In a recent meeting held on August 16, 2025, the Sawyer County Zoning Committee reviewed the final plat for Phase 5 of the Preserve subdivision in Hayward, Wisconsin. This phase proposes the development of 21 lots, each exceeding five acres, along with four outlots intended for road access. The meeting served as a public hearing, allowing community members to voice their opinions on the proposed development.

The zoning committee's approval is contingent upon the acceptance of a stormwater management plan, which is currently under review by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The committee emphasized that the final plat cannot be recorded until this plan receives approval. The preliminary plat for this phase was initially granted on May 16, 2025, and the zoning administrator confirmed that the application is complete, pending the necessary stormwater management documentation.

Community feedback was mixed. One resident, Brian Chateen, expressed strong opposition to the development, citing concerns about the impact on the rural character of Hayward and the potential fragmentation of wildlife habitats. Chateen highlighted the importance of preserving the area's natural assets and questioned whether the county had conducted studies on how such developments affect long-standing residents. He urged the committee to consider the long-term implications of expanding residential areas into forested lands.

Another resident, Linda Zilmer, while not explicitly opposing the development, raised concerns about the ongoing fragmentation of forest lands for residential purposes. She pointed out that such developments could lead to increased demands for conservation easements, as the county balances growth with environmental preservation.

Despite the concerns raised, the zoning committee ultimately voted to conditionally approve the final plat for Phase 5, pending the submission of the stormwater management plan and the recording of covenants similar to those established in previous phases. The committee's decision reflects a commitment to responsible development while acknowledging the need for environmental safeguards.

As Sawyer County continues to navigate the complexities of growth and conservation, the discussions surrounding the Preserve Phase 5 development highlight the ongoing tension between community development and the preservation of natural landscapes. The committee's next steps will involve monitoring the stormwater management plan's approval and addressing community concerns as they arise.