Lincoln County Seeks Community Input on Outdoor Recreation and Economic Growth

Lincoln County is exploring how outdoor recreation can support local businesses, strengthen downtowns and contribute to long-term economic growth.

A community workshop took place Thursday at the Lincoln County Service Center in Merrill, following a public session Wednesday evening at SARA Park Hall in Tomahawk. The sessions are part of Lincoln County’s participation in the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation’s Outdoor Recreation Technical Assistance Program, in partnership with UW–Stout’s Center for Sustainable Communities. The initiative brings together local stakeholders and state and federal partners to assess recreation infrastructure, including trails, water access and wayfinding, while identifying opportunities to better support tourism-related businesses and community development.

Input from residents, business owners, outdoor recreation groups and tourism operators is intended to help identify local needs and guide future planning, capital investments and regional partnerships. Sara Guild, executive director of the Lincoln County Economic Development Corporation, said the feedback gathered through the workshops will help determine challenges and opportunities as the county works toward a long-term outdoor recreation strategy.

The effort also examines the connection between recreation and downtown planning, with the broader goal of creating stronger communities for residents and visitors alike.