Takeaways from the Baker Lake Road Improvement Meeting: How Wide is Just Right?

Bruce Campbell
Jan 10
3 min read

Updated: Jan 31

January 9, 2025 - Conover Town Hall

Edited on 1/10/2025 to include information from the Baker Lake Road petition.

The Conover Town Board (Karl Jennrich, Chair) offered a public informational meeting on the proposed Baker Lake Road improvements, welcoming comments from citizens about the work scheduled for 2025. About 35 people attended the meeting.

Takeaways:

No changes are planned for the paved section of Baker Lake Road from Hwy S to West Stormy Lake Road
All in attendance agreed the gravel/sand portions of the road need significant work
There was disagreement about how the right-of-way should be managed (see below)
A wider right of way would remove more trees, simplify snow plowing work, and assure emergency vehicle transit
A narrower right of way (or one that preserves the long-lived quality trees) would preserve the road's "character," but might adversely affect the ability to garner road improvement grants in the future
The Wisconsin DNR will actively monitor the work, require a Storm Water Permit, inspect the project, protect water quality, and minimize runoff

Background:

Baker Lake Road first appeared on area maps in about 1946. As far an anyone can remember, no significant surface work has been performed over the past 50 years. The road is best known for puddles, potholes, washouts, and sand pits. At times, It becomes impassable.

The Town of Conover sought bids to improve the road from the end of the pavement to the town line. The only bid (for approximately $1.2 million) was submitted by Pitlik and Wick.

The bid was consistent with Wisconsin DOT Roadway Standards for town roads. The proposal would rebuild Baker Lake Road with a 24’ wide gravel surface to safely accommodate town plows, vehicles, and emergency equipment. A cleared right of way would provide room for drainage and simplified snow removal. The DOT standards provide for a 66’ right of way (33' each way from the centerline) although towns can tighten that based on Average Daily Traffic (ADT) and local conditions. Based on DNR requirements, the right of way is mulched and seeded. Erosion mats are used in areas where there is a slope greater than 3:1.

The Board believes that the proposed work would have similar road and right of way widths as West Stormy Lake Road.

Citizen comments in favor of a wider right of way:

A wider road would improve safety for two-way traffic, especially with trucks, logging vehicles, and town equipment
A wider road offers a better fire break
A wider, flatter, straighter road offers better sightlines for drivers
It might be years before any additional work is possible
A fully DOT-compliant road opens up grant opportunities for subsequent work

Citizen comments in favor of a narrower right of way:

A narrower road will better preserve the character of the region
A wider road might invite more speeding
Given the low traffic volume, a major upgrade at this time seems excessive
The wetlands adjacent to Baker Lake, Nudist Lake, and the Flowage might experience more disruption with a major upgrade.
Joe Hovel, a Baker Lake Road resident, presented written material to the board about previous projects that have not met standards for water quality protection.
Mr. Hovel argues that "the long-lived species out of the traffic areas, such as oak, red or white pine and healthy birch offer valuable shade, and tree canopies provide sought after aesthetics. This shade controls dust, and prevents fire as it retains moisture. Unshaded roads create noxious dust levels. Excessive clearing-disturbance in the ROW is counterproductive, invites invasive weeds, and is unsightly." A petition signed by >30 area residents argues against the removal of healthy long-lived specimens from the right of way. The petition is below: