A 24-mile stretch of the Wolf River, from the Langlade-Menominee County line downstream to Keshena Falls, was designated as a National Scenic River in 1968. “Noted as one of the most scenic and rugged rivers in the Midwest, the Wolf flows through the Menominee Reservation. The river is not developed for public use.”
“The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management that crosses political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.”
(Source: National Wild and Scenic Rivers, http://www.rivers.gov/)
By Richard D. Ackley, Jr. (Sokaogon Chippewa)
There is a marker near Reno-Sparks, Nevada which I read, a few years back while attending an AMERICORPS VISTA Supervisor training that read:
“The sun shines not on us, but in us. The rivers flow not past us, but through us.”
The Wolf River maintains a deep presence in the hearts of Native people, as it brings a sense of peace and a connection to the past when life was unencumbered without the ever-present threat of pollution and degradation. It continues to offer a healing power reminding that no matter what happens-it can always be drawn upon for strength and rejuvenation. Our Creator knew that the Sokaogon Ojibway people would ultimately be chosen, long before it took land into trust for its reservation, as the true “Guardians of the Wolf River.”
This was evident when the Sokaogon, along with its allies, defeated multi-national conglomerates in a 30-year battle to keep them from establishing a metallic-sulfide mining operation at the headwaters of the Wolf River, here in northeast Wisconsin. Only our Creator could have known that a tiny group of spirited Indian people would have a voice “heard round the world” to gain victory against a mega-billion dollar industry.
The legacy of the river lives on, as do the people who protect the Earth as Mother Nature smiles from above.
Welcome to the website of the Wolf River Scenic Byway Initiative.
The Wolf River Scenic Byway Initiative is a community-based enterprise that seeks to have Wisconsin Highway 55 and select scenic, cultural, and historical features adjacent to the Wolf River in northeastern Wisconsin, officially designated as a Wisconsin scenic byway, and ultimately a national scenic byway.
This website is where you will conveniently discover in one place, 24/7, news and information about the Initiative. It is especially for communities in and near the Wolf River area in northeastern WI (communities in terms of individuals, businesses, local governments…) who may not be familiar with the byway designation process, or who want to organize efforts, but are not aware of current developments.
Thank you for visiting.
