands and over 200 miles of undeveloped shoreline.

Managing natural resources was identified as the most common issue raised during the public comment period. According to the summary of public comments, about 80 percent of respondents said fishing is their primary activity when visiting the area. Many called for improved fish stocking efforts, better enforcement of fishing regulations, and maintaining the long-term health of the fishery.

Another common issue raised by respondents was managing water levels around the Chippewa Flowage. Their concerns centered around the effects low water levels could have regarding the spread of aquatic invasive species, recreational use, and increased erosion.

The Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forestry Service, and Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa will now include the input received during the public comment period in their next draft for the updated Chippewa Flowage Joint Agency Master Plan.

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