Oneida County board backs DNR land purchase near Tomahawk River after amendment

The Oneida County Board of Supervisors voted May 19 to support a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources land acquisition of roughly 77 acres (parcels MI-1083 and MI-1086) along the Upper Tomahawk River in the Town of Minocqua. The board adopted an amendment requiring WisDNR coordination with the town on parking adjacent to the public roadway, working with local clubs on motorized routes, and providing access for the Minocqua Fire Department to install a dry fire hydrant.

Why it matters: The parcels lie along the Tomahawk River corridor and connect to the Willow Flowage, an Outstanding Resource Water. Support for the purchase signals local backing for landscape-scale conservation and public access while recognizing town-level concerns about access and fire protection.

Details of the debate: Supervisor Billy Fried, who disclosed he represents the Town of Minocqua, urged the board to support the purchase and said the town supports it, citing improved public access to the river and the potential for a dry hydrant to aid firefighting. Administrative Coordinator and County Clerk Tracy Hartman read portions of a statement presented earlier to the Executive Committee by County Board Chair Scott Holewinski noting that the county’s 2025 Comprehensive Plan expresses an intent to minimize purchases using tax dollars and that acquiring the property could impact the local tax base; those points were entered into the record as part of the discussion.

Supervisor Robb Jensen questioned buildability around the parcel and the broader question of using tax dollars for land purchase. Supervisor Michael Tautges said the parcels provide a remote access point and described the acquisition as creating a safer public access location. The board debated the advisory, nonbinding nature of the resolution and whether the purchase would limit recreational uses.

Amendment and votes: The board first voted to approve an amendment inserting specific language on WisDNR coordination with the Town of Minocqua for parking, motorized routes and access for a dry hydrant; the amendment passed on roll call (17 Aye; 3 Absent). On final consideration of the amended resolution the board approved the measure by roll call vote: 15 Aye; 2 Nay (Greg Oettinger, Robert Briggs); 3 Absent (Holewinski, Timmons, Sorgel); 1 Vacant (District 1).

Next steps: The resolution is advisory support for the WisDNR application to use Knowles-Nelson Stewardship funds under Wis. Stats. 23.0917(5t)(b); it does not transfer county land or funds. The board’s action records local support and the conditions it expects WisDNR to follow in coordinating with the Town of Minocqua and local users.