You can still comment on the four proposals for the master plan and help decide how these areas should be developed for use by the public. WDNR information and maps here. Send your emails to jeff.prey@wisconsin.gov before September 15.
The key elements that have been allowed to date, hunting, fishing, hiking, etc. will continue in any areas which will not be harmed by such activity.
A few thoughts from other folks for your consideration:
What kinds of restoration should be done? Should the native plant community areas be mapped and restored, protected and nurtured; is thermal pollution a problem due to man-made ponds feeding warmed water into the river system; is restoration of former wetlands feasible to increase water quality and habitat for rare species. How should NAWCA grant areas be enhanced and restored?
Can we find balance consistent with the goals established in the plan for Recreation, Ecological Management, and Education and Interpretation? Should they be weighted remembering the quality within the watershed.
Does expanding the boundaries of the plan area to include more of the river corridor and adjacent lands around the Mukwonago River so financial resources could be directed toward purchases seem reasonable to enhance protection.
Are dog training and camping facilities duplication with other such areas in close proximity in Waukesha County: Ottowa Lake, Mukwonago Park and Vernon Marsh? This is a very small area in acres so not every activity can reasonably be accommodated, particularly when they exist elsewhere.
Should we reconsider the placement of a boat access at the south end of Eagle Spring Lake? The proposed location of the new canoe/kayak access point is not ideal for a number of reasons. If additional canoe/kayak access is necessary consider reconfiguring existing parking lots to allow for more parking spaces and other alternative locations for a new boat access point.
Should we oppose significant infrastructure development at the KMSF Mukwonago River Unit, such as camping facilities and a motorboat launch? Rustic area development would provide low-impact recreation use, “quiet sports” recreation activity and consideration of the ecological features. The cabins, the campground and the motorboat access would degrade the native habitats protected on this property by concentrating the human impact on the landscape and waterways, and disturbing the riverbed in one of the most biologically rich fish and mussel habitats in Wisconsin.
Should we create a 100-foot-wide landing area on the east shore of Lulu for canoes and kayaks to come ashore so that occupants could debark to use a toilet? Landing would be prohibited elsewhere along the shoreline except by the owners of the two private residences on their own properties and at The Nature Conservancy boat launch, which is used by the Troy Water Patrol. This 100-foot-wide landing zone would allow boats anchored offshore, to access the toilet.
Should we install signs along the Lulu east shoreline indicating the sensitivity of the ecologic communities along the shoreline?
You probably have far more concerns and we want to ensure that you send them to the WDNR. Your input is critical to this process. Read about the similar process being finalized in the Northern Kettle Moraine for more ideas.