As part of a study of the quality of life in northwestern Wisconsin, questions re: important problems, public services, and environmental concerns were asked of a sample of 150 people in each of 5 counties (Bayfield, Douglas, Price, Taylor, and Washburn) in 1974. Responses to similar questions asked in a 1973 study of Ashland, Burnett, and Rusk Counties and in a 1974 statewide survey were used for comparisons. Responses to the three areas of concern were categorized as: (1) most important community problems (national economy, local economy, taxes, lack of public services, disorder, lack of cooperation, environment); (2) public services (job opportunities, public schools, public libraries, fire protection, water supply, medical services, crime prevention/control, police relations, neighborhood safety at night, streets/roads, public transportation, stores/retail services, indoor and nearby recreation); (3) environmental concerns (stream, lake, and/or air pollution; soil erosion; wildlife reduction; litter; crowded recreation areas; noise; people living too close). Comparative analysis revealed: the overriding concern was economic; the magnitude of economic problems had increased during 1974; the general perception of specific environmental problems was stronger than in 1973; public service problems were in the areas of transportation, medical care, retail services, and indoor recreation. (JC)