Write to the Washburn County Board of Supervisors to request a moratorium on campground approvals until county ordinances are updated.

Why is a moratorium important?

A moratorium on campground approvals and development will allow time for Washburn County to gather public input, analyze the current ordinances and develop updates to the ordinances to address modern-day land use issues and development pressures.

We LOVE camping, but “campgrounds” nowadays come in a wide variety of sizes, designs and intensities and some are MUCH different from what many of us imagine when we hear the word “campground” - they are more similar to residential subdivisions. The impacts to surrounding waters, wetlands, roads and residences are not adequately addressed in the outdated ordinances that are now in effect for “campgrounds”. Burnett County, just west of Washburn County, recently established a moratorium for this same reason. Read more about this issue on the Preserve Burnett County website: www.preserveburnettcounty.org.

Scroll down to find a button to quickly send a note to the Washburn County Board telling them you support the establishment of a campground moratorium. Send your letter as soon as you can so it is in the County’s hands whenever it is included on their monthly meeting agenda and discussions. Washburn County Board of Supervisors meetings are typically the 3rd Tuesday of each month.

“Spooner Lake is an invaluable water resource in the (Washburn County) community. Maintaining, protecting and enhancing the quality of the lake is crucial in sustaining the lake’s natural beauty, water quality, and availability for recreational use.”
— Spooner Lake Watershed Management Plan

Update!

Appeals filed in November

In response to the conditional use permit (CUP) for a 200-site RV development granted by Washburn County Zoning Committee October 26, the Spooner Lake District and two individuals filed an appeal to the Washburn County Circuit Court. An appeal was also filed with the Washburn County Board of Adjustment. For the details, please go to our Resources tab to see the appeal documents.

Recap!

CUP erroneously approved in October

On October 26, 2021 the Washburn County zoning committee approved a conditional use permit for a development adjacent to Spooner Lake that will:

  • increase the number of residences in Spooner Township by 25%

  • double the number of residences adjacent to Spooner Lake

  • dramatically increase traffic, including ATVs/UTVs on roads

  • risk the water quality of Spooner Lake

  • more than double boat traffic and fishing pressure on Spooner Lake

  • reduce neighboring property values

There was an application for a 200-unit campground, more precisely described as a high-density RV subdivision, presented to the Washburn County zoning committee. It was the same application that was denied in July, but remarkably, even with additional pages, it still lacked substantial evidence that it will not damage Spooner Lake or have negative impacts on neighbors and the peaceful character of the area.

Thank you for your letters, attendance and testimony. You certainly amplified the numerous reasons why the proposed development poses threats to the health of Spooner Lake and the rural character of the area, and is contrary to the intent of rural residential (RR-2) zoning.

Please check back for information on next steps. For additional history and details on this case, see documents presented on this Preserve Spooner Lake website (Resources tab), and the Spooner Lake District website www.spoonerlakewi.com.

Why is this Important?

We need to keep Spooner Lake healthy so generations can continue to enjoy the lake.

Preserving wildlife habitat works to preserve the health of the greater ecosystem in which we live.

Runoff pollution from increased development is a serious threat to the lake’s health.

Wetlands along the lake, sensitive to runoff pollution, provide critical habitat for fish and wildlife.

You’ve said all this and more. Your testimony and letters have been powerful. . .If the zoning committee would only read and listen to what residents are saying.

Here are just some of the reasons given to the committee for why the CUP is not appropriate. For more details see “Ten Reasons” on our Resources tab:

  1. The stated wastewater volume is under-estimated for RVs and therefore does not fully account for impacts to the wetlands and Spooner Lake.

  2. There is no emergency plan for wastewater system failure.

  3. One of the campgrounds is proposed in a sub-watershed that is predominantly wetland soils and not suitable for high-volume development.

  4. Almost all of the shoreline for the property is identified by the DNR as a sensitive area and includes culturally significant wild rice beds.

  5. The application indicates impervious surfaces in excess of the 15% limit in County rule.

  6. The application does not specify how the ordinary high-water mark (OHWM) or wetland delineations were determined or confirmed.

  7. While the developer has promised “lots of ATVs”, the application does not address the impacts of dramatic increases in ATV traffic on town roads.

  8. Seasonal RV parks are not authorized by the current County ordinance for campgrounds.

  9. Washburn County does not have any developments like this and does not have the policy or municipal services infrastructure in place for this type of development.

  10. The application implies sheds and decks will be built, but does not provide specific locations, sizes, etc. and therefore is incomplete.

The proposal would more than double the number of boats and people recreating on the lake.

The boggy shoreline of the property is identified by DNR as ecologically sensitive and harbors remnant wild rice beds.

Washburn County’s campground ordinance was not designed for campgrounds with full plumbing at each site, decks, sheds, and year-round occupancy potential.

5 Ways to Take Action!

1. Sign our online petition to oppose the 200 RV campground

2. Send a letter to the County

Encourage the Washburn County Board of Supervisors to discuss and establish a campground moratorium in an upcoming meeting. Tell them why it is important to you that ordinances be updated to protect the Washburn County land and water while we share it with visitors.

Send your letter via:
- email to: lolson@co.washburn.wi.us with a CC to preservespoonerlake@gmail.com
- post to: County Clerk, P.O. Box 639, Shell Lake, WI 54871

 

3. Attend the next public hearing on May 20th, 2022 at 9 a.m.

Location: Washburn County Services Center, 304 2nd St, Shell Lake, WI 54871

 

4. Stay informed and spread the word!

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