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True North Recreational Trail
Bayfield, WI
Lack of Deliberation in the CUP Decision
When our Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was introduced at the Planning Commission, a motion to deny was made immediately, seconded, and unanimously passed. There was no discussion, no questions asked, and no review of the evidence we had submitted. City code requires that reasons for denial be provided in writing, yet it took ten days and a specific request from us before any reasons were given. These reasons were created after the meeting had concluded, with no public record of who made them or when, and no clear accountability that the public can review.
Due process and fairness
CUP decisions are meant to include thoughtful deliberation on whether an application meets ordinance standards. Acting without discussion suggests the decision was predetermined or arbitrary.
Act 67 requirements
Wisconsin Act 67 (2017) requires CUP decisions to be based on substantial evidence, meaning facts tied to the ordinance itself, not speculation or opinion. If reasons were only given after the vote, the denial was not supported by substantial evidence at the time of decision.
Record of decision
The record must include clear findings tied to ordinance standards. Developing reasons after the fact does not meet this legal obligation and undermines the validity of the denial.
“Recreational Trail” is specifically listed as a permitted conditional use in the W-1 zoning code.
Wisconsin Act 67 REQUIRES permits when evidence is provided. Trails are allowed use, denial is unlawful.
Bayfield’s Comprehensive and Recreation Plans support trail development and partnerships with landowners.
Page 9 and 11
We are requesting Reasonable Access: How does the city define reasonable access?
Wisconsin law recognizes that property owners are entitled to reasonable access. Denying access especially by symbolic or physical barriers violates this right.
Page 13
True North Appeal to the Denial of the Recreational Trail & Driveway Access
We have appealed the decision for the reasons below.
Click to Read
How to Help?
Come to the meeting and voice your support. The Bayfield Board of Appeals will review this decision on
Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
There will be an opportunity for public comment, make your voice heard that recreational trails are valued in Bayfield.
This is our last chance to protect access, trails, and shoreline enjoyment of public conservancy land for residents and visitors.
Email the City. Let city leaders know that trails and recreational access to Bayfield’s natural areas matter to you. Respectful community input can make a real difference, and public comments will be considered as the Board of Appeals makes their decision. Your voice truly matters in shaping the future of access to these special places.
Who to contact:
City of Bayfield Clerk’s Office
Public opinion matters. Your opinion will be part of the Board of Appeals decision process.
Example email you can adapt: Subject: Support for the True North Recreational Trail and Recreational Trails in Bayfield City of Bayfield Board of Appeals, I am writing to express my strong support for the True North Recreational Trail as well as for recreational trails and access on conservancy-zoned land throughout Bayfield. The True North Recreational Trail will enhance Bayfield’s outdoor recreation network and supports the vision laid out in the City’s Comprehensive and Outdoor Recreation Plans. Recreational trails are a vital part of Bayfield’s identity, economy, and community well-being. Many of our most beloved trails, like the Brownstone Trail, Big Ravine Trails, and Gil Larsen Trail, were developed on conservancy land using the recreational trail provision in the zoning code. The recent ruling that trails are no longer a compatible use puts both the True North Recreational Trail and the future of trail development in Bayfield at risk. Please uphold the zoning code as written, approve the True North Recreational Trail, and protect the right to develop and maintain recreational trails on conservancy land. Safe access to our natural areas is essential for residents and visitors alike. Sincerely, [Your Name]
Support the True North Recreational Trail and Trail Development on Conservancy Land in Bayfield
True North Sailing Charters is advocating for the development of the True North Recreational Trail on our own Conservancy-zoned land on the north end of Bayfield. Our goal is to add to Bayfield’s rich outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthen the options available for residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of our community, consistent with the city’s Comprehensive and Outdoor Recreation Plans.
On July 15, 2025, the Bayfield Planning Commission denied our request and ruled that recreational trails are not a compatible use of Conservancy-zoned properties in the city. This decision has far-reaching implications beyond just our project, as it may put the future of public access to Bayfield’s natural areas at risk.
If this interpretation stands, it could stop the development of new trails, trailheads, and shoreline access points in Bayfield. Future projects will never happen, and it may even put the existence, upkeep, and legal status of current trails at risk. That means residents and visitors could lose both the future and the legacy of Bayfield’s trail system, from forest paths to Lake Superior’s shoreline.
Some of Bayfield’s most beloved trails, including the Brownstone Trail, the Big Ravine Trails, and the Gil Larsen Trail, were all built on conservancy land under the recreational trail allowance in the zoning code. With this new interpretation, those kinds of projects and even the protection of the trails we already have are in jeopardy.
Our Project
True North Sailing Charters is working to create a safe, environmentally responsible walking trail on our 1.2 acres of shoreline along Lake Superior. Our goal is to provide access that aligns with the City’s own recreation and comprehensive plans while protecting the natural character of the land.
We are also advocating for the City of Bayfield to formally recognize that recreational trail development is a compatible use of Conservancy-zoned land. This recognition is essential not only for our project, but for the future of trails and shoreline access across Bayfield’s public and private Conservancy lands.
Potential for Future Public Lake Superior and Waterfall Access
There is a rare opportunity to create a public trail connection on nearby city-owned land that would lead to a 30-foot sandstone waterfall, a gravel beach, and a sheltered sandstone cove on the shore of Lake Superior.
Both the City’s current Comprehensive Plan and Outdoor Recreation Plan have identified this as a priority for new pedestrian access, a project that would become a lasting asset for residents and visitors alike.
But this opportunity is now at risk.
The recent Planning Commission sets a precedent that recreational trails incompatible with Conservancy-zoned land, a decision that threatens to block future projects like this one. The Board of Appeals will decide on September 11th whether to uphold or overturn that determination. Their choice will determine whether Bayfield embraces new trail opportunities and access to its natural treasures, or closes the door to public access for generations to come.
By working together with landowners and with a clear vision for the future, Bayfield can fulfill its Comprehensive Plan and create meaningful new recreational opportunities. Trails like these strengthen community health, connect people with nature, and make Bayfield an even more beautiful place to live. With public support and a willing city planning commission, this vision can easily become reality. Voice your support today of the compatibility of Recreational Trails on Conservancy Lands, or lose access forever.
Public opinion matters. Your opinion will be part of the Board of Appeals decision process.
Advocacy work and trail building takes resources. If you would like to contribute financially, we encourage donations to a local trail nonprofit, Bayfield Area Trails Association, which is dedicated to building and protecting trails in our community. You can donate directly at the link below. Every contribution helps Bayfield Area Trails Association to continue the fight to keep Bayfield’s trails, and natural areas open and accessible for everyone.
Bayfield Area Trails is a local non-profit dedicated to trail development and advocacy.
Planning Support for Trail Development
We support community access to public spaces and encourage the City of Bayfield to develop trail access on publicly owned lands that the city already owns and has identified as a priority for recreational development in its Comprehensive and Outdoor Recreation Plans.
The compatibility and development of recreational foot trails in this area are specifically mentioned as key goals in the City of Bayfield’s current Comprehensive Plan and Outdoor Recreation Plan. Both documents highlight the importance of expanding recreational opportunities and working with private landowners to achieve these goals.
From the Comprehensive Plan:
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Goal 4: Providing quality recreational opportunities and experiences. “Preserve, maintain, and enhance trails, especially along the waterfront.” (Page 9)
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Goal 16: Developing a unified trail system and waterfront connections. “Place an emphasis on trails along the waterfront, notably a trail from the City to Dalrymple Park.” (Page 11)
The Outdoor Recreation Plan also identifies cooperation with private landowners as a priority for accomplishing these goals. The proposed True North Recreational Trail aligns directly with these objectives, adding to Bayfield’s outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthening the trail system envisioned by the City.
The Outdoor Recreation Plan also identifies cooperation with private landowners as a priority for accomplishing these goals. The proposed True North Recreational Trail aligns directly with these objectives, adding to Bayfield’s outdoor recreation opportunities and strengthening the trail system envisioned by the City.
“The comprehensive plan is our community’s vision for its future. It serves as a policy statement made to help guide anticipated growth and meet community goals. A good plan should provide predictability and consistency, promote economic development, make efficient and equitable use of local services infrastructure and tax dollars. Support Bayfields current quality of life and guide decision making to support a resilient community in which everyone thrives”
- Bayfield Common Council
Photo's of True North & Bayfield City Conservancy Land Located Between Hwy 13 and Lake Superior
