A - They do. As much as possible. A - Public land was considered for about 20 percent of the mileage of the alternate routes. False claims about routing may be a reaction to the decision not to propose a route through the Chequamegon National Forest. The companies believe the proposed routes have less environmental impact than crossing a national forest.
Concerned citizens have every right to disagree with that assessment.
However, it is wrong to falsely claim that private landowners were deliberately targeted when the companies selected route options. About 400 people gave oral testimony and another 375 submitted written testimony during the nine days of public hearings in communities along the route. The hearings began on November 28 in Rhinelander and ended December 8 in Ladysmith. Testimony was gathered from individuals, businesses, landowners, state, county and local officials, economic development specialists and anyone with concerns about the project. Both oral and written testimony was recorded and will be presented to the three agency commissioners who will make the ultimate decision on the project.