Land Sales Won’t Affect Popular Trout Ponds, DNR Official Says

Legislature Demanding Agency Sell Off 10,000 Acres, Including In Langlade County

By
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (CC-BY-ND)

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says the public need not be concerned about its plan to sell off properties with spring-fed ponds popular for trout fishing.

After being ordered by the state Legislature to sell 10,000 acres of DNR-owned land, the agency compiled a list of 118 tracts for review. Eight parcels in Langlade County feature spring-fed ponds, vital habitat for trout.

DNR Director of Facilities and Lands Doug Haag said some have expressed worry the ponds will be sold and developed. He said that won’t happen.

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“We are not considering the sale of any of our spring ponds that are on this list for sale to the private sector,” he said.

Instead, Haag said they’re looking to sell the properties to the county.

“There may be more efficient management through transfer and sale of the properties to the counties, in this case Langlade County,” said Haag.

The DNR will give a final list of properties to the Natural Resources Board later this year.