HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry & Parks Committee - Minutes - 10/9/2012BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING
October 9, 2012
County Board Room
Members Present: Shawn Miller, Chairperson; Marco Bichanich, Vice-Chairperson; Bucky Jardine, John
Bennett and Harold Maki
Members Absent: None
Staff in Attendance: Jason Bodine, Administrator; Steve Probst, Assistant Administrator; and Pat Bruno,
Office Manager
Others in Attendance: Joseph LeBouton, DNR Liaison; Dave Schulz, DNR Team Leader; and Todd
Norwood, Red Cliff Tribe of Lake Superior Chippewa
1. Call To Order of Forestry and Parks Committee Meeting.
The meeting of the Forestry and Parks Committee was called to order by S. Miller at 5:30 P.M.
2. Approval of September 10, 2012 Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: (Jardine, Bennett) to approve the September 10, 2012 meeting minutes. Carried.
3. Public Comment.
S. Miller called for public comments. H. Maki inquired on the feasibility of creating a loop (utilizing Old
Hwy C) near the Valhalla Recreation area to expand parking availability. H. Maki also requested that a Red
Cliff Tribal representative be invited to attend the November meeting for the purpose of learning how the
Tribe conducts timber sales (include as a November agenda item). Dave Schulz introduced himself as the
Wisconsin DNR Interim Team Leader for Bayfield County. No further comments were received.
4. Monthly Financial Report.
Forestry: Timber sale revenues received are at $2.4 million to date; and year end estimates are in the $2.6
million range. Expenses are on budget.
Parks: Revenues received to date are near $93,000 and expenses are as expected with the exception of
increased electrical costs. Bodine expects the revenues will offset the unexpected expense.
MOTION: (Bichanich, Bennett) to approve the September 2012 Financial Report. Carried.
5. Fall Timber Sale Offering.
The fall offering includes 22 sales (1,900+ acres). Bodine is extremely impressed with the timber sale
achievements the entire staff has reached considering several other high priority tasks were also
accomplished.
H. Maki questioned the current timber harvesting wetland restrictions and suggested that restriction issues
could be worked out between the sales administrator and the contract holder rather than “blanket”
restrictions. J. Bodine agreed to consider the suggestion.
MOTION: (Jardine, Bichanich) to approve the Fall 2012 Timber Sale offering as proposed. Carried.
Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Committee Page 2 of 2
October 9, 2012 Meeting Minutes
6. Access Management.
J. Bodine displayed maps to demonstrate the trail access management project progress working toward
potential land use plan changes. Sensitive natural features and erosion issues; and potentially prime areas
for non-motorized vehicle trails were identified.
A discussion brought out several points which include consideration in maintaining viable access for
contract timber hauling; public safety; bermed versus non-bermed; heavy personal vehicle restrictions; all
access public land versus restrictive public land designation; signage; continued communication with
interested stakeholders; and manageable trail maintenance. Although no action was taken, several
committee members favored keeping the status quo with the exception of limiting heavy personal vehicles
on the trails to reduce damage. Public hearings will be scheduled prior to the final presentation to the
County Board.
7. General Discussion Items.
a. FEMA Projects
FEMA funds covered a majority of the cost of the Flagg Road washout and Henkens Road culvert
replacement from the June storm. The repairs are expected to be completed by the spring of 2013.
b. Joseph LeBouton, DNR Representative, Comments.
J. LeBouton and D. Schulz have been working on finalizing the 2013 timber sales. D. Schulz
complimented LeBouton and Bodine for the continued open working relationship.
Adjourned at 6:30 P.M.
Next meeting: Tuesday, November 6, 2012 at 5:30 P.M., Bayfield County Courthouse, Washburn, WI.
Submitted by,
Pat Bruno