DNR to hold public meeting on Rib Mountain State Park master plan

In October 2019, the Natural Resources Board approved the department’s recommendation to develop a revision to the Rib Mountain State Park master plan. The result of this process will be a new master plan that replaces the existing 2005 version.

The meeting will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 29 at the D.C. Everest Middle School cafeteria, 9302 Schofield Ave., Weston. A brief presentation will take place at 6 p.m.

Rib Mountain State Park encompasses 1,550 acres on one of the highest points in Wisconsin and offers a variety of day-use recreational facilities and trails.

Granite Peak Ski Area encompasses about 400 acres on the north slope of the mountain and draws over 100,000 visitors a year, according to the DNR. The business that operates the ski area, Granite Peak Ski Corp., has requested an expansion of the area leased for downhill skiing. In revising the master plan, the department will undertake a holistic evaluation of the full range of recreational and habitat opportunities at Rib Mountain to ensure that the park, including the ski area, continues to support the ecological, social and economic needs of the area, the DNR said in a news release.

Although input is welcome at any time in the planning process, a public comment period to gather preliminary ideas and perspectives will run from Jan. 22 to Feb. 22. The department will post background information and a questionnaire on the department’s website at the beginning of the comment period.

People are also encouraged to visit the Rib Mountain State Park Master Plan website by going to the DNR website.

In addition to the opportunities to offer input online or at public meetings, people can contact DNR Planner John Pohlman at [email protected], 608-264-6263, or Wisconsin DNR, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707-7921.

Wausau Pilot & Review file photo.