UPDATE: The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office said at this time the matter has been resolved through court proceedings and the threat that was presented is now stable. We no longer believe that there are significant public safety concerns. We anticipate meeting with representatives of the National Forest Service so they may re-evaluate the closure of the Boulder Lake Campground.
OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ)- The Oconto County Sheriff’s Office has released more information about the reason for a temporary closing of a Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Campground.
Officals say they are working with State and Federal counterparts to manage the risks, but stated that the risks are related specifically to a local property owner, who has been identified as a potential threat to the safety off those who utilize the campground.
Oconto County Sheriff Chief Deputy Ed Janke the situation included a use of guns, but were not targeted at the campground.
“The threats were not specific, but one could generalize what the intent of the behaviors were, he said. “Some of those behaviors started to take a turn for the worse.”
Janke said too much false information was being spread.
“A good deal of speculation out there, ranging from animals to issues in the neighboorhood.”
Officals call the issue stabliazed, and plan to release more information at a later date.
Janke said they will have more information about the plan to reopen the location after court proceedings take place.
“We do believe that we have the situation under control, and we will foward that to the Forest service” Janke said.
Details on the closing were also released by the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest officials, stating plans are to temporarily close Boulder Lake Campground for the 2018 recreation season and no reservations will be accepted until further notice.
Reservations already made will be cancelled and refunds generated.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has many other recreation sites thatprovide a similar experience including Bagley Rapids, Bear Lake, Boot Lake, FranklinLake, Laura Lake, Luna White Deer, Richardson Lake and Spectacle Lake Campgrounds.
The Forest’s also stated that their number one priority is public safety.
