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DNR Taking Public Comments on Potawatomi State Park Tower

There are three ways to make public comments until Feb. 22

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted a virtual public meeting and comment period after the deadline of this issue of the Peninsula Pulse regarding plans for the observation tower at Potawatomi State Park. 

The meeting was held Jan. 27, but the public-comment period will continue through Feb. 22. To submit comments, email [email protected], or write to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, c/o Missy VanLanduyt, 101 S. Webster St., P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. The DNR is also taking comments online at surveymonkey.com/r/PotawatomiTower.

The DNR closed the observation tower to the public in late 2017 because of safety concerns, and in early 2020, the agency stated its intent to demolish the structure. Since then, the Sturgeon Bay Historical Society Foundation has been working on behalf of the tower’s repair, getting the tower listed on the state and national Registers of Historic Places, and gaining the support of local stakeholders and legislators to save the tower from destruction.

The DNR has since indicated its commitment to finding a path forward, indicating that it “understands the complexities of this project, from the varying options for repair to the historical significance,” according to a statement the agency included in its press release announcing the virtual hearing and comment period.

The DNR has also stated its desire to make the tower accessible to all, though accessibility as a requirement of the repair has been disputed.

To read about the outcome of the virtual meeting, visit doorcountypulse.com or check next week’s issue of the Peninsula Pulse.

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