DNR holds hearing on Kohler golf course proposal in Wilson

The Kohler Company is known for its beautiful golf courses, but the one it's proposing in the town of Wilson is raising environmental concerns.

\"I'm asking you to take a stand to prevent a globally rare nature community from being destroyed by greed, power and money,\" declared one woman at a hearing held by the DNR.

It is required to get public input before it issues an environmental impact statement.

Kohler Communications Director Todd Weber tells CBS 58 News that they have already scaled back the design on the 247 acre property.

He says a mere four acres of wetlands will be impacted and the dunes near Lake Michigan will remain intact.

Kohler is also minimizing impact on state park property for access to the site. Again, the company says only four acres would be impacted.

\"To work for us it's got to work for the community,\" Weber said. \"We've been part of this community for 150 years and we take that role very seriously.\"

Kohler runs several courses including the home of the year's PGA, Whistling Straits.

Weber estimates that the Wilson 18 hole course could generate some $20 million annually and create the equivalent of 227 full time positions throughout Sheboygan County. 

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