Quad County Tornado Update - September 13, 2007

Lakewood-Laona Ranger District

Vicinity Map (Courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources)

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Quad County Tornado Fact Sheet

What happened?

On June 7, an F3 tornado ripped a swath approximately 40 miles long and a 1/2-mile wide through Menominee, Langlade, Oconto, and Marinette Counties in northern Wisconsin. An estimated 14,000 acres were impacted by this event. Of these, 8,100 acres are within in the boundary of the Lakewood-Laona Ranger District on the Chequamegon-Nicolet, and of the 8,100 acres, 6,800 are on National Forest land in Langlade and Oconto Counties.

Responders were on the scene within two hours, operating in a search and rescue mode. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers made a sweep of the campgrounds that evening to ensure no campers were in harms way. There were no fatalities or serious injuries in the Quad County area, but approximately 30 structures were seriously damaged. No Forest Service facilities were damaged. Approximately five active timber sales were located in the tornado area and were seriously impacted. Forest Service campgrounds underwent minimal damage and are all fully operational (Boulder Lake, Boot Lake, and Bagley Rapids Campgrounds are located in the vicinity of the storm).

Is anything closed now?

Yes. On September 13, 2007 a new Closure Order was issued. Areas still affected by this new order are the Old Graves Road Dispersed Camping Site (FR 2317); the Boulder Lake Bike Trail; and the Spring Lake Dispersed campsite. All other areas identified as closed in the previous Orders are open now. See the Closure Order Map for more details.

Can I clear trees that fell on to my property from Forest land?

Yes, but first you need to pick up a firewood permit at the District Offices in Lakewood or Laona.

What happens next on the National Forest?

Work continues in existing timber sales as several crews are processing and hauling wood. Contracts for the existing timber sales impacted by the storm have been modified to allow for timber salvage operation. The Lakewood-Laona District recently completed an Environmental Assessment for the Quad County Tornado Salvage project. See the Project Page for more information.