The entrance to Newport State Park in the Town of Liberty Grove is seen, June 22, 2017. PC: Fox 11 Online
DOOR COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The DNR published a summary of comments on a proposal to expand horse trails at Newport State Park, but the agency didn’t commit a specific direction for the project.
The Natural Resources Board approved 4-to-6 additional miles of trail in two parts of the park, although it discovered potential problems with the idea.
Nearly 100 public comments were received on the plan, but the DNR doesn’t quantify the comments as “for” or “against” the project.
Among the concerns raised:
- The trails would incongruent with the park’s designation as a wilderness park
- Possible spread of invasive species
- Safety for other park patrons on the trails
- Horse manure and cleanup
- Increasingly crowded conditions at the park
Those in favor of the expansion made other points:
- Limited horse trails in Door County
- Additional access to the park
- Economic benefits associated with more visitors
The DNR says there are two possible next steps:
- The department decides not to pursue the proposed variance. It will post this decision on the department website and describe the rationale.
- The department decides to continue the process to develop equestrian trails in the park. It will develop an analysis of anticipated impacts, as described in the Proposed Master Plan. The assessment will evaluate potential impacts that may result based on the actual locations of proposed trail and associated facilities. The analysis of impacts will consider a range of issues including locations of rare plants and animals, important geologic, ecological, and cultural resources and features, existing recreational uses, and other factors. The public will have the opportunity to review and comment on the impact analysis. Following the impact analysis and public comment period, the department will decide whether to move forward with the proposed variance.
Comments