Achieving ORW Protective Classification
Recent note: In November 2006, the St. Croix River headwaters segment achieved ORW status.There are two possible approaches to achieve ORW classification for the St. Croix River headwaters segment.
Note: this is for the headwaters segment only. The Eau Claire River and Ox Creek tributaries would each have to complete one of the two approaches to achieve this classification.
Approval by the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board
The Natural Resources Board requests that Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 102.10 be amended to add ORW classification for the St. Croix River headwaters segment.
Where we are in this process (¢ indicates completed steps):
¢The River Alliance of Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates petitioned the DNR to maintain the quality of the healthiest rivers in northern Wisconsin through protective designations.
¢The DNR recommended adding ORW classification for the St. Croix River headwaters segment to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board in October 2005. Note: In Douglas County, the proposal also included ORW classification for the Amnicon, Moose, Spruce river and Totogatic rivers.
¢At the Board's meeting on October 25-26, 2005 the proposal was considered and public hearings were authorized.
¢Public hearings were held in January 2006.
¢Written public comments were submitted in February 2006.
¢The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board reviewed and unanimously approved the DNR's proposal on June 28, 2006.
¢The Senate Natural Resources and Transportation Committee took no action (i.e. did not object) at a hearing on August 24, 2006.
¢The Assembly Natural Resources Committee took no action (i.e. did not object) at a hearing on September 14, 2006.
¢ORW classification for the above rivers became effective in November 2006.
Wild River Designation
If the state legislature approves Wild River designation for the St. Croix River headwaters segment, ORW classification is automatically included.
Where we are in this process (¢ indicates completed steps):
¢ Washburn County citizens pursued the addition of the Totogatic River to Wisconsin’s list of designated State Wild Rivers, including a presentation at the annual Superior Days event. The Friends of the St. Croix Headwaters requested state-level support to protect and honor the headwaters segment of the St. Croix by designating it as a State Wild River.
¢Governor Jim Doyle proposed Wild River designation for the St. Croix River headwaters segment on August 18, 2005.
¢Local public informational meetings were held in November 2005.
¢State Senator Robert Jauch hosted a public listening session on December 3, 2005 at Minong Village Hall.
¢Senator Robert Jauch and Representative Frank Boyle hosted a public informational meeting on September 20, 2006 at Minong Village Hall.
£A specific Wild River bill will be introduced into the Wisconsin legislature if and when public support for the bill is demonstrated.