USDA Forest Service installs new sign honoring David R. Obey

William Lien WDIO

Driving along U.S. Highway 2 in Ashland, you might see something new. USDA Forest Service officials announced a new temporary identification sign in place at the David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC).

The David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, however, was officially renamed in 2020 to honor Representative David R. Obey. The former U.S. Representative for Wisconsin’s 7th District served from 1969-2011.  

He is the longest serving member of Congress in Wisconsin history. While over 10,000 men and women have served in the House in the nation’s history. Only 21 representatives, however, have served longer compared to Rep. David R. Obey.

Obey served on three major economic committees in the Congress. He helped with the Budget Committee, the Joint Economic Committee, and the Committee on Appropriations, which he also chaired.

Throughout his career he’s been a leader of progressive forces on issues including worker rights, education, health care, medical research, environmental protection, but also international relations. Obey has also been a key leader in Congressional reform efforts and chaired the committee that wrote a new code of ethics for the House in 1977.

He played a leadership role in the passage of the American Economic Recovery Act after the economic collapse of 2008. He also presided over the House when it passed the landmark Health Insurance Reform Act.

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest installed a temporary sign along U.S. Highway 2, meanwhile a permanent sign replacement is planned for 2025. The project is funded through the Great American Outdoors Act. The Forest Service also received funding to replace the NGLVC parking lot to provide a safe surface for visitors.    

Just a few of the services provided at the NGLVC include:

  • Information about recreation opportunities, trail conditions, and more;  
  • Permits for collecting forest products, including fire wood; 
  • Interagency Passes for access to federal lands;  
  • Annual Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest stickers for use at day-use fee areas. 

The NGLVC is open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each week. Passes are also available for purchase at the center from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

The David R. Obey Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center is located at 29270 County Hwy. G, Ashland, Wisconsin, 54806. More information is available on the NGLVC website (https://nglvc.org/) and also on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NGLVC. Although for other stories happening in Northwest Wisconsin you can read more here.