Sawyer County committee approves timber sales and Seeley Forest Trail project

The Sawyer County Board convened on May 15, 2025, to discuss various topics related to forestry, land management, and trail development. The meeting began with a report from Greg Peterson on forestry activities, highlighting six active timber sales and five sales that were closed in April. The current value of sold and uncut timber stands at over $3.8 million.

The committee reviewed and approved a proposed land trade involving an 80-acre parcel in Sawyer County for a private 38-acre parcel, along with a payment of $117,444.66. Additionally, bids were received for 20 out of 22 tracts offered in the spring timber sale, which was unanimously approved by the committee, generating over $1.4 million in timber sales.

Public comments were heard regarding the Seeley Forest Trail proposal. Concerns raised included trail crossings, conflicting uses, construction, maintenance, and signage. Peterson expressed reservations about developing the trail in the proposed location due to factors such as terrain, soil composition, forestry staffing limitations, and potential liability issues related to ADA compliance. After extensive discussion, the committee voted 3 to 2 in favor of the Seeley Forest Trail project.

Brodie Fisher provided the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) report, noting that a new DNR representative will be reporting next month. Mister Davidson presented the motorized trail report, indicating that the Trails Alliance has invested $2 million into the county's trail system since 2020.

Zoning and conservation updates from Mister Kozlowski included staff training, a tree sale, dam checks, nonmetallic mining inspections, and summer camp activities. He also mentioned a petition submitted to the DNR regarding the Billy Boy Dam on Whitefish Lake, which seeks to raise the water level by six inches, necessitating a public hearing due to drought conditions affecting water levels.

Treasurer Brian Lehner presented a list of properties in the tax foreclosure process, explaining that the first listing must be at appraised value. If properties do not sell, lower prices can be set by committee vote. The committee unanimously approved the initial listing of these parcels at their appraised values. Additionally, the committee approved the acquisition of an underwater parcel in Nelson Lake, as requested by the owner of tax ID number 44390, who wishes to grant ownership to Sawyer County.

The meeting concluded with a review of the land, water, and forest resource management plan, which began on May 12. Overall, the meeting addressed significant forestry and land management issues, with key decisions made regarding timber sales, land trades, and trail development.