Oneida County forestry revenue finishes about $72,000 below budget after weak hardwood markets

Rady, a member of Oneida County forestry staff, reported that December stumpage revenue totaled $236,310.03, bringing final 2025 gross timber revenue to $1,033,814.30, including a small non-county sale of $1,547.90. Rady told the Forestry, Land & Recreation Committee that final gross stumpage revenue came in approximately $72,000 below the department's 2025 budget.

Rady also reported that January stumpage was $36,952.38, significantly below the five-year year-to-date average. "Hardwood markets are not doing well," Rady said, and noted a few aspen jobs have recently begun work that may help production later in the year.

Tanya Tischendorf, committee secretary, explained that 2025 line-item transfers and chargebacks remain in progress and that expenses should remain within budget, but the department will operate with lower-than-expected timber revenue. John Gillen, DNR liaison, said WDNR staff have been preparing timber sales for the county's spring bid opening and conducting reconnaissance to support upcoming sales.

Curt Rollman, WDNR wildlife biologist, told the committee mowing of wildlife openings in the Town of Lynne is scheduled for 2026 and that he is seeking external grant funding to offset those costs. Rollman also noted changes to deer management units and a need for public representatives for the new unit committees, items the DNR is handling separately from timber sales.

The committee did not take additional formal action on stumpage projections at the meeting and will continue to monitor revenues and timber sale schedules. Committee members listed timber sale extensions and other forestry items on the March agenda for further review.