The Friends of WI State Parks (FWSP) is a 501c3 organization that represents WI residents that use state properties. There are approximately 80 Friends Groups that support various state parks, trails, and forest properties. These local Friends Groups provide thousands of volunteer hours and have delivered approximately $100M dollars to help support the mission and
activities of the Wisconsin state parks, forests, trails, and recreation areas.
FWSP is opposed to co-opting NR 44 which significantly alters current State Park planning strategies. Lands use classifications were readily referenced and used previous to NR 44 being adopted. Wisconsin State Parks are a national leader for many reasons including a dynamic , reasoned and public planning process. To roll back proven and effective planning methodologies will have a negative impact on how public lands are managed.
This variance could also jeopardize the relationship between the 80 Friends Groups that provide significant volunteer, financial and education support to state properties; as state government has reduced its support.
Further, county partners of state trails should be held to the same standards. The DNR must hold county partners who manage state properties to the above aforementioned standards. Currently, state trail co-management risks tourism and economic development as trail use can change based on country political situations. FWSP supports DNR oversight to review and approve/disapprove or modify county master plans for trails.
The Friends of Wisconsin State Parks requests the Natural Resources Board to deny the requested changes to NR 44.
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