Shawano County board approves sale of former Boulder Ranger Station land to village

The Natural Resources Board meeting held on January 22, 2025, focused on several key agenda items, including a land sale and recommendations for the upcoming bear harvest season.

The meeting commenced with a proposal from Terry Bay, Director of the Bureau of Facilities and Lands, regarding the sale of 7.04 acres of improved land to the village of Bowler in Shawano County. The land, previously used as the Boulder Ranger Station, is being sold for its appraised value of $58,000. Bay noted that the sale would retain a stream bank easement along the North Branch and Barris River, ensuring public access for fishing and future habitat management. The property, acquired by the department in 1939 and expanded in subsequent years, is no longer necessary for state conservation purposes following the construction of a new ranger station in Gresham.

During the discussion, board member Doug inquired about the property’s location within the original boundaries of the Stockbridge-Munsee Reservation and whether there had been discussions with the tribe regarding the sale. Bay confirmed that the tribe had visited the property but ultimately decided not to pursue acquisition. The board also addressed an encroachment issue related to the sale, which would be resolved through the transaction.

The board then moved to a vote on the proposed sale, which was unanimously approved.

Following the land sale discussion, Randy Johnson, the large carnivore specialist, presented recommendations for the 2025 bear harvest season. He began by reviewing the previous year's bear harvest data, setting the stage for the upcoming season's proposals.

The meeting concluded with a clear progression through the agenda items, highlighting the board's commitment to managing state resources effectively while ensuring public access and conservation efforts. Further discussions and decisions regarding wildlife management are anticipated in future meetings.