An open house is set for next Monday at the Manitowish Waters Community Center on the DNR's Draft Powell Marsh Master Plan.
A public comment period on the plan is open until September 9.
Powell Marsh is a 4,800-acre state property known as an open peatland with several small flowages and lakes located in western Vilas county.
DNR spokesperson Diane Brusoe says the current plan has been in place since 1980 and doesn't meet current state standards for property master plans. She says the open house in Manitowish Waters Monday gives the public a chance to see the plan and provide input on the draft...
"....we'll have an open house, a brief presentation around 5:30 p.m.,an over view of what the plan entails. Then we'll have more of a hearing-like format starting at 5:45 p.m. We want to make sure everybody who wants to speak has an opportunity...."
A UW-Oshkosh group made recommendations after a hearing earlier this year to look at iron floc, or slow moving water with iron in it, meets the air. They also discussed phosphorus levels.
Brusoe says the public can also comment on that or draft recreational changes...
".....we're trying to take a look at some of the management options to address those concerns for the residents, also a few different recreational opportunities, additional trails and wildlife viewing blind...."
The plan provides improved access by adding road access into the interior of the property and adding more hiking and ADA accessible trails, better watercraft access and new information features. Comments can also be submitted online at the DNR website.
