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Sawyer County committee backs state Forestry Revitalization Act; forestry staff report strong timber sales and trail rehab
Summary
The Sawyer County committee adopted a resolution supporting the Wisconsin Forestry Revitalization Act and heard a county forestry update reporting robust timber sale activity, September revenue and a $65,500 grant-funded trail rehab contract.
The Sawyer County Land, Water, and Forest Resources Committee voted to support the Wisconsin Forestry Revitalization Act and received its monthly county forestry report, which showed active timber sales, strong recent conditions and a grant-funded trail rehabilitation project.
Committee members voted to forward a resolution backing the state-level Forestry Revitalization Act, introduced in the Legislature by Senator Felizkowski and Representative Greene, which proponents described as a proposed $210 million investment in northern Wisconsin forestry and associated economic incentives. Presenters said the Act would include a $150 million bond component with repayments through forestry accounts and $60 million in tax-incentive economic development funds, and that supporters expect it to create mill and forestry-related jobs in the region.
County forestry staff reported 11 active sales listed for the month, seven sales closed in September and a sale value (sold and uncut on file) just over $4,000,000. September revenue was reported as a little over $190,000 and the department said year-to-date revenue remains slightly short of a $1,850,000 budget goal but that current conditions could produce a significant overage if they continue.
Staff said seven timber tract reviews were submitted during the month and a fall timber-sale prospectus is being prepared with a bid opening in October or early November. Oak-wilt treatments continue where infected trees are found. The forestry report also noted the start of the Trail 3 rehab project from County Highway F, an ATV bridge rehabilitation contracted at $65,500 and covered 100% by grant funding.
Committee members moved and approved the resolution in support of the Forestry Revitalization Act; the motion passed by voice vote and the item will be forwarded to the full county board. Committee members and presenters emphasized timber and tourism as primary local economic drivers and noted that higher-paying plant jobs and related services could benefit the area if the Act proceeds.
No formal county expenditure or binding commitment to the state proposal was made at the meeting; the action was a resolution of support to be transmitted through county procedures.
