Show the DNR on Nov. 30 that we will not take this destruction of our resources for big money anymore! DNR WRITES KOHLER-CENTERED DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR PROPOSED KOHLER COURSE. Will you tell the DNR that you expect a complete scientific environmental impact study completed with the public’s interest given at least the same consideration as a private landowner? Demand that the DNR study a “no build alternative” instead of writing a non-scientific explanation of what Kohler’s planned destruction “may” affect. A public hearing on the wetland permit application and updated EIS will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, at the University of Wisconsin-Sheboygan Theater, 1 University Drive, Sheboygan. Any interested persons will have the opportunity to comment on the proposed project, wetland permit application and updated EIS. The public comment period on the wetland permit and updated EIS runs through Dec. 15, 2017. People may submit comments through the DNR website, by email to DNRKohlerProposal@wisconsin.gov, or by U.S. postal mail to Jay Schiefelbein, Wisconsin DNR, 2984 Shawano Ave., Green Bay, WI 54313-6727. In an amazingly Kohler-centered Updated Draft Environmental Impact Statement, the DNR has shown it expects to approve a wetland permit application for the proposed Kohler golf course because it has been told to. There is no other explanation for the lack of scientific data. Essentially the DNR says there will likely be impacts to wetlands, less species surviving in the area along Kohler’s lakeshore property, less wildlife habitat, incidental taking of species when it can’t be helped, impacts on local wells, the changing of the hydrology and topography of the land and not much impact from carcinogenic pesticides. These will all make it difficult to retain the rare characteristics of the land Kohler’s course will impact. But Kohler says it will attempt to be careful without any monitoring plans in place. The DNR uses no relevant studies but accepts the information Kohler gives them, without independent verification. It is an insult to evidence-based thinking that the scientists involved abandon a systematic review at the highest levels which would determine the actual impacts to the people and the environment. In almost every area the DNR says, “Kohler plans,” “Kohler intends,” “Kohler will use.” If the DNR couldn’t find information to quantify the impact it should not have written this Draft EIS which does not allow the public to make meaningful comment. Please show up at the public hearing on Nov. 30 to let the DNR know what you think about this poor statement. FBRF has annotated the Updated DEIS which you can access at this link. dropbox.com/s/ugzfoisgv5a6jt2/AnnotatedUpdatedDraftEIS11-14-2017.pdf?dl=0 To open the dropbox link to our comments, click on this link and when it comes up click at the top right corner to access "download." When you download the document to your own computer you will see the annotations. You may find many other issues to include in your oral or written comments.  PLEASE NOTE: This hearing does not cover the giveaway of the State park Land to Kohler or the LAWCON conversion from public to private land. These will be covered at another time. So please limit your comments to the DEIS and any water permit issues you may want to respond to. Here are the issues that FBRF has with the Draft Environmental Impact Statement: 1. Again it is incomplete which does not fulfill the mandate to provide critical information to the public to make informed comment. 2. The DNR talks about conditions it will impose on the Kohler Wetland Permit Application, however when asked by our attorney, they don’t know what those are. 3. FBRF has asked for the results of the Wetlands Rapid Impact Assessment completed in May. The DNR has said it hasn’t finished this yet. No permit can be approved without this. 4. The DNR has not done an inventory of the habitat and wildlife on the State Park land it intends to sell to Kohler. This needs to be included in the impacts. 5. The DNR has not required a tournament plan or studied the impacts of the several tournaments planned for this course. Instead it has worked on the project trying to justify the preferred Kohler alternative and diminish the impact of tournaments. 6. The DNR must develop studies of an alternative entrance for the Kohler project which would be in the best interest of the public who owns the park land. While the DNR and Army Corps talk about balancing the right of a private land owner with the rights of the public, so far the only discussion has been to justify this destruction by the private land owner with no consideration of the public right to its ownership of park land. Applications to the DNR, the Army Corps and the National Park Service, involve ignoring or changing regulations. This is evidence that there are two parties here both with invested interests whose rights must be taken into account. The DNR has forgotten that. It has written an Updated Draft EIS admitting destruction of our rare resources while clearly resigned to the fact that Kohler must get what it wants over the rights of the many.   Response to the DNR calling this a typical easement from a resident:  "Many State Parks have easements, but how many of those easements have THREE maintenance facilities and a paved parking lot built on them? Kohler has access to their property thru River Trails. There is no need to take State Lands..especially for access and maintenance buildings. Not sure why the DNR is having such a hard time counting how many buildings are proposed to be built on State Land....they had at least 6 huge poster boards up at the Open House showing THREE buildings totaling over 24,000 sq feet yet they continue to say maintenance facility. Maintenance facility is comprised of three buildings to house chemicals, pesticides, golf carts and other equipment. Kohler could build these buildings on the land they own if they obtain the necessary permits and approval. DNR officials could not give an example of any other situation where buildings have been built on an easement given by the state. This land belongs to ALL residents of the State of Wisconsin."     It is critical that there is public outcry on this proposal as it will set precedent for the giveaway of any park land. Please continue to share this petition! We must let the Wisconsin DNR know they must Deny Kohler Company the ability to destroy our environment and the use of our public State lands all for Kohler's private profit.