State Wild River Proposal taken to the Public at Five Listening Sessions

A couple years ago, Washburn County began investigating the possibility of adding the Totogatic River to the list of State Wild Rivers in Chapter 30. The State Wild River legislation was passed 40 years ago, and no rivers have been added to the list since the Pine, Pike, and Popple were designated in the original legislation.

Totogatic River

Over the past two years, Department staff has worked with representatives from Washburn County, Washburn County Lakes and Rivers Association, and the Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters to determine the benefits and potential drawbacks of designating the Totogatic and the segment of the St. Croix above Gordon as Wisconsin Wild Rivers. Last August this effort was included as part of Governor Doyle´s "Conserve Wisconsin" environmental legislative initiative.

St. Croix River
©Friends of the St. Croix

The proposal was taken to the public in late 2005. UW-Extension and DNR Northern Region staff worked with partners to prepare informational materials, and hold 4 public meetings in Hayward, Siren, Solon Springs, and Minong. Senator Bob Jauch also held a formal listening session in Minong on December 3rd. All of the sessions were fairly well attended, with many people expressing support for the proposal, as well as further protective measures for these waterways. Concerns were also expressed about potential impacts on private property, forestry practices, and future recreational trails.

The next step in process is to garner both local support and legislative sponsorship. A bill will need to be passed by both houses and signed by the Governor to officially add these streams to the list of state Wild Rivers.