Hayward reviews conditional use permit amid health concerns linked to local golf courses

The Sawyer County government meeting held on June 21, 2025, focused on significant health concerns related to local golf courses and a conditional use permit (CUP) for a new tourist rental development.

During the meeting, a speaker highlighted a recent study from the Barrow Neurological Institute and Mayo Clinic, which found that living within one mile of a golf course is linked to a 126% increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The speaker attributed this risk to chemicals used on golf courses that can contaminate groundwater, raising alarms about public health and environmental safety in the Hayward area, known for its pristine lakes. The speaker expressed concern over the potential dangers posed by golf courses near vulnerable groundwater regions, emphasizing the need to protect local natural resources.

Following this discussion, the meeting transitioned to the conditional use permit application from Waypro LLC. The permit seeks to amend an existing CUP to allow for the operation of up to eight tourist room and house properties, as well as the ability to rent the golf course facility. The proposal was reviewed in accordance with Sawyer County's ordinances.

The meeting concluded with a motion to exit the public hearing on the CUP, which was approved unanimously. The discussions underscored the community's ongoing concerns about environmental health and the balance between development and conservation in the region.