Hi there, I agree that the NRB needs to recall their approval to the amended master plan. The last minute amendment adds 25 more acres to the park. The 25 acres is currenlty at least partially a State Natural Area and the claim is that the ski lift proposed for that area will only cross above the expanded land, where no foundation work will be contructed in the SNA. However, the ski lift crossover will still impact the land and all the plants and animals that live or use the SNA area. Doesn't the SNA include the area above and below where the area shows on a topographical map? I keep wondering how my own life would be impacted if someone built a ski lift over where I live, even though construction might not take place on the land I own, my life and wellbeing would still be dramatically impacted.
I am writing to address the decision of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to adopt the DNR's Proposed Master Plan and ill-conceived last-minute Amendment to the Master Plan for Rib Mountain State Park. I am opposed to any Granite Peak expansion of their ski runs or a new chair lift to the west of their current lease area, especially a 28-acre parcel to the south (uphill) as granted in the Prehn Amendment which includes lands protected as a State Natural Area. From the Wisconsin DNR website: "State Natural Areas protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations ....They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals." There are 3 rare plant species and federally endangered Northern Long-Eared Bats present in this State Natural Area. Manmade snow lasting weeks or even months longer will likely kill those endangered plants and prohibit nesting behavior in bats. There are threatened birds that breed there, and a true abundance of spring wild flowers. Birders, wildflower lovers, and people who love to hike in natural areas use this area enthusiastically, and bulldozing ski runs and creating open areas will destroy it. State Natural Areas should never be compromised.
No environmental study for the master planning process was done on this compromise of this State Natural Area because the DNR did not consider expansion into this protected area. That was because State Natural Areas are to be protected. The roads built in this expansion area in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps were also not considered to be historically important, and will be destroyed, though these roads were avoided following study by the former Park superintendent in the 2005 Master Planning process. The historic Knapp homestead site will be compromised.
The mountain biking community also supported this Amendment expansion, due to their belief that they might be able to use the lift and runs in the summer. Again, the complete devastation to this area winter and summer will have long lasting negative effects for birds, wildlife, hikers, wildflowers, our history, and those who love and enjoy the quiet side of our state park.
I realize how hard it is sometimes to balance short-term gains or new opportunities against long term protection of unique natural places. I certainly do not oppose Granite Peak managing its business for a profit, but I do oppose the profound and permanent changes that the plan and Amendment represent. Devastation of 68 acres of Rib Mountain State Park for 3 new ski runs is counter to preserving our necessary green space. Some changes are worth the cost, others are not. In this case, the balancing should not be hard.
Wisconsin law provides for notice and ability for the public to comment on changes to public lands, such as this master planning process, and the subsequent Amendment. At the very least, the Natural Resources Board should allow those who oppose these changes to present their arguments. Please urge the Natural Resources Board to reconsider the Amendment, and expansion of the ski area to the west, by contacting them at dnrnrbliaison@Wisconsin.gov.
The Natural Resources Board should re-consider the amendment of the DNR's Master Plan for Rib Mountain State Park. That amendment allows Granite Peak to build new ski runs and a new ski lift on 28 acres of park land containing some of the most unique natural features in the whole park, including a State Natural Area established to protect those features. The NRB's approval was granted without any DNR analysis of the environmental effects. No public in-put opposing it was possible, because only board member Fred Prehn and Granite Peak's supporting speakers knew that the board was going to consider such a significant change.
During the DNR hearings and comment periods on the original Master Plan, Granite Peak had asked for a large expansion of its lease to take park land on the north side of the mountain, west of its present operation. After some 6,000 comments, the DNR rejected expansion of skiing to the west, except for about 35 acres down-slope from the State Natural Area. Opponents of westward expansion thought they had generally prevailed, so when the Master Plan came before the NRB, only two or three people spoke against expansion, addressing only the down-slope 35 acres.
However, at that NRB hearing, numerous Granite Peak employees and contractors, representatives of skiing and mountain biking organizations (the bikers want to use the new ski lift and runs for high speed down-hilling in the summer), and Wausau area business people, spoke in support of a "modest" expansion of an additional 25 acres or so adjoining Granite Peak's present lease on the west. That was a totally new proposal. After all speakers were finished, board member Fred Prehn introduced an amendment to the Master Plan which coincided with the "modest proposal" of the skiing-biking speakers. He had prepared the amendment before the meeting. The amendment detailed a 28-acre expansion of Granite Peak's lease area to the west, and included a map showing the boundaries of the new lease area, the course of the new ski runs, and the path of the new ski lift. The DNR planning chief told the board that the environmental impacts of such an expansion were not covered by the DNR's environmental analysis. Nevertheless, the board voted to approve the amendment. The board's discussion indicated that some members hoped environmental concerns might be addressed in the terms of the lease.
In fact, construction of what Granite Peak wants will devastate this beautiful part of the park, regardless of lease details. Granite Peak's representatives argued that this expansion will somehow bring in more customers than would have come to Granite Peak anyway. The pro-expansion speakers argued Granite Peak's case for building the new runs and lift. Opponents of the expansion, who believe that this special part of the state park must be protected, should also be heard. The park itself should be given the benefit of an environmental analysis. Wisconsin's Administrative Code, section NR 44.04(7)(a), states, “The public shall be provided opportunities to participate throughout the planning process for a property.” NR 150.04(2)(g), requires an environmental analysis and consideration of public comment for significant changes in the use of state property. A full hearing on this significant change in the park is basic fairness, and is required by the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
I'm glad that more recreational opportunities are finally in the works for Granite Peak. Adding new (sustainable) hiking/climbing trails and mountain biking runs allows more outdoor enthusiasts of various skill levels to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Many folks have been looking forward to this for years now.
Yes, and to to your point, we also have a declining birth rate and Wausau struggles to keep young people/families here, too. A "perfect storm" of multiple reasons. Thank you for your response!
I would like to go back to your reporting of the the school district changes on the horizon, in your article dated Jan. 28th. You stated the district had lost 700 students over the past 20 yrs. What you failed to point out is that more than half of those students dropped only 2 1/2 yrs. ago, in the fall of 2020. 433 students left the district due to overreaching by the school board at that time with lock downs, testing and masking. All of which now are proven completely useless, unscientific, and more damaging than COVID 19 was to the pediatric population in our schools. So really, only 2 1/2 yrs. ago the district lost 61+% of their enrollment due to the COVID 19 debacle. That is what really happened here. And now that the citizens/parents understand the infiltration of CRT, gender lies, forced LBGQT indoctrination and materials harmful to children in all of our libraries - the trust is gone and will take a very long time, if ever, to rebuild. This has a great deal to do with where we are at now. The loss of this enrollment may never recover in our generation and the current school board has no choice but to deal with those facts.
Hi there, I agree that the NRB needs to recall their approval to the amended master plan. The last minute amendment adds 25 more acres to the park. The 25 acres is currenlty at least partially a State Natural Area and the claim is that the ski lift proposed for that area will only cross above the expanded land, where no foundation work will be contructed in the SNA. However, the ski lift crossover will still impact the land and all the plants and animals that live or use the SNA area. Doesn't the SNA include the area above and below where the area shows on a topographical map? I keep wondering how my own life would be impacted if someone built a ski lift over where I live, even though construction might not take place on the land I own, my life and wellbeing would still be dramatically impacted.
I am writing to address the decision of the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to adopt the DNR's Proposed Master Plan and ill-conceived last-minute Amendment to the Master Plan for Rib Mountain State Park. I am opposed to any Granite Peak expansion of their ski runs or a new chair lift to the west of their current lease area, especially a 28-acre parcel to the south (uphill) as granted in the Prehn Amendment which includes lands protected as a State Natural Area. From the Wisconsin DNR website: "State Natural Areas protect outstanding examples of Wisconsin's native landscape of natural communities, significant geological formations ....They also provide some of the last refuges for rare plants and animals." There are 3 rare plant species and federally endangered Northern Long-Eared Bats present in this State Natural Area. Manmade snow lasting weeks or even months longer will likely kill those endangered plants and prohibit nesting behavior in bats. There are threatened birds that breed there, and a true abundance of spring wild flowers. Birders, wildflower lovers, and people who love to hike in natural areas use this area enthusiastically, and bulldozing ski runs and creating open areas will destroy it. State Natural Areas should never be compromised.
No environmental study for the master planning process was done on this compromise of this State Natural Area because the DNR did not consider expansion into this protected area. That was because State Natural Areas are to be protected. The roads built in this expansion area in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps were also not considered to be historically important, and will be destroyed, though these roads were avoided following study by the former Park superintendent in the 2005 Master Planning process. The historic Knapp homestead site will be compromised.
The mountain biking community also supported this Amendment expansion, due to their belief that they might be able to use the lift and runs in the summer. Again, the complete devastation to this area winter and summer will have long lasting negative effects for birds, wildlife, hikers, wildflowers, our history, and those who love and enjoy the quiet side of our state park.
I realize how hard it is sometimes to balance short-term gains or new opportunities against long term protection of unique natural places. I certainly do not oppose Granite Peak managing its business for a profit, but I do oppose the profound and permanent changes that the plan and Amendment represent. Devastation of 68 acres of Rib Mountain State Park for 3 new ski runs is counter to preserving our necessary green space. Some changes are worth the cost, others are not. In this case, the balancing should not be hard.
Wisconsin law provides for notice and ability for the public to comment on changes to public lands, such as this master planning process, and the subsequent Amendment. At the very least, the Natural Resources Board should allow those who oppose these changes to present their arguments. Please urge the Natural Resources Board to reconsider the Amendment, and expansion of the ski area to the west, by contacting them at dnrnrbliaison@Wisconsin.gov.
Karen Graff, Kronenwetter
The Natural Resources Board should re-consider the amendment of the DNR's Master Plan for Rib Mountain State Park. That amendment allows Granite Peak to build new ski runs and a new ski lift on 28 acres of park land containing some of the most unique natural features in the whole park, including a State Natural Area established to protect those features. The NRB's approval was granted without any DNR analysis of the environmental effects. No public in-put opposing it was possible, because only board member Fred Prehn and Granite Peak's supporting speakers knew that the board was going to consider such a significant change.
During the DNR hearings and comment periods on the original Master Plan, Granite Peak had asked for a large expansion of its lease to take park land on the north side of the mountain, west of its present operation. After some 6,000 comments, the DNR rejected expansion of skiing to the west, except for about 35 acres down-slope from the State Natural Area. Opponents of westward expansion thought they had generally prevailed, so when the Master Plan came before the NRB, only two or three people spoke against expansion, addressing only the down-slope 35 acres.
However, at that NRB hearing, numerous Granite Peak employees and contractors, representatives of skiing and mountain biking organizations (the bikers want to use the new ski lift and runs for high speed down-hilling in the summer), and Wausau area business people, spoke in support of a "modest" expansion of an additional 25 acres or so adjoining Granite Peak's present lease on the west. That was a totally new proposal. After all speakers were finished, board member Fred Prehn introduced an amendment to the Master Plan which coincided with the "modest proposal" of the skiing-biking speakers. He had prepared the amendment before the meeting. The amendment detailed a 28-acre expansion of Granite Peak's lease area to the west, and included a map showing the boundaries of the new lease area, the course of the new ski runs, and the path of the new ski lift. The DNR planning chief told the board that the environmental impacts of such an expansion were not covered by the DNR's environmental analysis. Nevertheless, the board voted to approve the amendment. The board's discussion indicated that some members hoped environmental concerns might be addressed in the terms of the lease.
In fact, construction of what Granite Peak wants will devastate this beautiful part of the park, regardless of lease details. Granite Peak's representatives argued that this expansion will somehow bring in more customers than would have come to Granite Peak anyway. The pro-expansion speakers argued Granite Peak's case for building the new runs and lift. Opponents of the expansion, who believe that this special part of the state park must be protected, should also be heard. The park itself should be given the benefit of an environmental analysis. Wisconsin's Administrative Code, section NR 44.04(7)(a), states, “The public shall be provided opportunities to participate throughout the planning process for a property.” NR 150.04(2)(g), requires an environmental analysis and consideration of public comment for significant changes in the use of state property. A full hearing on this significant change in the park is basic fairness, and is required by the Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Dan Graff, Kronenwetter
I'm glad that more recreational opportunities are finally in the works for Granite Peak. Adding new (sustainable) hiking/climbing trails and mountain biking runs allows more outdoor enthusiasts of various skill levels to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. Many folks have been looking forward to this for years now.
Yes, and to to your point, we also have a declining birth rate and Wausau struggles to keep young people/families here, too. A "perfect storm" of multiple reasons. Thank you for your response!
I would like to go back to your reporting of the the school district changes on the horizon, in your article dated Jan. 28th. You stated the district had lost 700 students over the past 20 yrs. What you failed to point out is that more than half of those students dropped only 2 1/2 yrs. ago, in the fall of 2020. 433 students left the district due to overreaching by the school board at that time with lock downs, testing and masking. All of which now are proven completely useless, unscientific, and more damaging than COVID 19 was to the pediatric population in our schools. So really, only 2 1/2 yrs. ago the district lost 61+% of their enrollment due to the COVID 19 debacle. That is what really happened here. And now that the citizens/parents understand the infiltration of CRT, gender lies, forced LBGQT indoctrination and materials harmful to children in all of our libraries - the trust is gone and will take a very long time, if ever, to rebuild. This has a great deal to do with where we are at now. The loss of this enrollment may never recover in our generation and the current school board has no choice but to deal with those facts.