Oneida County committee hears RASTA presentation, approves equipment purchase and annual report

At its May 12 meeting the Oneida County Forestry, Land & Recreation Committee approved several operational items, heard updates from staff and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), and amended a trails plan after a presentation from a local trail organization.

Forestry Director Nemec told the committee the Almon Park beach project is largely complete following removal of a retaining wall and reshaping of the shoreline; a small area may need grass seed and the park is open to the public. Nemec also said the roof replacement for the Almon Park toilet/changing room building is expected to begin soon. Staff reported the department has filled its summer ranger limited-term position, with the employee beginning May 18, and that Oneida County's ATV/UTV trails opened May 1 and the Enterprise Campground opened May 8.

WDNR Liaison John Gillen reviewed the DNR's role for new committee member Lopez and introduced DNR forester Sydney Kottke as a temporary stand-in while the regular liaison prepares for maternity leave. Kottke said DNR continues to staff fire-season response in the Woodruff area and, as of May 2, had met about 95% of the allotted time standards for Oneida County. WDNR Wildlife Biologist Curt Rollman described the Spruce Lake flowage drawdown for waterfowl and summarized recommendations from the Citizen Deer Advisory Council concerning the antlerless deer harvest.

On procurement and agreements, Truitt recommended awarding an ATV purchase to low bidder Fuller Sales and Service for $6,650; Schultz moved to approve the purchase, Briggs seconded, and the motion carried unanimously. Nemec presented the annual special-events agreement with Friends of Townline Lake Park covering two events (a Father's Day fishing event in June and Music in the Bowl in September); the committee approved the agreement (motion by Briggs, second Schultz).

Laura MacFarland, president of RASTA (a local trail association), gave a slideshow on the club's trail maintenance and user groups. Nemec presented proposed amendments to RASTA's five-year plan; the Department and RASTA said they were comfortable with the revisions and the committee voted to amend the plan (motion by Briggs, second Schultz).

Nemec reviewed the Forestry Department's 2025 annual report, noting timber-sale revenue highlights, completion of the Rozell Road culvert replacement, a short snowmobile season in 2024'2025, removal of the Almon Park/Buck Lake retaining wall, and the Spruce Lake flowage drawdown. The committee approved the report for forwarding to the County Board (motion by Sorgel, second Lopez).

Staff provided an invoices-paid report showing April vouchers totaling $22,159.04, including $13,818.80 for grant-funded snowmobile bridge products, and the committee reviewed the April budget/actual report with no concerns. In public comment, Guy Hanson of RASTA noted that many bike trails are maintained as snowshoe trails in winter.

Votes at a glance: ATV purchase to Fuller Sales and Service for $6,650 (mover: Schultz; second: Briggs) ' approved, yes 5; FTLLP special-events agreement (mover: Briggs; second: Schultz) ' approved, yes 5; Amend RASTA five-year plan (mover: Briggs; second: Schultz) ' approved, yes 5; Approve and forward Forestry Department 2025 annual report (mover: Sorgel; second: Lopez) ' approved, yes 5.

The committee set its next meeting for June 2, 2026 and listed future agenda items including election of a vice-chair and consideration of the Kelly Fire Lane road designation. Chair Robert Almekinder adjourned the meeting at 8:43 a.m.