History and Project Design 1.1 The Setting The Chequamegon Bay region encompasses a unique population of some 20,000 people around the south shore of Lake Superior. Six communities - the cities of Ashland, Washburn and Bayfield, the Town La Pointe, and two bands of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe), Red Cliff and Bad River - are situated around the bay. The area abounds with year-round recreational opportunities, and serves as a gateway to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, a beautiful 21-island archipelago that attracts boaters, kayakers, sailors, and campers eager to explore its natural wonders. The natural beauty of the Chequamegon Bay region is perhaps its strongest asset. The local economy has experienced significant changes over the past century. Until the 1960s, much of the region relied on resource extraction, shipping, and manufacturing. After the logging, large sawmills and shipping industries were depleted, the region suffered a severe economic downturn whose effects linger to this day. The two county jurisdictions encompassing the Chequamegon Bay region (Ashland and Bayfield Counties) rank significantly higher in unemployment, and incomes are significantly lower than the statewide average. Table 1: Economic Data for Selected Areas in Chequamegon Bay Region | Municipality | Poverty Rate | Unemployment | Median Household Income | | Wisconsin | 8.7 % | 5.0 % | $ 43,791 | | Ashland County | 11.9 % | 8.1 % | $ 31,628 | | Bayfield County | 12.5 % | 8.5 % | $ 33,390 | | City of Ashland | 12.7 % | 8.7 % | $ 30,853 | | City of Bayfield | 11.8 % | 7.2 % | $ 32,266 | | City of Washburn | 10.3 % | 6.7 % | $ 33,257 | | Bad River Reservation | 11.9 % | 9.6 % | $ 27,303 | | Red Cliff Reservation | 12.9 % | 18.3 % | $ 24,412 | Source for Unemployment and Household Income and poverty rate for cities: 2000 Census of Population and Housing, SF3 Source for the Poverty Rate for other entities: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/flp/cts/index.cfm | With these existing economic challenges in the region, there is a growing diversity of niche-based businesses ranging from small manufacturing, tourism, healthcare, and higher education to sustainable timber harvesting and organic farming. Although many people struggle to make ends meet economically, there remains a strong sense of place and a creative community synergy in the Chequamegon Bay region. People share common values - clean air to breathe, safe water to drink, and healthy food to eat. One thing that draws common ground with area residents, regardless of background or political beliefs, is that Lake Superior and other natural treasures in the area must be protected. These resources are not only vital to the region, they are also extremely vulnerable.
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