Private Forestry News

Input Invited on Forest Tax Law Handbook Updates

Posted on by Kirsten Held

The DNR Division of Forestry prioritizes soliciting stakeholder input on division documents. As a division, we are committed to informing and involving our stakeholders in the development and review of materials that guide our programs. Inviting stakeholders to provide input is not only good customer service, it also creates opportunities to identify potential concerns and unforeseen impacts, understand diverse perspectives and determine the level of stakeholder support for division documents. To review and provide feedback on a document, go to the DNR Forestry Public Comment webpage here. 

DOCUMENT AVAILABLE NOW FOR STAKEHOLDER INPUT:
Document Title: Forest Tax Law Handbook HB2450.5
Contact Person: Skya Rose Murphy, skyar.murphy@wisconsin.gov or 608-843-1551
Due Date: June 4, 2021
For a detailed description of document updates, visit the webpage here.

Tax Law Strategic Plan Released

Posted on by Kirsten Held

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry’s Tax Law Section has released their strategic plan developed to further meet the Division of Forestry’s Strategic Direction 2017-2022 intent to “… continue to improve administration of the Tax Law programs, focusing on a new service model which will consolidate tax law work into fewer positions and develop expertise in staff.”

The new strategic plan focuses on five goals with associated objectives designed to guide section efforts to increase completion of sound forest management through landowner engagement, cooperator commitment and staff expertise.

This plan does not include the specific tactics that will be utilized to achieve the objectives and strategies. The Tax Law Section will be soliciting feedback from the Wisconsin Private Forestry Advisory Committee (WPFAC) and other key stakeholders to develop and finalize an implementation plan to be released later this fall. That plan will detail tactics and tools to achieve specific objectives affiliated with the five goals.

We are excited and ready to work collaboratively with our customers and partners to move the tax law program forward and better serve the people of Wisconsin and their resource.  Please direct questions to R.J. Wickham, Tax Law Section Chief at Richard.Wickham@Wisconsin.gov or 920-369-6248

Assistance for private woodland owners impacted by recent storms

Posted on by dianegunderson

Severe storms swept the northwest, northeast, and west central portions of the State from Friday, July 19th through the evening of Saturday, July 20th. The storms consisted of severe straight-line winds, large hail, heavy rains, and tornadic activity, resulting in significant tree damage on both public and private properties. Left unchecked, damaged trees can also result in major economic losses and create significant forest management problems. The DNR has been partnering with local municipalities to assist with recovery efforts by helping with debris removal.

In addition, the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry has staff available to assist and connect you with the resources needed to mitigate the damages that have occurred from the recent storms. Depending on the situation, local DNR foresters may provide a property walk through, connect you with Cooperating Foresters and Logging Operators that work in the area, provide you with publications and information or direct you to federal resources such as the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Find your local DNR County Forester by going to mywisconsinwoods.org/foresters/

 

My Wisconsin Woods Values Your Woodlands

Posted on by dianegunderson

YOUR WOODS can be a source of food for your family.
OR your favorite hunting ground.
OR even create a source of income!

Whatever you value most, your woods are your gateway to the outdoors. Whether you own several hundred acres or just enough to take a short walk, sustainably managing your woodland is important. The best part is you don’t have to do it alone. My Wisconsin Woods, a public, private partnership serving woodland owners across the state, has launched a comprehensive landowner portal to connect you with natural resource professionals, forestry events in your area, and free information and materials. Recently released is a video series for landowners who are curious about what forestry benefits might exist or have nagging concerns. This series was made possible through the generous support of the Ruffed Grouse Society and David Moore with production and content provided by the Department of Natural Resources, Aldo Leopold Foundation and Driftless Area Land Conservancy.

So let’s go exploring …

May 18: WWOA Open Woods events across Wisconsin

Posted on by dianegunderson

Are you a woodland owner who would like to learn more about caring for your woodlands and keeping it healthy? Perhaps you are thinking of purchasing woodlands?  This day is for you!

YOU are invited to join Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association’s (WWOA) 40th year celebration of educating and assisting Wisconsin’s private woodland owners by attending one of their Open Woods events on Saturday, May 18, 2019. WWOA members around the state will celebrate by opening their private woodlands to the public and hosting a variety of family-friendly events to showcase how they have improved their land through forest management.

The list of event hosts and activities on the WWOA website continues to be updated, so check back often.​ Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy a walk in the woods or special activity.

Each site will offer a variety of fun events such as walks with the hosts and forester or other natural resource professionals to showcase how the woodlands have been cared for or tentative projects on the land. Other entertainment may include children’s activities with Smoky Bear, crafts, natural bird feeders, wildflower seed bombs, and tree/plant/wildlife identification and exhibits from various nonprofit organizations and agencies. Many locations are also offering snacks and refreshments or encouraging participants to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the woods.

Learn more about caring for your woods at www.wisconsinwoodlands.org

NR 46 available for public comment

Posted on by Kirsten Held

By R.J. Wickham, Tax Law Section Chief – Forestry Field Operation Bureau, Division of Forestry
Contact info: (920) 369-6248, Richard.Wickham@wisconsin.gov

The proposed rules affecting Chapter NR 46 of Wisconsin’s Administrative Code related to Forest Tax Programs, including the Forest Crop Law (FCL) program and the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program, are available for public review and comment.

Signed into law on April 2016, 2015 Wisconsin Act 358 made a number of significant changes to the administration of the FCL and MFL programs requiring a comprehensive update to NR 46. The Forest Tax Section is proposing amendments to NR 46 to become consistent with statutory changes made to Ch.77, Wis. Stats. The proposed updates also include additional changes to NR 46 to incorporate long standing policy and streamline administration of the programs. Our sincere thanks go to the many individuals and partners, including the Wisconsin Private Forestry Advisory Committee, whose review and feedback helped shape these proposed amendments.

Here is the Notice of Public Hearing FR-23-16 document which includes hearing information and explains the process of submitting comments:
https://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/documents/rules/FR2316PublicHearing.pdf

The proposed rule can be accessed here:
https://dnr.wi.gov/news/input/documents/rules/FR2316DraftRule.pdf

Oak in the Driftless Workshop

Posted on by Kirsten Held

Saturday, September 29, 2018  •  UW-Baraboo/Sauk County

This landowner workshop will cover a wide range of topics centered on the idea that oaks, today and in the future, are a shared resource important to people and wildlife in the Driftless Area in southwestern Wisconsin.

Learn from field experts about the many topics around oak during the morning session and continue discussions at lunch (provided); see some of these practices in action during the afternoon session when you to visit one of several woodland properties actively managing oak.

Topics include
• Oak ecology
• Improving wildlife habitat
• Planting trees
• Controlling invasive species
• Properly harvesting trees
• Understanding what your trees are worth
• and much more!

Cost is just $25 (Individual), $40 (Couple)
Hurry! These early-bird rates end August 19th.
Register online now.

Woodland owners annual meeting

Posted on by Kirsten Held

The 39th annual meeting of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association will be September 20-23, 2018 at the Potawatomi Carter Casino and Hotel in Wabeno, Wisconsin.

Join WWOA in northeast Wisconsin and experience all the fun tours and interesting presenters that the Phoenix Falls Chapter members have created for all to enjoy!

Come for a tour or stay for the whole weekend – there a variety of registration options. 

  • Learn a wealth of information from speakers, members, and exhibitors
  • Participate in a variety of exciting and interesting field tours
  • Get ideas to improve your woodland
  • Meet people and organizations who can be a resource for your next woodland activity
  • Broaden your knowledge of the value of sound forest management

Registration for the 2018 Annual Meeting is now available!  Visit this page for descriptions of tours and speakers.

Tree Farm Field Day on August 11

Posted on by Kirsten Held
Tree Farmers Dale and Cathy Paulson

Dale and Cathy Paulson, land stewards and 2017 Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year

The Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee invites you to attend their 2018 Annual Field Day on Saturday, August 11 2018 in Bayfield County in northwest Wisconsin.

Take a 3-hour walking tour of young forest habitat, regenerating woodlands and successional forest along a trout stream as you stroll Dale and Cathy Paulson’s 131-acre tree farm. On this property the Paulsons harvest saw logs and pulpwood, protect the trout stream, keep bees, garden and create works of art in their woodworking shop. Return to the Town of Bell Community Center in Cornucopia, WI for lunch, natural resources displays and programs, and silent auction.

PLEASE REGISTER BY AUGUST 3rd.

Registration is required and covers lunch, refreshments, bus transportation to and from the Community Center in the Town of Bell, and a field tour booklet. Cost: $20/person, $30/couple. For more information and to register visit this site.

Women of WWOA Spring Gathering May 5th

Posted on by dianegunderson

Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association group of women landowners aka The Women of WWOA, was created to offer educational activities and a supportive atmosphere for women landowners to learn more about caring for their woodlands. The group gathers two to three times a year to spend a day learning from each other and natural resource professionals.

The next gathering will be Saturday, May 5th form 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at Mueller’s Quarry Tree Farm in Arcadia, WI.

Get ready for a fun day of learning, walking, listening, and sharing…

  • Walking the land with UW-Extension Assistant Professor Geology, Jay Zambito. He is currently conducting research in the Arcadia Driftless Area
  • Hot picnic lunch- yum!
  • Meghan Jensen, WDNR Conservation Warden in Trempealeau County will discuss her work and answer questions about woodland concerns.
  • Afternoon sampling in erosion retention ponds with UW-Extension’s Randy Mell.

Part of the day will be indoors and part outside, so dress comfortably for both. Think woods casual- jeans, boots, long sleeves, rain gear, hat, etc.

$20/person includes materials, breaks and lunch. Click here to register.