Rusk County Lakes and Stream Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

                                                           March 12, 2007

Meeting was called to order by Bob Wiltrout, Chairman at 5:20pm

The minutes of the February 12^th meeting were reviewed. Two changes were asked for by Arian Knops.  Motion by John S., second by John Stencil to approve the minutes with corrections, motion carried.

The Certificate of Completion hearing for the Flambeau Mine will be April 17^th in the County Board room at 1:00pm.

We need a volunteer to work with Bob Wiltrout on a web page for the committee. Need to have some method to communicate with the “stakeholders” in the community on what the committee is doing and trying to accomplish. A major portion of the work of the committee should be to educate the public on what the goals are of Lake Classification.

Andy Albarado was here to discuss the economic development issues of lake and stream classification and tourism. Some discussion about the campground “2 mile” rule, size of individual camp sites, and the total number of county and private sites.

Andy asked each of the committee to state their name and give their impression of Rusk County. We went person to person around the committee expressing our ideas.

Lots of discussion about perceptions and what makes for our quality of life.

The factors determining lake classification were discussed and explained, such as flushing index, stratification, etc.

The NW Wisconsin Lakes conference is June 21 and 22 at Telemark Resort. Mike suggested that the chair and vice chair attend, along with any other interested committee members.

Next we moved into where the committee should begin the classification system. Do we start with the easy ones, ones already classified by DNR or start with the most developed lakes? Mike suggested that the middle or moderately developed lakes will probably be where we spend most of our time.

The list of lakes to be studied first were, Dairyland Flowage, Amacoy, Island, Three Lakes-Lake One, Shamrock, Pulaski, Audie, Laydsmith Flowage, and Big Falls Flowage.

The next meeting is scheduled for April 9^th. At 5:00pm.

Mike suggested that the Chair and Vice Chair lead the meeting as this was his last meeting; he is taking a full time position in Milwaukee. Mike will have some material prepared for the meeting.

                  Rusk County Lake and Stream Ad Hoc Committee Meeting

                                                   March 12, 2007

Andy A. on economic development

Would like to see the “campground” ordinance removed and just deal with the issue through zoning and the conditional use permit system.

According to the data, 48% of campers use the local town’s services

Only 19% have watercraft or intend to use the local water resources

Andy then asked for each member’s perception of the community and the economy

1)      county is poor compared to others/we have to draw people in to get the tourist dollar

2)      we are going to see growth, so we have to prepare for it and control it, right now we might have our head in the sand

3)      land is still cheap here, compared to other areas

4)      the area is poor, people come in but don’t buy anything

5)      I retired here, the county is still poor, but there are people like me who will come back here to live

6)      People come here for the rustic feel, but then they try and turn their country/lake lot into a city lot

7)      There are too many houses on the lakes

8)      Our leaders are not forward thinking but regressive, our population has reduced since the 80’s

9)      We need a better business climate

10)   What is the count of restaurant/campground/resorts now as compared to years ago, believe we have gone backwards, need the facts, we need to become more tourist friendly, the water is for everyone, not just those that can afford waterfront property

11)   Most tourists are just passing through, but we’re a well kept secret and have to loosen up the regs so that we can take advantage of our resources

12)   There is an opportunity to capitalize on people passing through but we must develop our resources smartly

13)   Economic growth means jobs, but problems come with growth and we have to find the balance

14)   Years ago Ladysmith was the place to shop, but we have not kept pace, the city leaders have lost their vision of what Ladysmith should be

15)   There is lots of potential here but we have to design for “friendly” waters

Andy went on to tell the group that Ladysmith is not really a “tourist” economy. We are an industrial, then farming and then a tourist economy.

However, tourism can drive quality of life issues and improvement and draw people here.

Rusk County is getting squeezed by the counties to the north and the south as people look here due to overcrowding in other counties.

The latest trends are RV-ing and “Green” travel.