7/23/2026

N. WISCONSIN - Three public forums on data centers and their potential impact on rural northern Wisconsin are set for this month. Hosted by UW-Madison Extension, the sessions will help Ashland and Bayfield County residents and officials understand potential impacts, including land use, water, energy and taxes. Officials say there are no current data center proposals, but they want communities prepared if one is submitted. The Ashland Daily Press reports those forums are scheduled at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, near Ashland, on the 27^th from 6 to 8 p.m. and the 28^th from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. No registration is required. Additional presentations are planned for the Ashland County Board at 9 a.m. on the 28^th at the Ashland County Courthouse, and the Bayfield County Board at 6 p.m. on the 28^th at the Bayfield County Courthouse in Washburn.