The regions primarily consist of portions of Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas and Washburn counties with small portions in Polk, Iron and Sawyer counties.

Copper Falls, Big Bay, Pattison and Amnicon Falls state parks are included in the Superior Coastal Plain regional plan. Numerous properties with fishing and hunting opportunities, such as the Clam River Fishery Area and Beaver Brook Wildlife Area, have management updates described in the Northwest Sands regional plan.

The draft regional master plans, including a plan overview, background materials and maps, are available through the Department of Natural Resources property planning webpage. Go to dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "property planning" and select "Superior Coastal Plain" or "Northwest Sands" or "Northwest Lowlands" on the map.

Master plans establish the level and type of resource management and public use allowed on DNR managed properties. Highlights of the three proposed regional plans include:

• Enhancement to this regional ecotourism corridor through recreational opportunities that include camping, waterfall viewing, multiple trail uses, hunting, fishing, trapping and wildlife viewing.

• Opportunities for development of additional North Country National Scenic Trail segments. Mountain biking and other trail-based opportunities are also expanded.

• Improved public access to fishery areas.

• Opportunities to enjoy the unique scenery of the Lake Superior coast, the important interior rivers and prominent wetlands of the region.

• Habitat management to protect the Lake Superior salmonid fisheries, one of the state's best cold-water fisheries, and protect the large number of migratory birds and other wildlife, including species that depend on Lake Superior's wetland coastal communities.

• Habitat management to protect interior wildlife and fishery areas by keeping intact the ecology of the pine-oak barrens, dry forests, wetlands, inland lakes and important river corridors.

Comments may submit comments via a form on the DNR master planning property planning webpage. Select the region of interest on the map. Additionally, comments may be sent to Phil Rynish, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St. LF/6 Madison WI 53707 or [email protected].

Draft plans and online background materials may also be viewed at the DNR Service centers in Spooner, Superior and Ashland.

Comments will be accepted through Jan. 6. The draft plans will be revised as needed and approved by the Natural Resources Board at a future meeting.