Brule River State Forest Master Plan Progress Report 8- Concept A-D

Under this management concept, the forest would be managed on mostly a low impact basis, to include recreational management actions. Very little disturbance and management activities would be seen in the majority of the forest. In the following text, management topics will be explained.

• Boating on the river would be regulated through a permit system to limit user numbers. (No legal authority at this time).
• Designated launch sites would be downsized, and some sites would be eliminated.

• Fisherman access points would be reduced in number and a permit system may be implemented to regulate fisherman numbers. (No legal authority at this time).

• Existing campgrounds would be downsized, and backpack camping permits would be provided along the North Country Trail to provide more solitude.

• Existing hiking trails would not be maintained, except Stony Hill Nature/Interpretive Trail, and the ski trails would not be groomed.
• Existing trails for snowmobiles and ATVs would be eliminated (with the exception of the tri-county corridor).
• Hunter and other user groups access would be restricted by not allowing vehicles off of public (town/county/state) road systems.

• Increase in solitude.

• Reduction in recreational opportunities.
• Decrease in some recreation dependent business.

Under this concept, the management objective for the state forest would maintain the current level of recreational opportunities.

• Seek voluntary cooperation from groups and outfitters to restrict number of boaters on the Brule River.
• Designated launching sites would remain status quo.

• Camping accommodations on the BRSF would remain relatively the same, with some modification in the design of the Bois Brule campground by elimination of sites adjacent to Ranger road and creating new sites further from the road.

• Non motorized trail systems would remain at current levels with some additional nature interpretation signs being placed along the Old Bayfield Road trail system.

• Non- motorized trails include the Stony Hill nature trail, hunter walking trail system, the North Country trail, the Afterhours ski trail, Historic Portage Trail, and Old Bayfield Road trail.

• Existing motorized trails would remain open to snowmobiles and ATVs during winter months, with some minor modifications to the trail location based upon safety issues or the presence of sensitive natural features.
• Forest roads and trails would remain open to road licensed vehicle use on a case by case basis based upon potential for degradation to the resource.

• The forest will provide opportunities near present levels, but projections suggest an increase in user numbers.

• Continued steady increased growth of recreational use of the property.
• Opportunities for experiencing solitude would steadily decline under this concept.

Under this concept, the management level of the forest would increase over concepts A & B, with management activities being noted throughout the forest. This concept also includes providing an increased level of recreational opportunities. In the following text, the management topics will be explained.

• Improve fishing access by expanding parking and improved fishing paths.

• Regulations on canoeing and kayaking would remain under the current system, with no restrictions on numbers.

• Creating a group campground to accommodate large groups of campers would increase camping opportunities.

• Existing sites within the campgrounds would be maintained, with some additional walk in sites developed at the Copper Range campground. Under this concept, remote campsites would be created along the North Country Trail.

• Expand existing hiking, hunter walking, cross-country, snowshoe and snowmobile trail systems where possible. Add new trail uses to include winter snowmobile/ATV regional corridor from Lake Nebagamon to Solon Springs, horse trails, and mountain biking where environmental conditions permit.
• Develop new interpretive nature trails, historical and overlook platform sites at several locations in the forest.

• Forest roads would remain open to licensed vehicle use on a case by case basis based upon potential for resource degradation.

• Increasing recreation based business opportunities.

• Provide a diverse and increased opportunity for hunters and anglers along with some opportunities to highlight our cultural resources.

• Increasing the numbers of users of the property, thereby decreasing opportunities for solitude.
• Increasing conflicts between user groups.

Under this management concept, manage the forest to provide recreational opportunities as the primary objective. Management activity would be seen throughout the forest except in aesthetic zones along the river, lakes and roads. In the following text, management topics will be explained.

• Actively manage boating on the Brule River by designating additional landings, promote shorter trips on the river, clear water hazards, and allow inflatable watercraft for fishing (legal change required).

• A new family campground would be added with more amenities such as electric sites, running water, and septic facilities.
• Develop ATV campsites, horse campsites, and remote walk in campsites along hiking trails.
• A group campground would be created to handle large groups of campers.

• Hiking trail systems would be expanded to include designated trails along the lower portions of the river, possibly in conjunction with upgrading fisherman parking lots and trails leading to the river.

• Develop new interpretive nature trails, historical and overlook sites at several locations in the forest, i.e. Brule Bog, CCC camp, Stony Hill and Angel Creek.

• A dog sledding trail would be designated and maintained on a portion of the hunter walking trail system. Additional hunter walking trails would be created and seeded with clover to provide additional hunting opportunities.
• The Afterhours ski trail system would be expanded to create additional loops with some classical only trails. Another ski trail system would be developed on a different location to provide more opportunities for skiing.
• Motorized trail systems would be expanded in the sand soil types on the southern end of the property to accommodate additional winter snowmobile and ATV use along with opening sections of the trail to year round ATV use.
• Explore construction of a public shooting range.

• Economic gains for local businesses that rely on recreational traffic.

• More types of recreational activities would be available on the state forest, and less opportunity for solitude.

• Increased number of users on the property.
• Increased conflicts between user groups.