NR 44.06(10)(a)(a) Management objective. The management objective of the wild resources management area is to provide and maintain land and water areas where natural ecological processes predominate and evidence of human cultural impact is low; there is little or no visible resource management activity and facility development is limited to primitive recreational uses.

NR 44.06(10)(b)(b) Designation. This classification may be applied to undeveloped areas or areas that have the potential to be restored to a substantially wild appearing condition. Areas with pre-existing structures or landscape alterations may be included under this classification provided the overall objective of the classification can substantially be met.

NR 44.06(10)(c)(c) Management. Management activities are limited and must be consistent with the management objective specified in the master plan for the area. The master plan may authorize management activities or techniques for the purpose of protecting or enhancing the outstanding natural or aesthetic values of the area or restoring the wild character of the area or ecosystem, for improving a degraded environment caused by recreational use or past management or development activities, to remove structures, roads or other cultural impacts, or to construct or maintain compatible recreational facilities. Compatible recreational facilities are those authorized by the recreation setting subclassification assigned to the area. Management, enhancement or restoration activities shall be conducted in a manner that will minimize, to the extent practicable, the perception of human activity in the area. In addition, the following shall apply:

NR 44.06(10)(c)1.1. Planting native vegetation appropriate to the area and site and limited vegetation cutting is authorized to achieve the management objectives of this class. Vegetation management or timber harvesting activities, other than that allowed under this subsection, is not authorized;

NR 44.06 NoteNote: Examples of authorized vegetation cutting activities include the thinning of residual tree plantations to create a more natural appearing forest condition, the removal of trees considered to be a hazard to the public or when associated with the construction and maintenance of authorized recreational facilities and the removal of exotic species.

NR 44.06(10)(c)2.2. Road construction or reconstruction to support management and restoration activities shall be limited to the degree possible and all roads shall be abandoned and the area restored following completion of the management activity, except when specifically authorized by the master plan for continued use for recreation or other purposes in an area designated as a Type 2 recreational use setting described under s. NR 44.07 (5);

NR 44.06(10)(c)3.3. Management actions to control exotic or other species that threaten the wildland character or outstanding natural values of the area are authorized when identified in the master plan;

NR 44.06(10)(c)5.5. Pre-existing structures that are not specifically authorized by the master plan, including roads, buildings, bridges and dams or remnants of them, shall be removed and the area shall be restored to the degree practicable and feasible;

NR 44.06(10)(c)7.7. Motor vehicle access for management purposes is prohibited, except to respond to significant health and safety and other emergencies, or as specified in the master plan to conduct prescribed restoration activities.

NR 44.06(10)(d)(d) Applicable recreational use setting subclassifications. The Type 1 and Type 2 recreational use settings in s. NR 44.07 are compatible with this classification; however, for a Type 2 recreational use area, the land management activities and non-recreational facility development shall be consistent with this subsection.

NR 44.06(10)(e)(e) Master plan components. The master plan shall identify:

NR 44.06(10)(e)3.3. Where appropriate, management activity time schedule guidelines, any special development, vegetation management and maintenance requirements or restrictions, and any requirements for public health, safety and welfare;

NR 44.06(10)(f)(f) Wilderness lakes and wild lakes.

NR 44.06(10)(f)1.a.a. “Wilderness lake” means a lake or grouping of lakes of 5 or more acres with an undeveloped shoreline, no road access and no structural development, except for primitive campsites, within 1/4 mile of the shoreline and where human influence upon the landscape visible from the lake is not noticeable.

NR 44.06(10)(f)1.b.b. “Wild lake” means a lake or grouping of lakes of 5 or more acres where human influence upon the lake and its surrounding lands is not conspicuous; it has an undeveloped shoreline and, with the exception of primitive campsites and limited roads that may be present to provide access to or near the water’s edge, no structural developments are visible from the water.

NR 44.06(10)(f)2.2. ‘Wilderness lake.’ In addition to the other requirements of this subsection, the following criteria shall be followed when designating and managing a wilderness lake:

NR 44.06(10)(f)2.a.a. The designated area shall be delineated in the plan and shall include an area that generally extends not less than 1/4 mile from the shoreline and includes, to the extent practicable, the area that can readily be seen from the water;

NR 44.06(10)(f)2.b.b. Motor vehicle use for management purposes or recreational use is prohibited within 1/4 mile of the shoreline, except to respond to significant health and safety emergencies or to accomplish restoration activities specified in the master plan; and