Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Land, Water and Forest Resources Committee approves land trade; timber sales continue strong with over $1.4 million sold
Summary
The county committee approved swapping an 80‑acre county parcel for a private 38‑acre parcel plus $117,444.66, and reported strong timber‑sale activity: 20 of 22 tracts sold in spring sales with more than $1.4 million value.
The Sawyer County Land, Water and Forest Resources Committee reported May 7 that forestry activity and timber sales remain robust and approved a land trade and other administrative items.
Committee materials and forestry staff reported six active timber sales, five closed in April, and a combined current sold and uncut timber value of more than $3.8 million. The spring timber sale offered 22 tracts; bids were received on 20 tracts and the committee unanimously approved the sales, which produced more than $1.4 million in sold timber value.
The committee also reviewed a proposed land trade that would convey an 80‑acre county parcel in a remnant (REM) status in exchange for a private 38‑acre parcel plus $117,444.66; the committee approved the trade without a negative vote. County forester Greg Peterson and staff discussed timber-sale timing, the need to balance recreation and forestry uses, and recommended the trade because the parcel to be acquired aligns with active harvest and management units.
Other committee actions included setting initial listing prices for tax‑foreclosure parcels at appraised (Novus) values and reviewing conservation and zoning reports. The committee also heard public comment on the Seeley Forest Trail proposal and discussed potential impacts to trail density and timber‑sale administration.
Why it matters: timber revenues and land exchanges affect county forest management, revenue and long‑term stewardship. The committee said the sales and trade decisions fit the county’s forest management obligations.
Next steps: forestry staff will continue timber-sale administration, implement the land swap after required actions, and report back to the committee on any follow-up items.
