Northern Wisconsin is still recovering from a series of devastating storms that closed major highways and recreational areas nearly a month ago, and forest officials say it could take up to 3 years to complete the restoration.
Forest officials report about 10 million dollars in damage across seven townships in the Great Divide District. Ranger District Mike Martin says most of the damage was done to roads and there’s damage that can’t be fixed.
“…The damage was so severe that there is not a road prism left to work with. There’s also roads where you look at the cost benefit to put back a two mile section road and it isn’t worth the investment. So those are some decisions that will be made as we move into winter, but for now those roads are closed. “
Martin says they’re up against the winter season and are working to beat the first freeze.
“…we’re trying to restore temporary access to permanent residents, school bus routes the next couple of week s, our timber haul routes and seasonal residents. Really our goal is to establish that temporary access so that you can safely travel the road for the residents, but also the emergency vehicles, snow plowing, things like mail delivery. That’s what we’re trying to restore before freeze up.”
For the most up-to-date road closures and detours visit 511wi.gov
