NR 44.06 Note
Note: Examples of potential management activities include timber harvesting, planting, herbicide application, mowing, burning, flooding, installation of fish habitat improvement devices, road construction and erosion control.
NR 44.06(9)(d)
(d)
Applicable recreational use setting subclassifications. The recreational use settings in
s. NR 44.07 that are compatible with this classification are the Type 2, Type 3 or Type 4 settings.
NR 44.06(9)(e)
(e)
Master plan components. In addition to the plan components described in
sub. (3), the master plan shall identify the specific short-term and long-term scenic management objectives for the area, including any restoration and enhancement objectives, and a description of the desired future landscape conditions.
NR 44.06 Note
Note: Examples of potential restoration, enhancement and maintenance activities include cutting trees and shrubs to maintain or create scenic vistas, underplanting or replanting preferably native trees and shrubs for visual variety or to speed conversion to a scenically desirable forest type and removal of exotic species.
NR 44.06(10)
(10) Wild resources management area. In the master plan a wild resources management area shall be consistent with the following:
NR 44.06(10)(a)
(a)
Management objective. The management objective of the wild resources management area is to provide and maintain land and water areas where natural ecological processes predominate and evidence of human cultural impact is low; there is little or no visible resource management activity and facility development is limited to primitive recreational uses.
NR 44.06(10)(b)
(b)
Designation. This classification may be applied to undeveloped areas or areas that have the potential to be restored to a substantially wild appearing condition. Areas with pre-existing structures or landscape alterations may be included under this classification provided the overall objective of the classification can substantially be met.
NR 44.06(10)(c)
(c)
Management. Management activities are limited and must be consistent with the management objective specified in the master plan for the area. The master plan may authorize management activities or techniques for the purpose of protecting or enhancing the outstanding natural or aesthetic values of the area or restoring the wild character of the area or ecosystem, for improving a degraded environment caused by recreational use or past management or development activities, to remove structures, roads or other cultural impacts, or to construct or maintain compatible recreational facilities. Compatible recreational facilities are those authorized by the recreation setting subclassification assigned to the area. Management, enhancement or restoration activities shall be conducted in a manner that will minimize, to the extent practicable, the perception of human activity in the area. In addition, the following shall apply:
NR 44.06(10)(c)1.
1. Planting native vegetation appropriate to the area and site and limited vegetation cutting is authorized to achieve the management objectives of this class. Vegetation management or timber harvesting activities, other than that allowed under this subsection, is not authorized;
NR 44.06 Note
Note: Examples of authorized vegetation cutting activities include the thinning of residual tree plantations to create a more natural appearing forest condition, the removal of trees considered to be a hazard to the public or when associated with the construction and maintenance of authorized recreational facilities and the removal of exotic species.
NR 44.06(10)(c)2.
2. Road construction or reconstruction to support management and restoration activities shall be limited to the degree possible and all roads shall be abandoned and the area restored following completion of the management activity, except when specifically authorized by the master plan for continued use for recreation or other purposes in an area designated as a Type 2 recreational use setting described under
s. NR 44.07 (5);
NR 44.06(10)(c)3.
3. Management actions to control exotic or other species that threaten the wildland character or outstanding natural values of the area are authorized when identified in the master plan;
NR 44.06(10)(c)4.
4. The authorized management response to suppress fire shall be identified in the master plan. Generally timber will not be salvaged after a natural disturbance;
NR 44.06(10)(c)5.
5. Pre-existing structures that are not specifically authorized by the master plan, including roads, buildings, bridges and dams or remnants of them, shall be removed and the area shall be restored to the degree practicable and feasible;
NR 44.06 Note
Note: Structures with historical value are an example of a type of structure that may be authorized by the master plan to be maintained within a wild resource management area.
NR 44.06(10)(c)6.
6. New utility right-of-ways or utility structures are not authorized, and pre-existing utility structures shall be removed or buried whenever practicable; and
NR 44.06(10)(c)7.
7. Motor vehicle access for management purposes is prohibited, except to respond to significant health and safety and other emergencies, or as specified in the master plan to conduct prescribed restoration activities.
NR 44.06(10)(d)
(d)
Applicable recreational use setting subclassifications. The Type 1 and Type 2 recreational use settings in
s. NR 44.07 are compatible with this classification; however, for a Type 2 recreational use area, the land management activities and non-recreational facility development shall be consistent with this subsection.
NR 44.06(10)(e)
(e)
Master plan components. The master plan shall identify:
NR 44.06(10)(e)1.
1. The specific land management, enhancement or restoration objectives for the area;
NR 44.06(10)(e)2.
2. The authorized land management, enhancement or restoration activities, including the specific circumstances where, and the degree that, each may be used;
NR 44.06(10)(e)3.
3. Where appropriate, management activity time schedule guidelines, any special development, vegetation management and maintenance requirements or restrictions, and any requirements for public health, safety and welfare;
NR 44.06(10)(e)4.
4. The authorized management response, if any, to catastrophic events, such as fire, disease, insect infestations or timber blowdowns;
NR 44.06(10)(e)5.
5. The recreational facilities to be provided and, when appropriate, guidelines for siting the facilities; and
NR 44.06(10)(f)1.a.a. “Wilderness lake" means a lake or grouping of lakes of 5 or more acres with an undeveloped shoreline, no road access and no structural development, except for primitive campsites, within
1/
4 mile of the shoreline and where human influence upon the landscape visible from the lake is not noticeable.
NR 44.06(10)(f)1.b.
b. “Wild lake" means a lake or grouping of lakes of 5 or more acres where human influence upon the lake and its surrounding lands is not conspicuous; it has an undeveloped shoreline and, with the exception of primitive campsites and limited roads that may be present to provide access to or near the water's edge, no structural developments are visible from the water.
NR 44.06(10)(f)2.
2. `Wilderness lake.' In addition to the other requirements of this subsection, the following criteria shall be followed when designating and managing a wilderness lake:
NR 44.06(10)(f)2.a.
a. The designated area shall be delineated in the plan and shall include an area that generally extends not less than
1/
4 mile from the shoreline and includes, to the extent practicable, the area that can readily be seen from the water;
NR 44.06(10)(f)2.b.
b. Motor vehicle use for management purposes or recreational use is prohibited within
1/
4 mile of the shoreline, except to respond to significant health and safety emergencies or to accomplish restoration activities specified in the master plan; and
NR 44.06(10)(f)2.c.
c. Structural developments are prohibited within
1/
4 mile of the shoreline, except for primitive campsites which shall be visually inconspicuous from the water.
NR 44.06(10)(f)3.
3. `Wild lake.' In addition to the other requirements of this subsection, the following criteria shall be followed when designating and managing a wild lake:
NR 44.06(10)(f)3.a.
a. The designated management area shall be delineated in the plan and shall include an area that generally extends not less than 400 feet from the shoreline or includes, to the extent practicable, the area that can readily be seen from the water, whichever area is larger;
NR 44.06(10)(f)3.b.
b. Shoreline development or alteration is limited to providing limited public access and primitive, watercraft accessible campsites; and
NR 44.06(10)(f)3.c.
c. Motor vehicle use for management purposes or for recreational use is restricted to designated access roads and water access sites and response to significant health and safety emergencies or to accomplish restoration activities specified in the master plan.
NR 44.06 Note
Note: Wilderness lakes and wild lakes are non-motorized recreational use areas, as described for Type 1 or Type 2 recreational use settings under s.
NR 44.07 (4) and
(5).
NR 44.06 History
History: Cr.
Register, August, 1996, No. 488, eff. 9-1-96.
NR 44.07
NR 44.07 Recreational use setting subclassifications. NR 44.07(1)(1)
General. The recreational use subclassifications define the compatible management and use activities and the appropriate recreational facilities for 4 general recreational settings. Each subclassification describes a distinct recreational environment, each offering opportunities for different types of recreational experiences. The subclassifications described in this section shall be used in a master plan to describe the general recreational management objective for areas with the recreation, scenic resources and the wild resources management classifications described under
s. NR 44.06.
NR 44.07 Note
Note: The subclassifications describe a range of recreational use settings, each being characterized by the manner it addresses a number of key attributes, such as degree of remoteness, motor use and the apparent level of management and development. The settings span a range from wild and undeveloped to intensively used and highly developed.
NR 44.07(2)(b)
(b) “Box latrine" means a simple open-air privy commonly provided at isolated, primitive campsites.
NR 44.07(2)(c)
(c) “Group campsite" means any campsite authorized for use by groups other than those meeting the definition of a camping party in a family campground as defined by
ch. NR 45.
NR 44.07(2)(d)
(d) “Highway/off-highway vehicles" or “H/OH" means motor vehicles that are generally 4-wheel drive, high clearance, street legal, licensed vehicles with floatation-type tires able to traverse roads and trails where ordinary passenger vehicles cannot travel without hazard of becoming stuck or otherwise disabled.
NR 44.07(2)(e)
(e) “Information facilities" include signs, sign boards, information kiosks and visitor centers for the purpose of providing use or educational formation to the public.
NR 44.07(2)(f)
(f) “Motorized use" means people traveling by use of a motor powered vehicle other than when engaged in management activities or contract operations authorized by the department.
NR 44.07(2)(g)
(g) “Native surface material" means unprocessed, indigenous road and trail surfacing material.
NR 44.07(2)(h)
(h) “Natural-appearing" means visually perceived as minimally altered or modified by human actions.
NR 44.07(2)(i)
(i) “Non-motorized use" means transportation of people by any means other than by a motor-powered vehicle, and the use of motorized vehicles for management purposes by the department and its contractors when engaged in management activity.
NR 44.07(2)(j)
(j) “Permanent all-season road" means a road developed and operated for continuous or recurrent annual use. It is designed and constructed to accommodate year-round use, but may have use restrictions or may not be maintained at various times of the year.
NR 44.07(2)(k)
(k) “Permanent seasonal road" means a road that is maintained as part of the permanent road system but is developed for periodic use when the ground is frozen or dry and firm.
NR 44.07(2)(L)
(L) “Primitive surface material" means the natural soil, rock or sand surface existing on roads and trails that developed through use and was not constructed.
NR 44.07(2)(m)
(m) “Single unit campsite" means a campsite designated for use by families or groups of 6 persons or less.
NR 44.07(2)(o)
(o) “Temporary road" means a road designed and constructed for short-term use during a specific project.
NR 44.07(2)(p)
(p) “Visitor controls" means regulatory signs, access barriers and regulations, for directing or controlling the behavior of people using department-managed lands.
NR 44.07(2)(q)
(q) “Visual quality management" means actions to produce or maintain a specific state of landscape aesthetic conditions and minimize or mitigate any negative visual impacts from land management activities or development.
NR 44.07(3)
(3) Road and trail standards. For purposes of this section, roads and trails are classified as follows:
NR 44.07(3)(a)
(a)
Primitive road. A primitive road shall be a temporary or permanent seasonal road with a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 12 feet, little or no roadbed grading, minimal cut and fill, a surface of primitive or native material.
NR 44.07 Note
Note: Due to their unimproved, rough condition, primitive roads commonly are only suitable for H/OHV's and other off-highway vehicles, and may not be negotiable by ordinary highway vehicles.
NR 44.07(3)(b)
(b)
Lightly developed road. A lightly developed road shall be a temporary road, a permanent seasonal road or a permanent all-season road which is primarily a single lane with a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 16 feet, is lightly to well-graded with minimal cut and fill, is surfaced with primitive, native or aggregate materials except in limited special use situations where asphalt may be used, and has a maximum speed design of 15 mph.
NR 44.07 Note
Note: Due to the variability of roadbed conditions at different times and places, some lightly developed roads might not be negotiable by ordinary highway vehicles.
NR 44.07(3)(c)
(c)
Moderately developed road. A moderately developed road shall be a permanent seasonal road or a permanent all-season road which typically is 2-lane, but may be one-lane, have a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 45 feet for 2-lane and 30 feet for one-lane, a well-graded roadbed and may have moderate cuts and fills and shallow ditching, has a surface of aggregate, asphalt or native material, and a maximum design speed of 25 mph.
NR 44.07(3)(d)
(d)
Fully developed road. A fully developed road shall be a permanent all-season road with a cleared width normally of 50 feet or more, a roadbed with cuts and fills as needed, an aggregate, asphalt or other paved surface and be designed for speeds exceeding 25 mph.
NR 44.07(3)(e)
(e)
Primitive trail. A primitive trail shall be a minimally developed single-file trail with a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 8 feet and a minimal tread width for the intended use, have a rough, ungraded bed where large rocks, stumps and downed logs may be present. It primarily follows the natural topography, has no or few shallow cuts and fills, and is surfaced with primitive or native materials, except for limited distances where environmental conditions require the use of other materials. Modifications to the natural trail surface are limited to that which is minimally necessary to provide essential environmental protection.
NR 44.07(3)(f)
(f)
Lightly developed trail. A lightly developed trail shall be a trail with a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 16 feet, a moderately wide tread width for the designated uses, a rough-graded base to remove stumps and large rocks, and a surface of primitive or native materials, except where other materials are required due to environmental conditions or where the trail also serves as a lightly developed road where other types of surfacing materials are used.
NR 44.07(3)(g)
(g)
Moderately developed trail. A moderately developed trail shall be a trail with a maximum sustained cleared width normally not exceeding 8 feet, a minimal tread width for the intended use, a relatively smooth graded base with a compacted surface composed of stable materials such as aggregate. Where practicable and feasible, a moderately developed trail shall, at a minimum, meet the standards for recreational trails accessible to persons with a disability.
NR 44.07(3)(h)
(h)
Fully developed trail. A fully developed trail shall be a trail with a smoothly graded base and a stable, hard surface composed of materials such as asphalt, aggregate or frozen earth. The trail's cleared width, tread width and cuts and fills are not limited, but shall be appropriate for the trail's intended use. To the degree practicable and feasible, fully developed pedestrian trails shall be fully accessible by persons with physical disabilities.
NR 44.07(4)
(4) Type 1 recreational use setting. In the master plan a Type 1 recreational use area shall be consistent with the following:
NR 44.07(4)(a)
(a)
Management objective. The objective of this setting is to provide a remote, wild area where the recreational user has opportunities to experience solitude, challenge, independence and self-reliance.
NR 44.07(4)(b)
(b)
Perceived remoteness. An area designated as a Type 1 setting shall be substantially isolated from development and be managed to maintain or enhance a perception of remoteness from human activity. Occasional sights and sounds of motors and other human activity may be present but are typically distant, except during hunting seasons. The designated area shall be of a size and configuration so as to offer a substantial opportunity for the public to experience solitude, substantially free of conflicting influences from adjacent land uses, with a majority of the area meeting one or more of the following minimum criteria:
NR 44.07(4)(b)1.
1. An area that is approximately 2,000 acres or more in size and
1/
2 mile or more from a federal, state or county highway or frequently used rail line, and at least
1/
4 mile from any other public highway, department road open to motor vehicle use by the public, motorized trail or infrequently used rail line.
NR 44.07(4)(b)2.
2. A river or stream, or river or stream segment that is approximately 6 miles or more in length with little or no evident development and no road crossings. It is generally not less than
1/
4 mile from the river or stream to the nearest motorized trail or road open to public vehicles, except when unique physical characteristics or use patterns allow the river or stream to be closer or demand it be further from a route used by motor vehicles to meet the objectives of the classification.
NR 44.07 Note
Note: Topography and vegetation conditions may largely determine the minimum size necessary to achieve the objectives of this setting. Unique local conditions, such as rugged topography, may allow some areas that are closer to open roads and motorized trails to be appropriately designated as Type 1 settings. Conversely, larger separation distances would be required in relatively flat, open areas or areas near highways with heavy traffic.
NR 44.07(4)(c)
(c) Social contact. Typically, the level of recreational use in the area is low, resulting in little contact with others outside one's own group when traveling and, when camping, other camper groups are not seen and generally may not be heard.
NR 44.07(4)(d)
(d) Access. Internal access is highly limited and travel may be difficult, as the area is essentially without roads and trails and access by watercraft is hard due to long distances from access points or to obstructions to navigation. The following criteria shall apply:
NR 44.07(4)(d)1.
1. Public vehicle access and motorized recreational use is prohibited and the use of motorized watercraft in the area shall be restricted to the maximum degree possible, except for:
NR 44.07(4)(d)1.b.
b. The incidental use of motorized watercraft if, and only to the extent that, such use may not be prohibited due to the public's right of navigation; and
NR 44.07(4)(d)1.c.
c. A person with a disability may use a manually or electrically powered wheelchair or an electrically powered watercraft operated at slow-no-wake speed as a mode of personal conveyance; or may be authorized, by a permit issued by the property manager, to use a low-powered mechanically propelled vehicle designed specifically for use by a person with a disability.
NR 44.07(4)(d)2.
2. The development and maintenance of limited, primitive hiking and portage trails may be authorized by the master plan, and trails may not exceed a density of one mile per square mile. Trail maintenance shall be for essential resource protection only. Areas with non-conforming roads and trails may be classified as a Type 1 setting if the master plan provides measures to assure their closure and restoration to a natural appearing condition or their redevelopment to conform to the setting standards. A limited number of small off-road public parking areas located on the periphery may be authorized by the master plan.
NR 44.07(4)(d)3.
3. The use of motorized vehicles for routine maintenance of trails and campsites is not authorized.
NR 44.07 Note
Note: Authorized motor vehicle access for restoration or other land management activities is described under s.
NR 44.06 (10) (c) 7. NR 44.07(4)(e)
(e)
Recreational facility development. Facility developments or modifications to vegetation or the physical landscape are not authorized, except for those that are minimally necessary to accommodate limited primitive camping and authorized trails. The following development standards shall apply:
NR 44.07(4)(e)1.
1. Trails, when authorized by the master plan, shall be minimally developed and maintained primitive trails that are restricted to hiking or portage uses, and shall be consistent with
par. (d).
NR 44.07(4)(e)2.
2. Developed campsites, when authorized by the master plan, shall be small, minimally developed single unit campsites that are primitive, remote and widely dispersed, are minimally cleared and have a primitive surface. Campsite facilities are limited to a fire ring and box latrine. A box latrine may be constructed of wood or synthetic materials and shall be a non-reflective, earth-tone color that blends with the surrounding environment. Campsites shall be sited and developed to be visually inconspicuous from the water. Trees and other vegetation may be cut as is minimally necessary for campsite development and camper safety.
