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| Flambeau scenery from a
pontoon | Event focuses on
river's role, value
Canoists, outdoor enthusiasts, area
residents and members of Midwest based
environmental groups spent a big share of Saturday
on the Flambeau River and/or talking about
it.
The Rusk County River Alliance
sponsored the event for various reasons, according
to Beth Bettenhausen.
Firstly, it called
attention to the new "Paddle the Flambeau" tourism
promotion, which was launched by the Price and
Rusk county tourism departments to publicize the
recreational opportunities the north and south
forks of the Flambeau River provide. The Flambeau
affords some of the best canoeing and wild scenery
in the Midwest, notably in the segments that pass
through the Flambeau River State Forest.
A
"Paddle the Flambeau" pamphlet was printed and is
being distributed at sports shows and made
available to anyone interested. It includes maps
and photos and designates the classes of rapids on
the river. The booklet also lists points of
interest on the river.
For more information
log on to
.
Canoeists
attending Saturday's event were shuttled to either
Camp 41 for a trip down to Beaver Dam Rapids or to
Beaver Dam landing for a canoe trip to Flambeau
Lodge.
Secondly, the event called attention
to a petition filed by the River Alliance of
Wisconsin and a number of other river, lake and
environmental groups asking the DNR to upgrade
protection for the northwoods' 100 healthiest
rivers. The petition was filed now because the DNR
is due to review river desigations in the near
future.
Andrew Hanson, an attorney with
Midwest Environmental Advocates, said his
nonprofit group wanted to hear from local
residents about what level or protection they
thought appropriate.
Environmental groups
who signed the petition want to preserve the
quality of Wisconsin's best rivers. "It's about
learning from our mistakes."
Hanson said he
saw deer, turkey vultures, herons and eagles on
their 2+ hour canoe trip from Beaver Dam landing
to Flambeau Lodge.
The groups are
petitioning for Exceptional Water Resource
designation or Outstanding Water Resource for
segments of northern rivers. He explained the
difference between the two, and said neither
prevents development or improvements on river
property, but they may require
permits.
Among segments of area rivers
identified for upgrades are: Flambeau River from
Crowley Dam to the Big Falls Flowage and from the
Ladysmith Dam to the Chippewa River; Jump River
from its headwaters to the Village of Jump River;
Thornapple River from its origin to County J;
Main Creek all; Soft Maple Creek all; Swift
Creek all; W. Fork of the Chippewa all;
Couderay River all within the La Courte Oreilles
Indian Reservation; and Chippewa River Chippewa
Flowage to Radisson Flowage to County D near
Exeland to County J near Imalone to Chippewa
County Line.
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