A real estate investment group, led by a Kansas City developer, purchased the historic Lake Forest golf course on the Eagle River Chain of Lakes and is moving forward with a massive, 155-unit duplex/fourplex subdivision.  Vilas County approved this development - unprecedented in size and scale - with no formal public hearings or impact studies of any kind and in spite of a groundswell of public opposition.

Now, the developer has applied to the Wisconsin DNR for a permit to construct dozens of new commercial boat slips on the "Slow No Wake" channel connecting Eagle Lake and Voyageur Lake.  This is already the narrowest, most congested, most hazardous waterway on the entire Eagle River Chain of Lakes, with scarcely enough maneuvering room for existing boat traffic to navigate.

We believe that allowing dozens of new commercial boat slips to be built, in this location on the Chain of Lakes, will be detrimental to the public interest.  

If this boat slip proposal is approved, (1) boater safety will be further compromised; (2) navigation will be materially obstructed; (3) there will be a negative ecological impact (water clarity, fisheries, etc.); and (4) the problem of lake overcrowding will be exacerbated, with too many boats competing for too few acres, more conflicts between lake users, and a less enjoyable recreational experience for everyone.

DNR has invited public feedback until September 16, 2023.  Now is the time to make our voices heard! 

DNR, Vilas County public officials, and our elected representatives have a responsibility to preserve and protect our lakes and must remember that the public's right to navigate and recreate on the water - freely, safely, and enjoyably - should be prioritized over the narrow interests of any real estate developer.

We hereby urge the DNR to deny the developer's application for a permit to build a large-scale commerical pier structure with dozens of boat slips on the channel connecting Eagle and Voyageur Lakes.