This document consists of email communications dated November 18, 2022, regarding the ongoing coordination between the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the City of Superior concerning the Paine Property conservation easement. The primary update in this chain is provided by Connie J. Antonuk of the DNR’s Rhinelander office, who informs City Councilor Jenny Van Sickle that the agency is actively preparing its formal response to the City’s proposal regarding modifications to the conservation easement. This follows months of prior discussions that included internal DNR review, City inquiries, and landowner‐submitted materials.
The exchanges reiterate earlier messages between August and October 2022 from multiple parties: Jenny Van Sickle, DNR Lake Superior Supervisor Cherie L. Hagen, City Economic Development Director Jason Serck, Mayor Jim Paine, and DNR Northern Region Secretary Director James Yach. These earlier messages detail ongoing coordination efforts, including internal DNR meetings, requests for supporting documents, and evaluation of a proposed reduction in the easement area. The DNR previously indicated its need to review the historical basis for the easement, the implications for coastal habitat protections, and whether alternative parcels might be considered to offset any lost conservation acreage.
The November 18 message confirms that the DNR is moving forward with its evaluation and preparing to contact the City directly. Antonuk notes that James Yach will be reaching out to Jason Serck once the agency is ready to present its findings or next steps. Van Sickle is invited to participate in this forthcoming discussion, reflecting ongoing collaboration and an effort to keep the City fully informed.
Overall, this document demonstrates continued administrative engagement around clarifying and potentially revising the conservation easement tied to the Paine Property near Barker’s Island. The emails underscore the importance of interagency communication, transparency with landowners, and preserving habitat considerations while determining a workable path forward. No decisions are finalized within this document, but progress and ongoing action by the DNR are clearly communicated.
