The Department of Natural Resources is inviting the public to review & comment on a draft variance to the master plan for Whitefish Dunes State Park related to the presence of beech bark disease. The DNR says the change is needed to remove beech trees that are dying or have died from the disease. The widespread presence of beech bark disease in & adjacent to the park’s picnic areas & campgrounds is compelling the state agency to alter the park’s master plan to allow for the removal of trees that could present a hazard. Beech bark disease is well established on properties in the vicinity of Whitefish Dunes State Park & beech trees have been felled on those properties. Infected trees are known to snap off unexpectedly ten to 15 feet above the ground thereby creating potential safety hazards. Many of the mature beech trees in & adjacent to designated use areas are 70 to 75 feet tall. The public can review the Whitefish Dunes master plan variance by at the DNR website http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/whitefish/ & then clicking on the tab for “maps/publications.” Comments should be sent no later than January 6th & emailed to donald.mckinnon@wisconsin.gov or mailed to…
Don McKinnon/Whitefish Dunes State Park
3275 Clark Lake Road
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
