Committee weighs who should maintain Sand Lake boat landing and a possible launch fee

Vice Chair Bob Almekinder opened a discussion about the CTH D Sand Lake boat landing after consulting with corporation counsel about cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Almekinder relayed corporation counsel's recommended language that "in cooperation with the DNR, the Committee shall do all things necessary for the protection of the County recreation areas, boat landings and special use areas," and asked the committee to clarify which department would be responsible for maintenance and oversight of the landing.

County Forest Director Jill Nemec said Forestry does not have the manpower, equipment or budget to maintain the landing, which sits on the highway right-of-way rather than inside the forestry project boundary. Alex Hegeman, Oneida County Highway Commissioner, said the ramp into the water needs rock and one or two planks and that the highway department has set aside general fund money for maintenance.

Hegeman said the highway department is working with a company to develop a proposal to administer a launch‑fee program and that "based upon preliminary numbers the projected revenue for the year was about $30,000." Nemec added that Forestry is also working with a company to move some registrations online and recommended the committee determine jurisdiction before installing any kiosk at the landing.

Why it matters: who owns maintenance and enforces rules affects who must budget for repairs, who processes registrations and fees, and what safety and environmental protections are required. If the committee decides the county will administer a launch fee, staff will need time to finalize kiosk placement, online registration and a vendor agreement.

The committee did not adopt a formal policy at the Feb. 19 meeting. Members directed staff to report back with a jurisdiction recommendation and a more detailed proposal for a launch‑fee program and any necessary equipment or contracts.