Glacial Heritage Area (GHA)
Feasibility Study Fact Sheet

The Department of Natural Resources periodically proposes to establish new properties (e.g., State Parks, Forests, or Wildlife, Fishery and Natural Areas) to meet growing conservation and recreation needs. Before the Department can establish a new property, or can significantly expand an existing one, it must prepare a study on the area's characteristics and features to determine if the intended conservation and recreation goals can be met. Also integral to the study is an assessment of public support. Before the Department can offer to purchase land within a proposed property (it is the Department's policy to only purchase lands from willing sellers), this "Feasibility Study" must be approved by the Natural Resources Board and Governor. What follows are some answers to frequently asked questions about Feasibility Studies.

What is a Feasibility Study?

A Feasibility Study is used to determine whether it is practicable for the Department to establish, acquire, develop, and manage new property such as a State Park, Wildlife Area, Forest, or Natural Area. The Feasibility Study takes into account the area's physical and biological environment and its capabilities, the views of the public and landowners, and the availability of funding and staffing to successfully accomplish the project's purpose. Furthermore, a Feasibility Study presents a proposed boundary, alternatives, and general land management strategies.

The Feasibility Study also must meet the requirements of the Wisconsin Environmental Policy Act (WEPA) and its implementing codes. Certain DNR actions require an Environmental Analysis or a complete Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Before the Department can implement the proposed project, it is also required to complete an Environmental Analysis or Environmental Impact Statement under NR 150 of Wisconsin's Administrative Code.

How is a Feasibility Study initiated?

Most proposed projects are discussed and shaped informally for years before a formal Feasibility Study is started. Often Department staff, officials from local units of government, members of non-profit conservation and recreation groups, or other citizens will evaluate a variety of land protection options based on local conservation and recreation demands and opportunities. Before the Department can initiate formal work on a Feasibility Study, it must gain approval from the Natural Resources Board.

How is the public involved?

Public input in the Feasibility Study process is integral to a successful proposal. The amount and nature of public involvement varies based on the complexity, size, and type of project that is proposed. Although in some cases, formal hearings are held to gather input on proposed land protection projects, in most instances informal "open house" meetings are held that allow the public an opportunity to better understand a proposed project and provide their perspectives and input. Without local public support for a potential State Park, Forest, or Wildlife, Fishery or Natural Area, there is little chance that the project will succeed.

How ia a Feasibility Study approved?

When the Feasibility Study is completed, it is presented to the Natural Resources Board for their consideration at one of their monthly meetings. The public is invited to attend these meetings and can provide their perspectives on whether the Board should approve the proposed project. If approved by the Natural Resources Board (NRB), it is forwarded to the Governor's Office for approval. Only once the Board and the Governor have approved the Feasibility Study can the Department begin offering to purchase lands within the boundary.