Northern Rivers Initiative

Mission: Provide protection options for northern Wisconsin streams and rivers that have high ecological significance, outstanding natural scenic beauty, or special recreational values. Identify streams and rivers with the greatest risk of over-development or other threats and prioritize this list for implementing protection options.

Frequently Asked Questions about NRI

• Why a Northern Rivers Initiative?
• Why now? What's the rush?
• Who is the NRI?
• How is the NRI financed?
• What does NRI mean to me as a riverside landowner?
• What will NRI do to real estate opportunities and costs?
• How will the NRI the timber industry?
• Are "Environmentalists" using NRI to "lock up" northern Wisconsin's rivers?
• Will I still be able to enjoy my favorite stream?
• Can I get my stream or river on the list? What criteria will be used for selection and ranking?
• What does it mean for a stream to get on the list?

Why a Northern Rivers Initiative?

There is growing concern about over-development of shore lands in northern Wisconsin. The Northern Initiative surveys in 1994 and 1995 told us that residents and visitors were very concerned about retaining northern Wisconsin's wild and scenic qualities that attract folks to this area. Several initiatives are dealing with lake shore pressures and the NRI is an attempt to address those same concerns as they relate to rivers and streams.

Why now? What's the rush?

Take a look at the shoreline of many of northern Wisconsin's lakes today. Look at the lake real estate prices and availability today. Much of what is available has been purchased and developed. As a result, this development pressure is shifting to rivers and more will certainly follow. Responsible development will limit the impacts on a river's natural characteristics. If development is inevitable, the NRI is an attempt to add positive direction. The public's desire to keep some areas of the north wild will not be met unless we act soon.

Who is the NRI?

The NRI is a group of folks from many organizations that are interested in how Wisconsin's rivers will be managed in the future. Its beginnings are as a DNR project chaired by DNR personnel. The goal is to have a broad base of partners involved in the evolution of the project and in carrying out the goals of the NRI. There also is an effort to solicit input from anyone and everyone who may have a stake in northern Wisconsin rivers.

How is the NRI financed?

Currently, it is DNR funded. The project involves numerous cooperators with diverse interests in streams and rivers. The hope is that much of the education and technical assistance can come from existing programs and personnel. Several educational projects have begun that include county funds. If reauthorized, Wisconsin's Stewardship 2000 will be a potential funding source for acquisition if any occurs in the next 10 years.

What does NRI mean to me as a riverside landowner?

River protection can take many avenues so this is a complex question. Land acquisition will be a minimal component of NRI involving ONLY willing sellers. Zoning regulations will continue to guide some of the things you can do along rivers. River associations and districts can influence landowner activities but these influences are derived from the landowners themselves. Education is probably going to play the biggest role in river protection and should get positive results for everyone owning land along a river. Maintaining the existing aesthetics, water quality, fisheries, and recreational opportunities are the results we are looking for. We hope that landowners will get involved in managing "their" river and the result will be such that everyone will be happy!

What will NRI do to real estate opportunities and costs?

There are plenty of unknowns as we do not know what the future may bring with regard to changes in development pressures. What people may be looking for in land could change. The NRI may add value to real estate as people interested in a truly northern setting will seek out areas where excessive development will not be a problem. The scarcity of suitable building sites has already caused skyrocketing real estate prices, upward trend will likely continue with or without the NRI! Factors other than the NRI will probably have a far greater impact on real estate prices.

How will the NRI the timber industry?

The NRI will encourage proper management of lands adjacent to rivers and streams. This does not necessarily preclude logging activities, but our recommendations do encourage loggers to be responsible. If everyone follows forestry Best Management Practices (BMPs) along shorelines, responsible logging will not detract from the objective of "keeping the North the North." NRI will identify sensitive areas that will need special considerations. On slopes along rivers and on some soil types like heavy clays, logging will need to be restricted as a BMP practice. These sound logging practices are necessary even without NRI.

Are "Environmentalists" using NRI to "lock up" northern Wisconsin's rivers?

No, the NRI is a response to the concerns of a large number of people who are concerned that northern Wisconsin may be losing its characteristics that make it a desirable place to visit and live. They want to "keep the North the North." The NRI is an attempt to identify areas of concern, and through a wide range of options, retain many of the characteristics of northern rivers that the public has told us they want protected.

Will I still be able to enjoy my favorite stream?

Yes, the NRI will safeguard recreational opportunities. The main objective is to maintain northern rivers and streams in as natural condition as possible for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.

Can I get my stream or river on the list? What criteria will be used for selection and ranking?

Streams will be selected and ranked based on specific data and objective analysis related to the stream's biological integrity, scenic and recreational values, and potential threats. Local resource managers will help generate and review lists. Public input is welcome at all stages of the process. Send comments to address below. A county list of streams will be generated for each of the 20 northern counties and provided to county resource personnel. These county lists will allow sound protection and management of stream resources when the need for decisions at the local level arises.

What does it mean for a stream to get on the list?

Streams that are identified as being the best of what is out there will be targeted for management that will protect their unique characteristics. This may mean anything from shoreline acquisition (very limited acres from willing sellers) to volunteer management plans. Local regulations such as shoreland zoning may be appropriate tools to use for specific streams. We hope that the public interest generated from such a listing, along with a far-reaching education effort, will greatly improve landowners' appreciation of their river and enhance their desire and ability to treat the resource properly.

For more information about this cooperative project, contact:
Northern Rivers Initiative
DNR, Box 220
Park Falls, WI 54552.