1B - Menominee River RA - Management Plan Part 2.pdf

Menominee River State Recreation Area Management Plan - June 2017 Page 35

PEMENE FALLS UNIT (2,388 existing property acres)

The Pemene Falls Unit is the southern-most unit of the Menominee River Recreation Area, encompassing approximately 4 miles of river corridor terminating just north of County Road Z/374, which bridges the river between Wisconsin and Michigan. The scenic Pemene Falls, class III-IV rapids, offer spectacular views at the south end of the unit. The unit is minimally developed, with parking areas, river access sites, campsites (Wisconsin) and the Pemene Falls overlook area (Michigan). Water-based recreation, such as boating and fishing, are traditionally the primary recreational uses. The area is also used for primitive camping, hunting and scenic viewing. The limited improvements proposed on both sides of the river are intended to bring the existing uses in line with current land use rules and provide additional amenities to enhance the visitor experience, while protecting the wild and scenic qualities of the river corridor.

In Michigan, the MRSRA land abuts State Forest land which offers additional recreation opportunities and wildlife habitat. With a joint boundary between the PRD and Forest Resources Division (FRD) managed lands, a close working relationship will be maintained to ensure cooperation of management practices and a positive experience for recreational users.

Michigan (525 acres)

The Pemene Falls Unit of the Menominee River State Recreation Area includes 525 acres transferred from the Forest Resources Division (FRD) to the Parks and Recreation Division (PRD) in 2016. The unit has been divided into four Land Management Classification Zones:

Scenic Resource Management Primitive/ Natural Management

Recreation Management – Natural Resources Recreation Management – Developed

Recreation Management

The level of recreational development and management focus varies in each zone in accordance with the land management classifications defined in Appendix C. Specific management objectives for each of the zones of the Pemene Falls Unit are described below.

Designated Trails There are some existing two tracks and user-created trails within this area. The trails will be evaluated for appropriate use and a hiking trail system will be designated.

Management Objectives

• Provide 3 miles of primitive hiking trails from Pemene Falls to Faithorn Township’s Sturgeon Bend Campground

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River Access

• Incorporate Gerald Welling Memorial Boating Access Site, with motorized launch, skid pier, vault toilet, and parking for 25 vehicles, into the Recreation Area

• Provide portage around Pemene Falls

• Support the Menominee Watershed Canoe Trail

Day Use Facilities

• Improve gravel parking at Pemene Falls to accommodate 10-15 vehicles

• Provide site locator and fee collection pipe at parking area

• Provide site interpretation at Pemene Falls

• Provide scenic overlook at the falls

• Develop alternate ADA viewing site below the falls

• Provide 1 to 2 gravel hunter access parking lots with up to 4 spaces each

Overnight Facilities

• Provide 1 to 2 hike-in/canoe-in primitive campsites

Table 9: Summary of Existing and Proposed Recreation Facilities for the Michigan Pemene Falls Unit.

Facility Existing Proposed Total

Designated Trail Miles Hiking trail

3 miles

3 miles

Portage Boat access - ramp

2 (1 non-DNR)

Day Use Facilities Parking (# vehicles) Information station Interpretive signage Vault toilet

Overnight Facilities Primitive campsites (backcountry sites) Rustic campsites (Sturgeon Bend, Twp.)

11 (non-DNR)

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Motorized Access Management

Access to the Unit is provided off State W2 Road (paved). An alternative access point may be considered off Lake Drive at the north of the unit. Motorized access within the unit will be restricted to preserve the primitive nature and scenic qualities of the river corridor, except at the Pemene Falls overlook and developed boating access site.

Natural Resource Management

Natural resource protection and management is an important aspect of preserving the beauty, ecological balance and resource-based recreation opportunities of the Pemene Falls Unit. Natural resource management objectives vary for each zone, as described below. PRD will work closely with Forest Resources and Wildlife Division staff to ensure consistent management with the adjacent State Forest land for forest health and wildlife. Acreages shown reflect existing recreation area acreage.

Scenic Resource Management (395 acres) The Scenic Resource Management Zone includes land along the Menominee River corridor. The primary focus of this zone is to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic viewscapes, both from the river and from the land.

The natural resources in this zone may be modified slightly to support visitor use and viewing, but tolerance for natural resource impacts is low. The zone will reflect natural processes, with vegetative management only allowed to restore and maintain natural ecological structure and processes, or to enhance the viewscapes.

Management objectives:

• Protect habitat to the visual horizon from the Menominee River

• Minimize impacts to aesthetics from a river-view perspective

• Maintain riparian corridor for wildlife movement and habitat, including bald eagle and osprey

• Allow natural processes to take their course

• Manage Pemene Falls area to maintain and enhance the viewscapes

Primitive/ Natural Management (14 acres) The Primitive/ Natural Management Zone incorporates two areas of mature mixed conifer swamp: one in the north of the unit and the other along Kading Creek. A granite bedrock glade community south of the creek is also zoned primitive. Only low impact development or recreation activities will be allowed in this area to protect the natural resources and maintain the quiet, wild character of the land.

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Native species and natural processes take precedence over visitor accommodation. Vegetative management will only be allowed to restore and maintain natural ecological structure and processes.

Management objectives:

• Control or eliminate invasive species

• Preserve and perpetuate existing natural community types, such as bedrock glade and conifer swamp

Recreation Management – Natural Resources (112 acres) Approximately 112 acres, east of the scenic river corridor has been designated as Recreation Management – Natural Resources.

Natural resources will be managed or modified to support visitor activities and maintain aesthetically appealing landscape, but are protected to the degree possible from development activities and appear natural.

Management objectives:

• Manage vegetation to facilitate recreational use and maintain an aesthetically appealing landscape

• Manage for wildlife, including some Aspen management

• Control or eliminate invasive species

• Preserve and perpetuate existing natural community types

Recreation Management – Developed (1.5 acres) This includes the developed Gerald Welling Memorial BAS site. Faithorn Township’s Sturgeon Bend Campground, currently outside of the property boundary, is also zoned Developed Recreation (an additional 14 acres).

Natural resources may be actively managed or modified to support visitor activities and maintain an aesthetically appealing landscape. Vegetation management will be allowed to facilitate development.

Management objectives:

• Manage vegetation to facilitate recreational use and maintain an aesthetically appealing landscape

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Proposed Project Boundary Modification

The land in this Unit was transferred to PRD in 2016. A project boundary adjustment of approximately 14 acres is proposed in the Pemene Falls Unit and is shown on Map D-3. This incorporates the Sturgeon Bend Campground into the Recreation Area, which would allow this facility to be administered as part of the State Recreation Area if desired by Faithorn Township.

The primary objectives of the proposed boundary modification are:

• To protect the Menominee River corridor

• To consolidate ownership and ensure consistent management along the river corridor

The Proposed Project Boundary for the Pemene Falls Unit would encompass approximately 539 acres, as summarized in the table below.

Table 10: Project Boundary Acreage Goals for the Michigan Pemene Falls Unit.

Current Ownership Proposed Project Boundary

Acquisition/Exchange Proposed Sale/

Exchange Proposed Acquisition

Goal Adjustments 525 acres 14 acres 0 acres 539 acres

Menominee River below Pemene Falls

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Wisconsin (1,863 acres)

The Pemene Falls Unit of the Menominee River State Recreation Area includes 1,400 acres and has been divided into three Land Management Classification Zones:

Scenic Resource Management Native / Ecological Community Management Habitat Management

Recreation Management

The level of recreational development and management focus varies in each zone in accordance with the land management classification zones defined in Appendix C. Specific management objectives for each of the sections of the Pemene Falls Unit are described below.

The year 2000 management plan for this unit established a number of recreation developments. A small number of enhancements are recommended to enhance public access.

Designated Trails Currently two miles of moderate hiking trails exist within this unit. Further designated trails are recommended that will improve recreation access. As shown on Map C-3, the primary additions are along the river’s edge.

• Provide up to 3.2 miles of primitive hiking trails.

• Provide up to 2.9 miles of moderate hiking trails.

An existing motorized boat launch exists within this unit. This launch site will be retained.

Management Objectives

• Provide one motorized boat launch with a 6 vehicle parking lot.

• Support for the Menominee Watershed Canoe Trail.

Currently two designated primitive camping sites exist within this unit. These sites will be retained and improved.

Management Objectives

• Provide 2 camping pods with 3 primitive camp sites.

• Provide site location signage and fee collection at parking areas / trailheads.

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Parking Currently four parking areas exist within this Unit. These parking lots will be retained with modest improvements that may include gravel native surface improvements.

• Provide site location signage and fee collection at parking areas / trailheads.

Table 11: Summary of Existing and Proposed Recreation Facilities for the Wisconsin Pemene Falls Unit.

Facility Existing Proposed Total

Designated Trail Miles Hiking trail

4.1

6.1

Motorized river access

Day Use Facilities Parking (# vehicles) Information station Fee collector

Primitive camping (backcountry sites)

Motorized Access Management

Five motorized access points with parking lots have been established within this unit. All of these access points connect to public roads via a department primitive road. As shown on Map B-3, a total of 2.23 miles of primitive road connect these parking lots.

Another 0.59-mile department primitive road segment connects to a motorized boat landing within this unit.

All of these roads segments are not plowed in the winter and considered seasonal. In total, 2.82 miles of seasonal primitive department roads exist within this unit.

Natural Resource Management

Natural resource protection and management is an important aspect of preserving the beauty, ecological balance and resource-based recreation opportunities of the Pemene Falls Unit.

Management objectives vary for each zone, depending on the desired future condition. Allowable vegetation management practices for all zones can be found in Appendix D.

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Scenic Resource Management (706 acres) The Scenic Resource Management Zone includes land along the Menominee River corridor. The primary focus of this zone is to protect, preserve and enhance the scenic viewscapes, both from the river and from the land.

This zone includes a 200 foot wide corridor parallel to the ordinary high water mark of the Menominee River or to the visual horizon from the river, whichever is greatest. The goal is to also protect, maintain and enhance the aesthetic qualities. There is no active management planned for this zone. Unplanned management from responses to catastrophic events such as fire or insect outbreaks may be needed and will be consistent with the goals and objectives of the property. The establishment of the river corridor does not preclude the recreational developments identified in this master plan.

Management objectives:

• Protect habitat to the visual horizon from the Menominee River

• Minimize impacts to aesthetics from a river-view perspective

• Maintain riparian corridor for wildlife movement and habitat, including bald eagle and osprey

• Allow natural processes to take their course

Habitat Management (435 acres) This zone can reflect either natural or prospective actions for vegetative or habitat management.

Management objectives:

• Manage as multi-aged aspen stands.

• Stands with cover types other than aspen found in these areas will be managed to maintain or expand their presence; stands with old growth potential should be managed as such.

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Native / Ecological Community Management - Pemene Falls Pines (722 acres) The Native / Ecological Management Zone include lands that are located primarily in the southern sections of the unit. The primary focus of this zone is to represent, restore or perpetuate native plant and animal communities.

Management objectives are targeted to specific locations described here:

• Managed old growth pine dominated forest

• Embedded aspen stands would be allowed or pushed toward conversion to mixed hardwood-conifer types.

Proposed Project Boundary Modification

The current state ownership within this unit is 1863 acres. The current project boundary is recommended to be carried forward with minor administrative adjustments as shown in the table below.

Table 12: Project Boundary Acreage for the Wisconsin Pemene Falls Unit.

Current Ownership Proposed Project Boundary

Adjustment Proposed Acquisition Goal

Adjustments 1,863 acres 273 acres 2,139 acres

Prestine Ln

M ulla nyC reek Rd (1)

Forest Rd 1119

County Fo res t

Mine Rd

Ho rse sh oe

R d

Mullany Creek Rd

Z

M c A l l i s t e r C r e e k

P e m e b o n w o n R i ve r

M u l l a n e y C r e e k

M e n o m i n e e R i v e r

County Road 374

Oak Ln S Lake 36 Dr

Renier Ln

Bird 36 Rd

Sta te

W2 R d

State V4 Rd

Lake Dr

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

MRSRA-9524-MP-B-3 dcb MAP B-3

Boat Access - Carry In Boat Access - Ramp Campground Campsite Parking Lot Scenic Overlook

Planned Boat Access Planned Campground Planned Campsite Planned Parking Planned Toilet

MRSRA Ownership (WI & MI) WI MRSRA Boundary MI MRSRA Boundary MI State Forest Federal Ownership Faithorn Township Park

State Boundary Primitive Road Hiking Trail Planned Hiking Trail Snowmobile and Winter ATV

Menominee River State Recreation Area

Pemene Falls Unit

EXISTING AND PLANNED RECREATION INFRASTRUCTURE

WI

MI

W I S C O N S I N

M I C H I G A N

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

0 0.5 1 Miles

10/20/2017

The data shown on this map have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. This map is not intended to be used for navigation, nor is this map an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access.

Users of this map should confirm the ownership of land through other means in order to avoid trespassing. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map.

County Road 374

37.25 Ln

Oak Ln

Pa rk L n

S Lake 36 Dr

Blom 37 Rd

Spruce Rd

N Lake Dr

Renier Ln

Old St ate V4

Rd

V Rd

Bird 36 Rd

Sta te

W2 Rd

Sta teV

4 Rd

La ke

D r

PrestineLn

CountyForest 1 119

Mul lany Cree k Rd (1)

Forest Rd 1119

County Fo res t

Mine Rd

Ho rse sh oe

R d

Mullany Creek Rd

Z

S i l v e r C r e e k

M c A l l i s t e r C r e e k

M u l l a n e y C r e e k

P e m e b o n w o n R i ve r

M e n o m i n e e R i v e r

McAllister Pond

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

MRSRA-9524-MP-C-3 dcb MAP C-3

Scenic Resources Area Recreation Management Area - Primitive Recreation Management Area - Developed Habitat Management Native/Ecological Community Management Recreation Management Area - Natural Resources

WI MRSRA Boundary MI MRSRA Boundary Federal Ownership Faithorn Township Park Private Land

State Boundary Primitive Road

Menominee River State Recreation Area

Pemene Falls Unit

LAND MANAGEMENT CLASSIFICATIONS

WI

MI

W I S C O N S I N

M I C H I G A N

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

0 0.5 1 Miles

12/04/2017

The data shown on this map have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. This map is not intended to be used for navigation, nor is this map an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access.

Users of this map should confirm the ownership of land through other means in order to avoid trespassing. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map.

County Road 374

Blom 37 Rd

S Lake 36 Dr

N Lake Dr

Renier Ln

V Rd

Sta te

W2 Rd

State V4

Rd

La ke

D r

Z

Mc A l l i st e r C r e e k

P e m e b o n w o n R iv e r

M u l l a n e y C r e e k

M e n o m i n e e R i v e r

PrestineLn

CountyFo res t 1119

Mulla nyC reek Rd (1)

Forest Rd 1119

Coun ty

For est

Mine Rd

Ho rse sh oe

R d

Mullany Creek Rd

WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

MRSRA-9524-MP-D-3 dcb MAP D-3

WI MRSRA Boundary MI MRSRA Boundary MI MRSRA Boundary Modification

MRSRA Ownership (WI & MI) MI State Forest Federal Ownership Faithorn Township Park

State Boundary Primitive Road

Menominee River State Recreation Area

Pemene Falls Unit

REAL ESTATE ACTION ITEMS

WI

MI

W I S C O N S I N

M I C H I G A N

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT

OF NATURAL RESOURCES

0 0.5 1 Miles

12/04/2017 The data shown on this map have been obtained from various sources, and are of varying age, reliability and resolution. This map is not intended to be used for navigation, nor is this map an authoritative source of information about legal land ownership or public access.

Users of this map should confirm the ownership of land through other means in order to avoid trespassing. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, applicability for a particular use, completeness, or legality of the information depicted on this map.

The MRSRA Boundary shows an area in which the DNR is interested in acquiring property that supports the mission of the DNR on a willing seller/willing buyer basis. This includes land currently in private ownership.

Menominee River State Recreation Area Management Plan - June 2017 Page 44

Chapter 4: Public Involvement Process

Management planning for the Menominee River State Recreation Area included a comprehensive plan to involve the public in the process. From the beginning, steps were taken to ensure opportunities for public participation throughout the planning process. The public involvement process is in accordance with Wisconsin Administrative Code, NR 44 - Master Planning for Department Properties and Michigan DNR standards for Management Planning.

Primary Stakeholders

To develop an effective management plan, the Departments listen to many voices. People of varied interests and backgrounds have participated in Menominee River management planning activities.

Some of these “stakeholders” in the future of the recreation area include neighboring landowners, conservation organizations, recreation users, civic groups, state and federal agencies, local governments, and members of the local business community.

Methods of Public Contact and Involvement

Various means were used to inform the public of the planning process and to promote involvement throughout the development of the management plan. This included periodically contacting public stakeholders to gather information and provide ways for people to participate.

Communication Methods

• Statewide news releases for both Michigan and Wisconsin

• Direct mailings of public notices, draft documents, and public comment forms

• Public meetings

• Online survey

• Informational presentations to interested groups and organizations

• E-mail correspondence

• Government-to-government consultations

• Tribal Government notifications

• The Menominee River State Recreation Area internet website was a comprehensive resource used to facilitate the public involvement plan. Nearly all documentation produced on the plan was made available on this website.

• Comment forms were posted online for people to electronically submit their contributions, ideas and suggestions during each public comment period.

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Topics Posted on the Website

• General information about the Recreation Area

• Links for individuals to be added to the mailing list, or to contact the park planners

• Park Master Planning overview

• Vision Statement and Property Goals

• Property Planning Maps

• Draft Master Plan and Environmental Analysis

Public Comment Public comments were submitted by interested or affected parties throughout the management planning process. The public's input was received in a variety of formats: written comment forms, online surveys, mail, e-mail, fax, or verbal correspondence. Department staff analyzed and recorded comments for public record. A qualitative summary of comments was prepared following each phase of the master planning process. Each comment summary reviewed key issues, described what was heard collectively, and reported that information back to the public.

A record of the comments received at each stage of the planning process is available in Appendix F.

Issue Identification and Consideration At each major step in the process, the public's input served as a planning tool to help identify planning issues and suggestions. The public's comments, the Property and Regional Analysis, DNR staff technical input, and other considerations guided the management planning team.

During this process decisions were made based on:

• The land's resource capability

• The role of the property in its local and regional context

• Applicable federal and state laws, administrative DNR Codes, and DNR design standards

• Policies and missions of the state park and its programs

• Consideration of public input

• The professional expertise of DNR resource managers

A broad range of interests were heard and considered in the development of the management plan. Final decision-making responsibility and authority in Wisconsin rests with the WDNR's citizen policy-making Natural Resources Board (NRB). The NRB reviews the Menominee River State Recreation Area Management Plan and makes an approval decision on the plan. The public has a final opportunity to comment at the NRB meeting before the Board renders their decision.

In Michigan, review and approval is by the Michigan State Park Advisory Committee (MSPAC), a subcommittee of the Natural Resources Council. The MSPAC makes a recommendation for approval to the MDNR Director.

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Management Planning Publications

Information on a variety of topics was compiled to support the planning process and was made available to the public. These documents are available in paper copy by order request from the Bureau of Parks and Recreation. Both Michigan and Wisconsin post their final management plans on their respective websites, where they can be readily accessed in the future.

Planning Documents Working documents were developed with involvement from the public as the management plan’s focus narrowed toward completion. Completed documents were made available to the public by request, during public meetings and were posted on the internet.

Community Involvement and Public Participation

The Wisconsin and Michigan Department of Natural Resources, recognizing that the reality of Menominee River State Recreation Area must reflect the people it serves, encouraged citizen input throughout the planning process. Public meetings were announced via the media, direct mail, project website, and postings to the Wisconsin statewide meetings calendar. Opportunity to sign up for mail or e-mail contact lists was incorporated into an internet webpage and in literature that was distributed during the planning process.

Members of the public listen to the draft plan proposals at a public meeting in Pembine, Wisconsin

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Table 13: Chronological Summary of Public Involvement.

Date Contacts

Sept. 6 Public Input Workshop – Norway Public Schools (66 attendees)

Introduced the joint planning process to stakeholders and members of the public and to solicit initial ideas for future management.

Sept/Oct Online Survey (97 responses) To gather general information about primary interests in the park: current use, significant aspects, and recommendations for enhancements.

July 24 Meeting between Michigan DNR staff and representatives of the rafting community

May Tribal Government notification letters mailed, Michigan and Wisconsin

June 11 June 12

Public Input Open House – Faithorn Township Hall, Michigan (30) Public Input Open House –Brown County Library, Green Bay, Wisconsin (3) Draft planning concepts were presented for comment

June 1 – June 30

Draft planning concepts were available for review and comment on the project website

June 11 Meeting with representatives from Verso to discuss property issues at Piers Gorge June 12 Meeting between Michigan DNR staff and City of Norway Aug. 4 Letter and email announcing availably of management plan documents sent to the stakeholders and mailing list.

The draft management plan and associated maps posted to the project webpage.

Aug. 4 & 5 News release announcing public meeting was sent to media and posted to public meeting calendar.

Aug. 23 & 24 Public open house meeting Norway, MI (26 attendees) & Pembine, WI (20 attendees) Aug. 4-Sept. 5 Public review and comment period Aug. 15 Michigan & Wisconsin DNR staff met with the City of Norway, MI Aug. 16 Wisconsin DNR staff met with the Town Board of Pembine, WI Aug. 16 Wisconsin DNR staff met with the Town Board of Beecher, WI Feb. 17 Michigan MSPAC meeting to approve the plan and recommend approval by the

Director June 17 Wisconsin NRB meeting to approve the plan

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Response to Public Comments after Public Review

The public comments received on the Draft Plan released on August 4, 2016 are included in Appendix F. The planning teams for Michigan and Wisconsin reviewed the comments and made the following revisions to the plan:

• Private land within the Proposed Project Boundary was removed from all of the maps, except for the proposed real estate action maps (D series) and text was added to explain what this means.

• In-holdings were clearly labelled as private land.

• Equestrian and bike trails were added as uses to be considered in the southern Quiver

Falls Unit in Michigan.

• Campsite locations within the Wisconsin Quiver Falls Unit were modified to improve visitor use patterns.

• Quiver Falls Unit campground location will be sited east of Rattie Road (Wisconsin).

Meeting participants review the planning materials and discuss the proposals with DNR staff

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Chapter 5: Alternatives and Their Environmental Impacts

A management plan alternative is a grouping of a number of compatible options for resource management, recreational development, and public use of a property owned by the Wisconsin or Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The content of an alternative should be compatible with the property designation, property capabilities, the management plan’s vision and goals, and the area’s Regional Analysis. The alternatives summarized below are the most recent set of alternatives that were considered as part of the planning effort for the Menominee River State Recreation Area.

Recreation Management Alternatives

Alternative One: Status Quo There would be no new recreational facilities or development within Menominee River State Recreation Area.

Alternative Two: Preferred Alternative – Low Level of Recreational Development This alternative was chosen as the preferred option. The Menominee River State Recreation Area already has a low level of recreation development within the current boundary. The added developments proposed in Chapter 3 would provide additional rustic camping and day use activities, such as better access to the Menominee River, expansion of camping options and trail redevelopment. In terms of the range of management approaches, the recreational facility development would be less than many other state park properties but still provide improved or designated access and recreation opportunities to all units of the property.

Land Management Alternatives

Alternative One: Status Quo Management of the Menominee River State Recreation Area would remain somewhat passive with no changes. This alternative is feasible but not desirable because it would not meet the vegetative management goals for the property. In Michigan, areas of the Pemene Unit have been actively managed as part of the State Forest.

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Alternative Two: Preferred Alternative – Active and Passive Land Management This alternative was chosen as the preferred option. The landscape will be both actively and passively managed for a set of diverse ecosystems including older forests, other forests of various age and size classes. In addition, a scenic management zone has been designated for the river corridor vegetation that will preserve the undeveloped characteristics of the shoreline.

Real Estate and Boundary Modification Alternatives

Alternative One: No Additional Land Acquisition This alternative would support no land acquisition beyond what is within the existing recreation area boundary. Lands recommended in the management plan for acquisition would not be acquired in Wisconsin. In Michigan, land may still be purchased outside of the project boundary in extenuating circumstances. This would cause the recreation area to not meet the vision and goals of providing additional lands for a variety of recreational pursuits and providing additional protection for the Menominee River and the protection of unique, rare, and endangered habitat and species.

Alternative Two: Preferred Alternative – A Limited Boundary Adjustment of the Menominee River State Recreation Area This alternative was chosen as the preferred option. Under this alternative, the recreation area boundary would be enlarged to include approximately 601 acres of additional land in Wisconsin and 111 acres of additional in Michigan. In Michigan, the boundary also supports a possible land exchange, which could consolidate ownership for both the MDNR and neighboring landowners.

Acquisition would provide an opportunity to protect over 3.75 miles of Menominee River shoreline, preserve the visual characteristics of the Piers Gorge waterfalls and provide for more options for recreation use.

As part of this alternative the Wisconsin project boundary and acquisition goal will increase as reflected in the summary table:

Table 14: Overview of Wisconsin Real Estate Recommendations for the Menominee River State Recreation Area.

Existing Project Boundary 5,477 Acres Proposed Project Boundary 6,209 Acres Changes in Project Boundary 732 Acres Existing Acquisition Goal 5,130 Acres Proposed Acquisition Goal 6,209 Acres Changes in Acquisition Goal 1,079 Acres Percent Complete 93% Parcel Re-designations 0 Acres Proposed Land Sale 0 Acres

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Chapter 6: Impacts of the Proposed Plan (Wisconsin)

Introduction

This chapter in combination with Chapters 4 and 5 collectively meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) and Wis. Chapter NR 150 for this management plan.

This analysis discloses the environmental impacts, both positive and negative, of the actions recommended in this management plan to decision-makers and the public. Based on the information presented in this management plan, the proposed actions are anticipated to have many net beneficial environmental effects.

An environmental impact study is not required for park management plans in Michigan. While many of the impacts and benefits identified by this Wisconsin study can be expected to also apply in Michigan, largescale logging is not a proposed activity and the resulting disturbance and economic impacts will not be a factor.

Impacts to Natural Resources

Soils The probability of significant short-term and long-term impacts to the soil resources is low for the management activities prescribed in this master plan. The more disruptive management activities, such as logging, may affect 100-200 acres/year while those with a lighter impact (e.g., prescribed burns) may affect hundreds to several thousand acres/year.

Soil erosion on these disturbed parcels will be minimized by the use of best management practices (BMPs) to protect water quality. BMPs contain strict standards for road construction, water crossings, skid trails and logging landings. All trails and primitive roads will be monitored for signs of excessive soil erosion caused by management activities or recreational use and actions will be taken to minimize the erosion potential. Soil erosion on newly acquired cropland will eventually be reduced or eliminated as most acres will be converted to permanent cover as described in this plan.

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Geological Resources and Landforms Sand or rock material may be acquired from nearby mineral pits for property management projects.

Air Quality Potential impacts to air quality would come primarily from prescribed burns conducted in the spring and fall on grasslands, savannas and certain wetlands. Prescribed burns may occur on a property every year though the area burned will probably be rotated between different burn units. The burn plan contains best management practices and procedures to safely manage the fire and includes measures to minimize nuisance smoke impacts.

Other minor air emissions generated on the properties include: particulates from construction and habitat management activities, and oxide emissions from vehicles and equipment. These emissions will be relatively insignificant and less than the emissions generated from adjacent roadways and other economic activities (e.g., construction and farming) in the area.

Water Resources Water Quality of Surface Waters and Wetlands – Providing permanent vegetative cover and the use of best management practices (BMPs) when these management activities are conducted will have an overall positive impact on both surface waters and wetlands. No increase in impervious surface area is being proposed. Trail and road construction will avoid changing watercourse direction and flow, volume and velocity. Pervious road and pathway surfaces will be used where impervious surfaces are no longer needed. Runoff from roadways and other impervious surfaces will not drain directly into nearby streams and lakes to minimize water pollution risks.

The impacts of stormwater runoff during timber harvesting will be mitigated by implementing the practices described in the “Wisconsin’s Forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Water Quality” field manual.

Water Culverts – A number of water culverts are located though out the property. Maintenance, repair, and/or removal of culvert structures will be evaluated and conducted on a case-by-case basis, based on cost-effectiveness, property needs, and benefits to wetlands, water quality and wildlife.

Habitat Management The management practices described in Chapter 3 will improve the quality and composition of the habitats on these properties. These management practices will maintain and promote a variety of native vegetative cover types in the wetlands and forest communities. The property manager will consult with and seek to coordinate habitat management strategies with partners when the boundaries of respective managed lands abut.

Important vegetation management objectives outlined for this property include:

• Protecting ecologically important community types (e.g., wetlands and northern forests)

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• Improving the composition and structure of the forests

• Preserving the health and ecological integrity of the plant and animal communities

• Providing early successional vegetation to promote habitat diversity

• Increasing the acreage of woodlands with mature forest characteristics

• Monitoring and controlling invasive species as practicable

Most of the planned changes to the composition and structure of the habitats, especially the forests, will occur slowly over the next 50 years. These changes will often be directed by natural succession. The most noticeable changes will occur where conifer plantations are harvested and converted to native communities such as grasslands or hardwood forests.

Policies that address the monitoring, inspection and the control of invasive species will be followed. For example, some of the invasive species that will be monitored are spotted knapweed, garlic mustard, Japanese hedge parsley, honeysuckle, buckthorn and purple loosestrife. Management activities may include manual harvesting, use of herbicides or biological agents, fire and natural predators. The primary effect of these actions will be the maintenance of or an increase in the native biotic communities.

Wildlife and Fisheries The actions in this master plan, if enacted, will have positive impacts on the resident and migratory wildlife and fishery populations for decades to come. The management activities and boundary adjustments will enhance the quality and size of the desired habitats. The management objectives and prescriptions outlined in the Appendices will create, restore and/or maintain the diverse wetland, grassland, shrub, forest and aquatic habitats needed by the resident and migratory wildlife and fishery populations.

Larger habitat blocks will be created that are more favorable for sustaining a wider array of species than the current matrix of smaller blocks. The proposed management activities will be especially beneficial to grassland nesting waterfowl and grassland birds.

The in-stream and riparian zone management will enhance the capacity of cold/cool water streams to support self-sustaining fish populations. Land purchases and management activities that reduce runoff volume, improve runoff quality and help sustain groundwater inputs will help protect the game fisheries.

Endangered, Threatened and Rare Species and Native Communities Inventory work identified specific native communities and rare species occurrences on this property. The habitat management activities described in the plan are designed to protect and enhance the vegetation needed by both game and non-game species.

The management prescriptions in this plan are expected to yield significant medium to long-term benefits to the endangered, threatened, and rare species and their habitat on these

Menominee River State Recreation Area Management Plan - June 2017 Page 54 properties. Implementation of the proposed recommendations would promote the continued presence of these species and under-represented ecological communities. These actions are consistent with DNR obligations to protect threatened and endangered species and plant communities.

Impacts to Recreational Facilities and Opportunities

Visual/Scenic Resources Small changes in the visual qualities and aesthetics will occur over time. The changes will be most noticeable where young forests develop into mature, closed canopy stands. The proposed project boundary adjustments of additional lands will also help protect the visual and auditory quality of the user experiences.

Recreational Use and Nature Enjoyment The state recreation area is well known for river recreation opportunities, hunting (particularly deer, turkey and bear), trapping, bird watching, ATVing and snowmobiling, and hiking opportunities. The proposed habitat management recommendations and boundary adjustments will improve the quality of the habitat and expand the acreage available for these and other outdoor recreation activities. The proposed land management objectives and prescriptions will have medium to long-term positive benefits for all recreation uses.

Most of the land management activities, such as prescribed burns and forest management needed to attain the vegetation management goals, will take place during off-peak recreational seasons thus substantially reducing potential conflicts with recreational users.

Lands acquired with Stewardship funds are normally open for recreational use, but they may be closed to one or more of the typical recreational activities in order to: (a) protect public safety, or (b) protect a unique animal or plant community. NR 52 describes the factors to be addressed and the process to be followed for restricting or prohibiting one or more recreational activities.

Impacts to Cultural Resources

These properties may contain both historic Native American and Euro-American sites. Activities with potential to disturb archaeological sites will only be undertaken after consultation with the DNR Archaeologist. Any sites with cultural or historical value will be managed in accordance with guidance and statutory requirements (see ss. 44.40 and DNR Manual Code 1810.10).

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Socio-Economic Impacts

Timber Products The primary purpose of forest land on state recreation areas is to provide forage and cover for wildlife, provide diverse habitats, protect native communities and add to the aesthetic character of the property. Forest management primarily seeks to achieve recreation, wildlife and native community objectives with production of forest products a secondary benefit.

Although forest products are not the primary goal of this property, the forest products from these lands help support forest based economic activities and they generate state revenues.

Harvesting activities are anticipated to occur over the life of this master plan.

All forests will be managed to maintain or improve the vigor of and reduce the impacts of forest pests and pathogens. Forest cover types will increase under this plan. Aspen will be managed on certain stands to provide young age classes and promote game species such as woodcock.

Conifer plantations will be harvested and converted to hardwoods except for those providing roosting sites or with aesthetic value.

Timber harvests are expected to increase in value with anticipated increases in timber size and quality.

Infrastructure and Transportation Recreational use on these properties is heaviest during the summer and fall. Use is expected to increase over the next 10-20 years, but the impact on local traffic levels and road maintenance is expected to be minimal.

A slight increase in heavy truck traffic may be noted on certain areas of the property when timber sales are being conducted, but the impact of the logging trucks on local roads will be limited by road restrictions and logging activity is anticipated to be relatively infrequent (10-20 year frequency for any given property).

The property will continue to generate minimal solid waste. All debris from illegal dumping will be disposed of or properly recycled. Licensed sanitary waste contractors may be used as needed.

Noise Noise impacts from the recreation is expected to be minimal for both users and neighbors.

Wildlife may be temporarily impacted by these noises, but chronic impacts are not expected.

The noises would be generated by recreation, land management, forestry and trail construction and maintenance activities such as chain sawing, skidding logs and timber harvest machinery and construction equipment. The noise will primarily occur during daylight hours and may have

Menominee River State Recreation Area Management Plan - June 2017 Page 56 some high level, short duration peaks. The noise will often be seasonal in nature and transient (i.e., once the project is completed the noise source will be eliminated).

Recreational activities also generate noise, including the discharge of firearms. The largest change from the existing noise levels would be additional camping that would be contained to the local campground.

Public Safety The actions in this master plan are anticipated to have a positive effect on public safety.

Designated use areas (e.g., roads and parking lots) are inspected to locate and remove hazardous trees. Herbicide, pesticide, prescribed fire and other property management activities will follow agency and label safety procedures.

Land Use The land uses surrounding the existing properties will be minimally affected by the actions in this master plan. The proposed project boundary expansion totals 601 acres. The lands in these boundaries are river frontage and woods. Any developed acreage on acquired parcels will be split off from the undeveloped portion of the property and retained by the willing seller or resold.

Economic Effects and their Significance

Economic benefits are anticipated to result from the influx of visitors to the Menominee River State Recreation Area. At full development, the anticipated visitation will be approximately 25,000 tourists annually that would increase economic activity at local business establishments. Recent data indicates that, in the northeastern region of Wisconsin, local resident park visitors contribute an average of $19.12 per day to the economy, while non-local park visitors contribute an average of $59.94 per day. The projected 25,000 total annual visitation to property creates an estimated economic impact of approximately $1.3 million per year.

Economic benefits during construction of the park facilities would accrue to building trade members, laborers, and suppliers, some of whom may be local. Competitive bidding procedures would be followed. No estimate of dollar amounts to the local area is available, as the extent of local contractor involvement is not yet known. Some employees working on development would probably live in the vicinity of the park. Those employees would participate in the local economy and spend a significant amount of their income on daily needs as members of the community.

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Fiscal Effects – State Government

Estimated Cost of Proposed Developments Program budgets for capital development facilities are determined on a biennial basis. Because of the cost of developing facilities for property, funding priorities within the Department’s capital budget would necessarily be adjusted to accommodate the proposed development. If the proposed developments were funded without an increase in capital spending authority and/or an increase in the property’s operating budget, it would cause other Department developments and operations to be delayed or deferred.

Recommended Phasing for Recreation Facility Development, Improvements and Construction The property improvement projects described for each of the management zones in the preceding chapters should generally be implemented according to the three phases as indicated in Table 6.1. The rate of development will depend upon the availability of funding and the approval of the proposed improvement projects as part of the Department of Natural Resources Capital Development Process. It is estimated that the total cost of all three phases of the proposed recreation improvements will be approximately $614.000 (in 2016 dollars). This cost would be distributed over a period of 10-15 years or more.

Table 15: Proposed Phasing for Wisconsin Facility Developments and Improvements.

New Recreation Facility Developments Cost Estimate

Phase

Water Access Boat Ramp and Launch $ 45,000 II Canoe / Raft Launch’s $ 15,000 I

Camping Primitive Camping - 11 sites $ 16,000 III Rustic Campground - 12 sites $170,000 III

Trails, Roads and Parking Lots Snowmobile / ATV Trail 2.8 miles $ 50,000 I Primitive Hiking Trail 7.4 miles $150,000 I Primitive Road Improvements 1.5 miles $ 30,000 I

Day Use Information Stations $55,000 II Fee Collectors $ 8,000 II

Parking Lot Upgrades $75,000 II

TOTAL $614,000

Note: Development costs are based on 2016 dollar-values and assume full completion of all proposed construction. In actuality, work may be phased over several state capital biennial budget cycles.

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Operations Costs Once fully developed, an additional staff position (FTE) would be required for the maintenance of the camping and day use areas. Also, a seasonal LTE will be required for operations and maintenance. An additional $45,000 a year in management funds would also be needed.

Revenue Projections The state park access and camping fees will be the main revenue source for the property. Once fee collection stations are installed, it is estimated that the property revenues will be approximately $210,000 a year.

Payment in Lieu of Property Taxes State law requires the DNR make payments in lieu of property taxes (PILT) to ensure the affected town’s property base is not adversely affected. PILT payments in 2015 to the local governments for was $96,620.77.

There are two statutes and several formulas under each statute that dictate influence these payments.

• Wisconsin ss. 70.113 applies…