Pushback on DNR changes

By Patricia Bogumil

Editor

      Town of Waterford Chairman Tom Hincz has reacted swiftly to what appears to be Ye Olde Double-Cross by the state Department of Natural Resources.

      At issue are plans for the DNR to start digging out 10 more public car parking spots at the Tichigan Wildlife Area parking lot, situated on former Bronenkant property that the DNR purchased last year.

      The new plans were announced Sept. 5 in a letter from DNR Wildlife Biologist Marty Johnson, who said the DNR expects “to have the work done in the next week or two” to add 10 more parking places for ice fishing.

      “As a state agency, we are not required to obtain permits for the construction work, but we still want to keep the community informed and make sure we are following the community’s guidelines/rules for the project,” Johnson wrote.

      But that’s exactly what is not being done, according to Hincz.

      He points to an April 12, 2012 letter from DNR Real Estate Specialist James Jackley, assuring town officials that the Tichigan parking lot would have only two parking places.

      “Ice fishing access will only take place if the township is accepting of this concept,” Jackley added, “and is willing to plow the supplemental 10-car parking area.”

      But the town neither accepts the added parking, nor is it willing to plow that area, Hincz advised Johnson in a Sept. 6 letter also sent to state, county and local officials.

      At press time Wednesday, Hincz said there had been no sign (yet) of any construction starting up at the site.

      He said he had been advised that higher-up DNR officials had gone over the heads of the DNR employees who last year put in place the original parking plans and assurances.

      Hincz said he expects to talk with those senior officials and has asked Johnson to make sure no work commences without further discussion.

      Hincz also suggested what the DNR can do if it has money available for Tichigan projects.

      “The DNR allocates resources in the Tichigan area that are not wanted – like the killing of mute swans, purchasing land all around the Town of Waterford and this project, to name a few,” Hincz wrote.

      “What about the important and needed issues, like dredging our waterways? We have many areas on Tichigan Lake and the Fox River that are impassable due to silt or weed infestation.”