HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry & Parks Committee - Agenda - 5/13/2024Forestry & Parks Department
117 East Fifth Street - P.O. Box 445 - Washburn, WI 54891
Phone: 715-373-6114 - Fax: 715-373-0114
forestry@bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
May 6, 2024
Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Committee Meeting Agenda
Fred Strand
Steve Sandstrom
Charly Ray
Larry Fickbohm
Jeff Olsen
The Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Committee will meet on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in
the County Board Room of the Courthouse in Washburn, Wisconsin. This meeting will be held in-person.
The agenda for this meeting is as follows:
1. Call to Order.
2. Election of Forestry and Parks Committee Chairperson. Nominations, discussion and action
regarding this election.
3. Election of Forestry and Parks Committee Vice-Chairperson. Nominations, discussion and action
regarding this election.
4. Public Comment – Limited to 3 minutes per person. 15 minutes total.
5. Approval of the April 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes.
6. Spring Timber Sales. Discussion and action regarding the results of the 2024 spring timber sale
bid opening, including the awarding of contracts.
7. Land Acquisition. Discussion and possible action regarding the following land acquisition
projects:
a. David and Marsha Picard. ~125 acres in the Town of Bell.
b. Aurora Sustainable Lands. ~160 acres in the Town of Bell.
8. Ten-Year, Temporary Access Permit Requests. Discussion and possible action on the following
requests to access private property:
a. Celeste Finn. Town of Bell.
b. Richard and Andrea Wiitala. Town of Iron River.
c. Dean Kiggins. Town of Hughes.
9. Encroachment on County Forest Land. Discussion and possible action regarding unauthorized
uses of Bayfield County Forest land, including timber trespass:
a. Richard and Andrea Wiitala. Town of Iron River.
b. Koeplitsch, LLC. Town of Hughes.
January 20, 2021
Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee
May 13, 2024 Meeting Agenda
Page 2 of 2
10. 2023 Accomplishment Report. Discussion and possible action regarding the report.
11. Wisconsin County Forests Association (WCFA) Board Member. Discussion and possible action
regarding Bayfield County representation on the WCFA Board of Directors.
12. Committee Meeting Schedule. Discussion and possible action regarding the time and date of
future Forestry and Parks Committee meetings.
13. Monthly Reports. Discussion of general activities, events, issues and accomplishments. Possible
action on the report(s) only.
a) Forestry (all updates):
a. 2024 Budget.
b. 2025 Budget.
c. Carbon Project.
d. Other Land Acquisition Projects.
e. Barnes Barrens Core Expansion.
f. EcoFootprint Grant Award.
b) Campgrounds and Day Use Parks (update).
c) Trails and Recreation (all updates):
a. Motorized Trails.
b. Non-Motorized Trails.
c. Yurts.
d. Events.
14. Recreation Coordinator Position. Discussion regarding the vacant second rec position.
15. Committee Members Discussion. Discussion regarding matters of the Forestry and Parks
Department.
16. Joseph LeBouton, DNR Representative, Comments.
Any person wishing to attend who, because of a disability, requires special accommodations, should
contact the Forestry and Parks Department office at 715-373-6114 at least 24 hours before the scheduled
meeting time, so appropriate arrangements can be made.
Cc: Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee Members
Matt Blaylock, DNR Area Leader
Eric Sirrine, DNR Team Leader
Joseph LeBouton, DNR Liaison
Mark Abeles-Allison, County Administrator
The Daily Press
1
Forestry and Parks Committee Report
May 2024
2. Election of Forestry and Parks Committee Chairperson. Fred, as the Chair from the previous
term, will start the meeting until a new Chairperson is elected. The newly elected Chair will run the
meeting thereafter.
3. Election of Forestry and Parks Committee Vice-Chairperson.
6. Spring Timber Sales. Bids are due by 11:00 on Monday morning and will be opened around
11:30 in the boardroom. The bid opening is open to the public. A detailed summary of the results
will be presented during the meeting. So far, interest has been relatively low, but generally picks up
a few hours before the deadline. I’m still anticipating that many sales will go no bid, especially
those that have been offered repeatedly. Also anticipating a lower than average turnout for a spring
offering. Even though the construction on Hwy 13 in Washburn is supposed to be completed by
early this fall, I feel that many of the sales currently being offered in the peninsula will go no bid.
The re-route, or lack of a viable trucking re-route, has riled many in the logging community. Sales
in the peninsula (or any sale that would come out through Washburn) are impacted. Mark and I are
attempting to meet with officials from the DOT to discuss this again, and hopefully avoid a repeat
in 2027, when the second half of the project is scheduled to begin. A summary of the bid results will
be uploaded to the packets shortly upon completion of the opening early Monday afternoon. Action
will be required to approve the results and award the contracts.
7. Land Acquisition. Appraisals were completed on both properties listed below. I met with
representatives from Aurora earlier this week. Hoping to meet with Picard later this week or
Monday morning.
a. Picard. This is the roughly 125 acre property located east of Hwy C, a few miles south of
Corny, and contains roughly ½ mile of frontage on the Siskiwit River. I’ll share the appraised
value and results of conversations with the family during the meeting, as well as recommended
next steps.
b. Aurora. This is the roughly 160 acre parcel east of Klemik Rd, located a few miles southwest
of Corny and less than a mile west of a similar quarter section we purchased in 2022 (on Lost
Creek #1). This property contains roughly ½ mile of frontage on Lost Creek #2. Similar to
above, I’ll share the appraised value and results of conversations with Aurora during the
meeting, also including the recommended next steps.
Both of these parcels would be eligible for funding through the remaining portion of the ARPA
grant, of which, approximately $267k remains. The cost of an appraisal is also an eligible
reimbursable expense. We need to have a project identified and closed out by the end of this
summer or unused funds will be returned to the state. The ARPA grant will only reimburse the
county up to the appraised value. Any amount paid over the appraised value would be the
responsibility of the county. It’s worth noting because it’s likely that the recommended purchase
price for both of these parcels will be more than the appraised value (my opinion is that the
appraisals did not capture the current real market value for either of these parcels). Attached are
maps of each location.
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8. Ten-Year Temporary Access Permit Requests. Below are numerous requests for standard ten-
year temporary access permits to cross county forest land (maps for each request are attached):
a. Celeste Finn. This would be a reciprocal permit. The county requires permission to cross a
short section of private land (around 70’ in length) and Finn desires the use of a short section of
county land (around 500’). The road exists. No issues. I recommend approval. This landowner
has also requested that the permit be recorded. While a unique request, I don’t see an issue and
recording does change the terms of the permit.
b. Richard and Andrea Wiitala. This request is one of the results of a pending encroachment
issue (addressed below) and was discovered as part of routine work on an adjacent timber sale.
The landowner has been accessing his land on an existing road for the last few years. There are
numerous Wiitala owned properties further north, some of which already have existing access
permits. However, it has come to be known that the existing permit is for a different member of
the Wiitala family. Richard and Andrea do not have a permit for the entire length of road they
are using (around 4,500’ total, in two different sections). This permit would put them in
compliance with current use and address one of the issues. I recommend approval.
c. Dean Kiggins. This is another unauthorized use that was discovered as part of the
establishment of an adjacent timber sale. Consists of a short existing road that has likely been
used by the landowner for some time (around 170’ in length). There is also some garbage and
other items on county land that must be removed. I recommend approval. They also need to
remove the garbage and other items, which they are in the process of doing.
9. Encroachment of County Forest Land. As part of the timber sale establishment process, two
significant encroachments were recently discovered on county land. Maps for each are attached.
a. Richard and Andrea Wiitala. In addition to the unauthorized use of the existing access road
(summarized above), land was cleared in two separate locations. This clearing occurred along
the boundary line. In total, roughly ½ acre was cleared. A portion of the access road, if approved
above, goes through a portion of this cleared area. A small storage shed, on skids, was also
placed partially over the line. The shed has since been removed. My recommendation is to
determine the per acre value of the cleared land by using the averages for similar wood realized
as part of the spring offering. Timber trespass law allows the landowner the ability to charge 1,
2 or up to 4 times the stumpage value, based on the effort (or lack thereof) the encroaching
landowner used when attempting to determine the location of the property line. Since minimal
effort was made in this case, I would recommend charging 2 times the determined value. In
addition to the stumpage charge, the landowner would be charged our admin costs and field
time/mileage required to summarize the extent of unauthorized use.
b. Koeplitsch, llc. This property owner managed (harvested) their land within the last decade.
As part of that, they cut approx. 3 acres of county land. In addition, they installed a fence around
the perimeter of their property, some of which is on county land (around 2,700’ total). The
landowner is required to move the fence to the actual property line. They are encouraged to hire
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a surveyor as part of that process. They also have to remove a deer stand (tower) located on
county land along the north end of the property. Similar to the Wiitala recommendation, I
recommend charging 2 times the average per acre stumpage value for the county land that was
harvested using the per acre values realized from similar sales on the spring offering. Also
charging admin costs, as well as staff time and mileage.
10. 2023 Accomplishment Report. Attached is the report. In general, another very productive year. I
am still tweaking the report and will likely have an updated version to share during the meeting.
11. WCFA Board Member. Attached is some additional information regarding membership. I
believe at the time of this writing, there are 5 open seats on the Board. Rebekah (WCFA ED) is also
putting together some additional information that will be shared during the meeting.
12. Committee Meeting Schedule. It’s been a while since the Committee meeting schedule has been
discussed. Currently, Forestry and Parks Committee meetings are scheduled the second Monday of
every month, starting at 6:00 pm. However, many Committees meet earlier in the day and/or less
often. We have been attempting to target around 8-9 meetings per year, rather than 11-12
(sometimes we’ve hit 10 meetings in a year, but never 9, yet). This item is meant to provide an
opportunity to review the current schedule, and either keep it as is or suggest a different time.
13. Monthly Reports.
a. Forestry
A total of just over $200k was received in April, which is a little below normal. However,
over $160k has already been received in May. To date, a total of just under $1.8 million has
been received, which is slightly above normal. I’d expect a slight slow down in harvest
activities once the ground dries out a bit more and contractors move to other jobs. It’s also
the season for Spongy moth and oak wilt. Of special concern is the mature oak along the
Ashwabay ridge. Another round of defoliation would stress that area for a third straight year.
When combined with the drought last year, we are more at risk for outbreak of two-lined
chestnut borer, which could put us on salvage watch. We’re also looking at delaying all oak
thinnings in that area for 2 to 3 years after the last significant stress event (hopefully this last
round of Spongy moth defoliation). Meaning, the sale in the Ashwabay SMA might be on
hold until 2027. We will be reviewing that SMA plan to determine if other scheduled
treatments should be adjusted or re-considered as well.
a) 2024 Budget. Everything is on target to date.
b) 2025 Budget. Including this item as a placeholder for more significant items that
pop up between now and 2025 budget development. The Rec position (discussed
below), will likely be the most significant item to consider heading into 2025. Also
the potential to start moving forward with some FCOR initiatives (also see below).
The bulldozer needs to be replaced, as do a few remaining old rec vehicles.
c) Carbon Project. Some good news! ANEW is in the process of finalizing a large
carbon buy. Involving around 60,000 credits, for roughly $900k. Terms haven’t
been finalized yet, but this is obviously good news and hopefully a sign that markets
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are improving (and more large sales are on the way). As a reminder, as per our
agreement, ANEW will release funds to the county after their out of pocket costs
have been covered, in addition to their small share of the net proceeds. It is
anticipated that the county will make a total of around $400k from this sale (likely
received in Q4). Since ANEW’s oop will be fully addressed as part of this sale, the
county will be receiving a much larger percentage of the total on all future carbon
sales. Some of these proceeds can be used to address the second Rec position (see
below). And also puts us in a position to consider initiating portions of the COR.
d) Other Land Acquisition Projects. In addition to the two parcels addressed above, we
are still working with Landmark on the Iron River/Maki project. Landmark was
recently awarded $190k from the EcoFootprint grant for that project. And we
should know the result of our Community Forest grant application by either late
May or early June. Landmark will be submitting a request for Stewardship funds
this fall and we are also working with them on a GLRI grant. Other projects are
starting to show up on the radar, including the potential purchase of land around
Pine Lake in Iron River.
e) Barnes Barrens Core Expansion. The Barnes Barrens Management Area (BBMA)
has been in development for the last decade+. Every so often, it’s important to step
back and review progress as well as look at the bigger picture. Since the BBMA was
started, other barrens areas have been established or expanded (or in process) as part
of the DNR’s stepping stone plan/concept. Our Bass Lake Barrens Management
Area (BLBMA) was one of those and established in an area that was roughly in
between the Oulu farm/grasslands (to the north) and the BBMA (to the south). The
Moquah Barrens are located northeast of the Oulu Grasslands and Motts Ravine
(recently approved for expansion) is located to the west of the BBMA. However,
the recommended distance between barrens areas, to best facilitate the movement of
barrens species, is about 3.5 miles. The north end of the BBMA core area is just
under 6 miles from the south end of the BLBMA. Another stepping stone between
BLBMA and BBMA really isn’t realistic. Nor is expanding the BLBMA further
south. One option currently being considered is expanding the north end of the
BBMA core by ¼ to ¾ mile, either in spots or along the entire border. This would
pull the Barnes Barrens core that much closer to Bass Lake and increase the
effectiveness of each permanently open area. Also, some of the recently seeded
areas along that northern edge of the core have been marginally successful. So
timing could be good to consider an expansion. The goal of this topic is to gauge the
willingness of the Committee to consider a northern expansion of the core. If yes,
we’d present a formal plan for action during a future meeting. Attached is a map to
help visualize the area.
f) EcoFootprint Grant Application. We were successful in receiving a $50k grant to
help kickstart a road stream crossing inventory. As part of the inventory, another
goal is to establish an assessment protocol that will be used as part of the routine
road monitoring/inventory program (part of our access management program).
5
Likely modifying more robust and lengthy stream crossing assessments already in
place (but not applicable for our purpose). As part of the grant, significant repairs, if
discovered, will also be prioritized.
b. Campgrounds and Day Use Parks. The campgrounds will open on May 10. We recently
completed the second phase of the retaining wall replacement work at Twin Bear. Once
again, Highway played a major role in helping us complete that work. Attached is a photo of
one of the walls.
c. Trails and Recreation.
a) Motorized Trail Updates: We continue to identify and prioritize trail improvement
projects that can be addressed with the remaining unused maintenance funds for both
the snowmobile and ATV programs. Highway is assisting on many of these projects.
b) Non-Motorized Trail Updates: Starting to gear up for the upcoming season, which
will include installing the new sign at Big Rock. Also various projects at Lost Creek,
Siskiwit and Jolly.
c) Yurt Updates: Yurt rentals continue to stay strong at the Bayfield locations,
especially Terra Cotta. March and April are traditionally the slowest months.
Reservations in June are starting to increase. Below are the current occupancy rates
for each yurt:
d. Events: Recently approved the Chequamegon 100 mountain bike event in Cable.
14. Recreation Coordinator Position. During the last meeting, Charly shared a proposal to move
forward with filling the currently vacant second rec position. Currently, that position has been
approved as a second Rec Specialist and budgeted to be filled around the middle of this year. I’m
still working on a rough collection of thoughts about the Rec position and the future of recreation in
this Department. It’s not ready yet, but I’ll send it to the Committee before the weekend. Hopefully
it will aid in discussion. In short, I think we are ready for a second Rec position, but not as a
Specialist. If we move forward with recreation, the second position should be a Rec Coordinator
and provide more of a leadership role, taking a lead on visioning, program development,
assessments, relationship building, etc. Moving forward in this way would require a shift from a
Specialist to a Coordinator and would likely involve a re-class. Would also likely involve an
increase in compensation. We could target filling that position either later this year, or target Jan 1,
2025 and roll it into the budget for next year. I’d recommend Jan 1, 2025. We’d also have a much
clearer picture on carbon by this fall. If various FCOR initiatives are put in motion (which is
looking more likely now), the priorities of the new position may be a little different than they are
today.
Yurt March April May June Avg
Terra Cotta 68%67%52%53%60%
Evergreen 52%30%35%40%39%
Cable 23%17%26%20%22%
Avg 48%38%38%38%40%
BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING
April 8, 2024
County Board Room
Members Present: Fred Strand (virtually); Jeffrey Silbert; Steve Sandstrom; Larry Fickbohm, Charly Ray
Staff in Attendance: Jason Bodine, Administrator; Steve Probst, Assistant Administrator (virtually); Deanna
Regan, Office Manager
Others in Attendance: Joseph LeBouton, WI DNR (virtually)
1. Call to Order of Forestry and Parks Committee Meeting.
This meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
2. Public Comment: None.
3. Approval of the March 11th Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: (Fickbohm, Ray) Approve minutes and place on file. All: Yes. Carried.
4. 2024 Spring Timber Sale Offering. A total of 30 sales, covering 2,373 acres, with a minimum bid
value of nearly $740k is included in this offering. Of that, 8 sales, covering 611 acres, with a minimum
bid value of nearly $135k are re-offered sales. Most of the sales are in the Bayfield peninsula or south in
Barnes. The reroute through Washburn is expected to have a slight impact on this offering. If the first
half of the scheduled repair work is completed by this fall as planned, the impact should be minimal.
The second half of repair work isn’t slated until 2027.
MOTION: (Silbert, Ray) Approve 2024 Spring Timber Sale Offering. All: Yes. Carried.
5. Timber Sale Contract Extensions. A batch of timber sale contracts are set to expire on May 31, 2024.
All expiring contracts are eligible for a one-year extension. The standard extension involves a 5%
increase on stumpage prices on the first extension, with additional 10% price increases for each
subsequent one-year extension. There is also generally a $100 processing fee assigned to each approved
extension. With the abnormal winter and Hwy 13 construction issue in Washburn, Bodine recommended
the following: a free one-year extension on all timber sales that contained a winter/frozen ground
component, similar to what was recently adopted by the DNR. Also recommends a free one-year
extension on all timber sale contracts that are impacted by the Hwy 13 closure in Washburn. Free would
include a 0% increase on stumpage prices and no processing fee. Regarding the Hwy 13 free extensions,
contractors would need to contact us directly and describe/prove how their contract is impacted by the
closure to be eligible. All other contracts would be eligible for a one-year extension under the normal
terms.
MOTION: (Fickbohm, Sandstrom) Approve Timber Sale Contract Extensions. All: Yes.
Carried.
6. 2024 Town Road Aid Requests. Road aid applications were due on Thurs, April 4. Similar to last year,
$60k is available. We typically get requests from every township that contains county forest land. We’ve
also traditionally distributed available funds to the townships based, in part, on the amount of land
contained within their jurisdictions, similar to how the 10% stumpage revenue sharing proceeds are
distributed. Bodine recommends Option 1. Ray’s question going forward is could we increase funding
Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee
April 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 4
from Forestry or maybe consider awarding more money to fewer towns based on the quality of their
projects?
MOTION: (Ray, Sandstrom) Approve recommended Town Road Aid funding Option 1. All: Yes.
Carried.
7. Recreational Use Request: Washburn Area Chamber. The Chamber is asking to include a mountain
bike ride as part of their annual Superior Vistas Bike Tour event. Mt. Ashwabay and CAMBA both
support the addition. The ride would involve the use of existing trails in the Ashwabay SMA. No
concerns. Bodine recommends approval.
MOTION: (Ray, Fickbohm) Approve recreational use request. All: Yes. Carried.
8. Resolution: Honoring Jeff Silbert. Jeff has been a member of the Committee for 8 years and vice-chair
for 6 of those years. During that time, he has been a passionate and tireless advocate for sound,
sustainable forest management, stressing multiple-use, with a special emphasis on climate smart
forestry; all elements that he helped to firmly entrench in current and future management protocols.
Jeff’s mark on the Forestry and Parks Department will be long lasting. Personally, I’ve very much
enjoyed the level of energy, enthusiasm, and attention that Jeff brought to every meeting. His thoughtful
insights into virtually every topic, including sometimes contentious issues, and unwavering support of
the Department were/are very much appreciated. Thank you, Jeff! Ray commented that the resolution
was well-written and well-deserved. Thank you. Strand conveyed appreciation for Jeff’s service, along
with his congratulations and best wishes. Probst conveyed congratulations. Silbert commented that he
learned a ton of stuff and was very proud of this department.
MOTION: (Ray, Fickbohm) Approve Resolution honoring Jeff Silbert. All: Yes. Carried.
9. Committee Members Discussion. Ray distributed his draft of Bayfield County Trail Opportunities.
This will be added to next month’s meeting agenda for discussion.
10. Joseph LeBouton, DNR Representative, Comments: Congratulations to Jeff for 8 years. We will miss
him.
11. Monthly Reports
a) Forestry (all updates). This abnormal winter continues to push (and keep) contractors into spring
ground earlier than normal. As a result, timber sale activity was above normal throughout most of the
first quarter. The truck re-route around Washburn has created transportation issues on many timber
sales located in the Bayfield Peninsula. The 20 ton weight limit around the city will allow some of the
lighter trucks to pass through empty but not full. Some empty trucks push 43,000 pounds. A request
was made to increase the weight limit to 22 tons to at least cover all empty trucks, but that was denied
by the DOT. The approved DOT reroute is Hwy 13 to Hwy A to Hwy 2. Any material heading east
will be subject to a significant increase in transportation costs. There are closer “local” routes, but
those are at the mercy of towns (Washburn and Barksdale) keeping them open for, what would likely
be, a significant increase in truck traffic. And the closer re-route still adds more mileage to the haul
distances. This means that most contractors that included the use of Hwy 13 in their budget and bid
will choose not to complete those contracts this summer. Until the work is completed, this will impact
some existing contracts, as well as future sales, that would have relied heavily on Hwy 13 as part of
the haul route. This could also have an impact on stumpage returns that we would have otherwise
anticipated this year.
Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee
April 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 4
a. 2024 Budget. Stumpage returns for March were at an all-time high. A little over $790k was
received last month. To date, total stumpage returns are just over $1.52 million. Total returns in
Q1 were roughly $1.55 million, which is well above the pace set last year ($1.05 million) and
well above the three-year average for this time of year ($1.1 million). If typical harvest patterns
continue, there will likely be a fairly significant decrease in timber sale returns in Q2. Combining
volatile markets with abnormal seasons makes it nearly impossible to predict where loggers will
be and when to expect revenue. Expenses are on target.
b. Carbon Project. No new sales to date and nothing new to report.
c. Land Acquisition Projects. Appraisals for the Lost Creek 160 acre parcel (Aurora property) and
the roughly 125 acre Siskiwit River parcel (Picard property) were ordered a few weeks ago.
Delivery is expected on or before April 15. Landmark has committed to helping cover half the
cost of the Picard appraisal.
d. EcoFootprint Grant Application. We submitted another application for grant funding last week.
This project would involve the assessment and potential repair of road stream crossings in the
Lake Superior basin, targeting higher priority South Shore streams. The project was written to be
dynamic in nature, to address initial crossing assessments and inventory first, but allowing
flexibility for pivoting seamlessly to repair work if significant issues are discovered. The grant
request was $50k, with an in-kind match (primarily from staff time and Department equipment
use). If awarded, this grant would align well with the internal Departmental goal of ramping up
road inventory and assessment efforts, with an emphasis on sustainability and long-term use
pressures, as per the access management plan.
e. Development and Land Sales/Fencing. Recently, the Development and Land Sales Committee
was dissolved with those responsibilities shifting to the Forestry and Parks Committee. Bodine
will work with Land Records to incorporate items associated with development and land sales
during future meetings. It’s anticipated that this will occur two or three times per year, depending
on need, and will be addressed at the beginning of the meeting. When land sales/development is
part of the agenda, we could discuss whether to start those meetings earlier or if keeping the
standard 6:00 pm start time would still be preferred. All items listed as part of development and
land sales will still be led by the Land Records Department Head (Scott Galetka). At this point,
I’m assuming that we’ll take the minutes, otherwise, there really won’t be a significant impact on
the Forestry and Parks Department. Fencing moved from Tourism. I don’t believe there has been
a Fencing Committee meeting in roughly 15 years, so this isn’t expected to be a major workload
or common agenda item.
b) Campgrounds and Day Use Parks. We started taking reservations for the upcoming season on April 1.
All seasonal sites have now been reserved. The recent snow put a damper on some of out plans to get a
few tasks done early. Still hoping to get ahead on some spring projects. Work on the next round of
retaining walls will begin as soon as conditions allow.
c) Trails and Recreation.
a. Motorized Trails. Finishing up the routine motorized grant applications for the snowmobile
and ATV trail programs due mid-April. Working with various clubs to complete a variety of
different trail maintenance and improvement projects. Planning with Highway to complete
some of this work.
b. Non-Motorized Trails. BAT/Corny Trails Club volunteers completed the first round of
pruning the old apple orchard on the Siskiwit property. Highway will chip the piles soon.
c. Yurts. Rentals continue to stay strong at the Bayfield locations, especially Terra Cotta, March
and April are traditionally the slower months. Rentals at the Cable location continue to lag
well behind the other two but reservations across the board are expected to pick up in late
April and early May.
d. Events. Nothing new to report.
Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee
April 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 4
MOTION: (Silbert, Sandstrom) Receive reports as presented and place on file. All: Yes.
Carried.
The next Forestry and Parks Committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, May 13th, at 6:00 PM in
the County Board Room.
Meeting adjourned at 6:34 PM.
Submitted by,
Deanna Regan
Purchased in 2022
Potential Acquisition - 160 Acres
Potential Acquisition - 125 Acres
Town of Bell Property
County Forest
County ForestCounty Forest
DNR
Land Acquisition Projects - Town of Bell - Lidar
Bayfield
Override 1
Areas
Override 1
Override 2
Override 3
Override 4
Rivers
Tie Lines
Meander Lines
Approximate Parcel Boundary
Section Lines
Municipal Boundary
All Roads
County
Town
Survey Maps
UnRecorded Map
Recorded Map
Corner Tie Sheets
Section Corner Monument on File
Building Footprint 2009-2015
Changed
Demolished
Existing
New
Unknown
Driveways
Buildings
3/7/2024, 2:21:41 PM
0 0.3 0.60.15 mi
0 0.5 10.25 km
1:12,526
Bayfield County Land Records Department
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/
Purchased in 2022
Potential Acquisition - 160 Acres
Potential Acquisition - 125 Acres
Town of Bell Property
County Forest
County ForestCounty Forest
DNR
Land Acquisition Projects - Town of Bell
Bayfield
Override 1
Areas
Override 1
Override 2
Override 3
Public Land
State
County Other
County Forest
Municipal
Managed Forest Land Entered After 2004 - Open
Managed Forest Land Entered Before 2005 - Open
Rivers
Tie Lines
Meander Lines
Approximate Parcel Boundary
Section Lines
Municipal Boundary
All Roads
County
Town
Survey Maps
UnRecorded Map
Recorded Map
Corner Tie Sheets
Section Corner Monument on File
Building Footprint 2009-2015
Changed
Demolished
Existing
New
Unknown
Driveways
Buildings
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0 0.3 0.60.15 mi
0 0.5 10.25 km
1:12,526
Bayfield County Land Records Department
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/
Length: 72.2 Feet
Length: 505.6 Feet
County Access
Finn Access
Celeste Finn Access Permit Request
Bayfield
Override 1
Lines
Override 1
Override 2
Rivers
Lakes
Tie Lines
Meander Lines
Approximate Parcel Boundary
Section Lines
Municipal Boundary
All Roads
County
Private
Survey Maps
UnRecorded Map
Recorded Map
Corner Tie Sheets
Section Corner Monument on File
Building Footprint 2009-2015
Demolished
Existing
New
Driveways
Buildings
5/9/2024, 9:44:57 AM
0 0.04 0.070.02 mi
0 0.06 0.120.03 km
1:1,566
Bayfield County Land Records Department
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/
Length: 1,373.7 Feet
Length: 3,105.4 Feet
Wiitala Access
Wiitala Access
Wiitala Property
Wiitala Access Permit Request
Bayfield
Override 1
Lines
Override 2
Rivers
Lakes
Tie Lines
Meander Lines
Approximate Parcel Boundary
Section Lines
Government Lot
Municipal Boundary
All Roads
County
Town
Private
Survey Maps
UnRecorded Map
Recorded Map
Corner Tie Sheets
Section Corner Monument on File
Building Footprint 2009-2015
Changed
Demolished
Existing
New
Unknown
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0 0.3 0.60.15 km
1:8,000
Bayfield County Land Records Department
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/
Length: 166.2 Feet
Kiggins Access
Dean Kiggins Access Permit Request
Bayfield
Override 1
Lines
Override 2
Meander Lines
Approximate Parcel Boundary
Section Lines
Municipal Boundary
All Roads
Town
Building Footprint 2009-2015
Existing
Driveways
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0 0.01 0.030.01 mi
0 0.03 0.060.01 km
1:783
Bayfield County Land Records Department
https://maps.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/BayfieldWAB/
NORTHEAST CORNER
SEC.32 T.47N. R.8W.
FOUND 2 14" CAPPED
IRON PIPE
EAST 14 CORNER
SEC.32 T.47N. R.8W.
FOUND 2 14" CAPPED
IRON PIPE
SOUTHEAST CORNER
SEC.32 T.47N. R.8W.
FOUND 2 14" CAPPED
IRON PIPE
CLOSING CORNER
SEC.4 & 5 T.46N. R.8W.
FOUND 2 14" CAPPED
ALUMINUM MONUMENT
RUTH LAKE ROAD
S 00°03'16" E
2,605.77'
S 00°00'21" W
2,621.91'
CL
14' WID ROAD
PERMITTED BY
BAYFIELD COUNTY
DETAIL "A"
DETAIL "B"
S 89°45'17" E227.87'
(39.95 CH)
(39.95 CH)
(N 00°00'16" E)
(2,622.04')
(N 00°03'37" W)
(N 00°21' W)
(39.58 CH)
(N 00°18' W)
(39.92 CH)
(S 89°54'53" E)
(228.15')
14' WID ROAD
NOT PERMITTED BY
BAYFIELD COUNTY
END OF 14' WIDE
PERMITTED ROAD
DETAIL "A"
CLEARED AREA
TREE LINE
(APPROXIMATE)BO
U
N
D
A
R
Y
L
I
N
E
190'±
SHED
ENCROACHES
6.01 FEET
NOT TO SCALE
0.46 ± ACRES
DETAIL "B"
BO
U
N
D
A
R
Y
L
I
N
E
CLEARED AREA
TREE LINE
(APPROXIMATE)
34'±
NOT TO SCALE
0.06 ±
ACRES
BAYFIELD COUNTY LAND RECORDS
117 East 5th Street
Washburn,WI 54891
(715)373-6156
www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
PLAT OF SURVEY
BAYFIELD COUNTY
THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32,
TOWNSHIP 47 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST,
TOWN OF IRON RIVER, BAYFIELD COUNTY, WISCONSIN
Drawn by: RAT
Field work completed: 3/27/2024
BEARINGS ARE GRID BASED
WCCS - BAYFIELD COUNTY
NAD 83 (2011)
WITH THE EAST LINE OF THE
NE 14, SEC. 32
MEASURING S0°03'16"E
SURVEYOR'S CERTIFICATE
I, Robby A. Turnquist, Wisconsin Professional Land Surveyor S-4006, do hereby cerƟfy that this map was made at
the direcƟon of Bayfield County. The informaƟon shown on this map is correct and accurate to the best of my
knowledge and belief. This map also meets the minimum standard requirements under Chapter AE-7 Wisconsin
AdministraƟve Code.
Robby A. Turnquist Date
County Surveyor
WI .L.S. # S-4006
LEGEND
- FOUND PLSS MONUMENT AS NOTED
- PREVIOUSLY RECORDED DATA
SCALE FEET
( )
THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32,
TOWNSHIP 47 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST,
TOWN OF IRON RIVER, BAYFIELD COUNTY, WISCONSIN
SOUTHEAST CORNER
SEC.4 T.47N.-R.9W.
FOUND 2 12" BRASSCAPPED IRON PIPE
SOUTH 116SE CORNER
CENTER 116SE CORNER
EAST 116SE CORNER
B
A
R
B
W
I
R
E F
E
N
C
E
S 89°57'38" W 1,317.06'
N 00°44'27" W
1,315.21'
N 89°58'39" E 1,317.07'
S 00°44'26" E
1,314.82'
BAYFIELD COUNTY LAND RECORDS
117 East 5th Street
Washburn,WI 54891
(715)373-6156
www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov
PLAT OF SURVEY
BAYFIELD COUNTY
THE SE 14 OF THE SE 14 OF
SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 47 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST,
TOWN OF HUGHES, BAYFIELD COUNTY, WISCONSIN
Drawn by: RAT
Field work completed: 4/3/2024THE SE 14 OF THE SE 14 OF
SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 47 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST,
TOWN OF HUGHES, BAYFIELD COUNTY, WISCONSIN
*PRELIMINARY*
1
BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
ANNUAL ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT
FOR CALENDAR YEAR
2023
FORESTRY AND PARKS COMMITTEE
Fred Strand, Chair Larry Fickbohm
Jeff Silbert, Vice-Chair Charly Ray
Steve Sandstrom
DEPARTMENT STAFF
LAND AREA
The Bayfield County Forest is the third largest county forest in the state of Wisconsin. There are
approximately 1,000 acres of county tax title lands, not including lots and small parcels, in addition
to the below listed county forests lands.
On occasion, the Forestry and Parks Department (hereafter, “Department”) will monitor these
parcels for land and/or timber sales, potential trespass issues, road and/or trail repair (if present) and
negotiate road/utility easements, as well as sand and gravel permits.
Below is the current amount of county forest acreage located within each Township:
Jason Bodine
Administrator
Mike Amman
Forester
Andrew O'Krueg
Forester
Jeremiah Neitzel
Forester
Caleb Brown Forester
Jason Holmes
Inventory & Analysis Forester
Vacant
Rec. Specialist
Lindley Mattson
Rec. Specialist
John Mesko
Forest Tech.
Deanna Regan
Office Manager
Steve Probst
Asst. Admin.
2
As of July 1, 2023, the official acreage of the Bayfield County Forest is: 178,387.06.
COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN
A Comprehensive Land Use Plan (hereafter, “Plan”) that will guide the management of the county
forest for the next 15 years was revised throughout 2020 and early 2021and approved by the County
Board of Supervisors (hereafter, “the Board”) in April 2021. The current Plan is valid from 2021
through 2035. No amendments to the Plan were made in 2023.
In early 2023, the Forestry and Parks Committee (hereafter. “Committee”) and Board approved the
Department’s 2023 annual work plan. The annual work plan gives direction and meaning to the
Department’s budget, further defines and supplements the Plan, and emphasizes current goals and
needs of the County Forest, Parks and Trails Programs.
FOREST MANAGEMENT
The forest management program is one of the most significant responsibilities of the Department
and one of the largest (and in many years, the largest) of any county forest program in the state.
There are three major facets of the program: 1) forest management (primarily timber sale
establishment and administration), 2) reforestation (natural and artificial), and 3) forest monitoring
(stand and/or compartment updates). The quality and quantity of goal accomplishments, as well as
the sold value of timber sales, are some of the best indicators used to evaluate performance.
Table 1: County Forest Acreage per Township
Township Acres (Total)Acres (%)
Barnes 40,540.36 22.73%
Bayfield 34,327.14 19.24%
Hughes 24,660.68 13.82%
Bell 15,692.63 8.80%
Bayview 13,151.18 7.37%
Port Wing 9,036.18 5.07%
Russell 7,402.25 4.15%
Clover 6,967.62 3.91%
Tripp 6,539.52 3.67%
Iron River 6,126.37 3.43%
Cable 5,556.33 3.11%
Orienta 4,720.00 2.65%
Grand View 2,520.00 1.41%
Namakagon 546.80 0.31%
Lincoln 480.00 0.27%
Washburn 80.00 0.04%
Mason 40.00 0.02%
Total 178,387.06 100.00%
3
For more detailed information on current goals, policies, procedures and general direction regarding
the management of the county forest, please refer to the Plan, the 2024 Budget Narrative and 2024
Annual Work Plan. All documents can be found online at:
http://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/243/Plans-Reports.
Below are the CY 2023 accomplishment summaries of the major forest management goals,
priorities and objectives:
1) Sustainable Timber Harvest Goals: sustainable timber harvest goals for every major
forest type are calculated based upon sound silvicultural guidelines and principles.
Existing stand information, silvicultural prescriptions, responses to previous
management/treatments, reactions to insect and disease outbreaks or other natural disasters,
short or long-term adjustments due to predicted or unexpected management challenges, and
more, are all part of the goal development process.
Forest management accomplishments can be, and oftentimes are, influenced by the factors
listed above. Sustainable harvest goals (acres) are calculated and measurable targets, but are
also fairly dynamic and/or fluid in nature and, as such, are often influenced by a variety of
other variables, including, but not limited to: existing stand conditions, current management
direction, minor nuances/logistics associated with the timber sale establishment process (i.e.
boundary line location, the presence of riparian zones or inoperable slopes, size and/or
location of the targeted stand, surrounding management history, etc.), long term projections
and/or objectives, and staffing assignments/priorities.
Table 2 displays the sustainable harvest goals and accomplishments of the timber sale
program by major forest type since 2019.
Table 2: Bayfield County Forest Sustainable Harvest Goals and Accomplishments (acres)
Goal Accomp.Goal Accomp.Goal Accomp.Goal Accomp.Goal Accomp.Goal Accomp.
Aspen 1,415 1,521 1,615 1,894 1,600 1,783 1,305 1,432 1,205 1,067 1,428 1,539
Nor. Hdwd.780 820 818 788 782 734 765 722 748 803 779 773
Red Maple1 50 40 89 143 44 58 76 75 25 28 57 69
Red Oak 700 650 671 788 681 674 733 682 691 778 695 714
Paper Birch 25 59 0 31 0 2 30 43 0 0 11 27
Scrub Oak 210 236 235 267 214 256 232 131 113 121 201 202
Red Pine 960 1,047 1,030 1,182 1,071 1,101 1,135 1,108 1,059 1,097 1,051 1,107
Jack Pine 207 242 171 169 232 250 144 90 80 33 167 157
White Pine 75 40 108 121 93 86 123 71 119 111 104 86
Fir/Spruce 30 0 40 30 0 0 0 0 0 3 14 7
Swamp Conifer2 75 13 60 75 110 156 0 0 0 0 49 49
Swamp Hdwd.2 385 391 425 291 414 142 0 91 0 4 245 184
Total 4,912 5,059 5,262 5,779 5,241 5,242 4,543 4,445 4,040 4,045 4,800 4,914
1 Timber type included in goals starting in 2019.
2 Timber types included in goals starting in 2011.
Species Average20192020202120222023
4
Accomplishment Summary
As part of the timber sale program, a total of 4,045 acres of county forest land was
sustainably managed in 2023. This represents a decrease of nearly 10% when compared to
the total accomplishments for 2022 and nearly 30% when compared to 2021.
Total sustainable harvest accomplishments (4,045 acres) nearly matched the goal (4,040
acres) for 2023.
The management accomplishments for most major timber types fell within the targeted goal.
Below is a summary of accomplishments for the major timber types.
• Aspen: 1,067 acres. The total accomplishment rate for the aspen type was roughly
13% under the management goal (under by 138 acres). The reason for the shortfall
is as follows: aspen located in the peninsula is generally younger and smaller in
diameter. Previously, the decision was made to harvest within the younger age
classes, to spread out the age class distribution and reach a more regulated condition.
However, poor market demand and associated lower pricing for smaller diameter
aspen, combined with the onset of the carbon program, encouraged a modified
approach. As a result, the harvest goal in unit 8 was reduced by nearly half. While
the goals in units 1, 2 and 3 were reduced slightly. This approach was replicated in
2024 (aspen goal is 955 acres) and annual harvest goal for aspen is expected to
remain around 1,000 acres into the immediate future.
• Northern Hardwoods: 803 acres. 107% of the management goal (over by 55 acres).
In general, there were no significant management issues identified in the northern
hardwood type in 2023. Roughly 80 acres were updated, rather than included as part
of a timber sale. The minor difference in accomplishment goal is primarily
associated with the natural nuances associated with timber sale design and
development, as well as the stand updates.
• Red Oak: 778 acres. 113% of the management goal (over by 87 acres). Similar to
the northern hardwood type, there were no significant management issues identified
in the red oak type in 2023. The amount of red oak thinned in 2023 was the primary
reason for the overage. This was essentially related to timber sale design and the
size (acreage) of stands that are scheduled for management. For example, the
thinning goal for unit 8 was 100 acres. However, one of the stands that was ready
for a thinning was over 150 acres in size. Since the entire stand is managed (and not
a portion of it), the timber sale was much larger than the goal.
• Scrub Oak: 121 acres. Very close to the management goal (over by 8 acres). In
general, the accomplishment in the scrub oak type aligned closely to the goal. Scrub
oak quality is generally highly variable. On average, most scrub oak stands are over
mature and exhibiting significant signs of mortality and decline. However, scrub oak
provides a diversity of habitat, especially in areas otherwise dominated by conifer
plantations. During the timber sale establishment process, areas exhibiting greater
signs of mortality and decline are often included in adjacent sales (where smaller
stands are added to other sales being established in the vicinity). Only stands
exhibiting high mortality or risk were considered for management in 2023.
5
• Red Pine: 1,097 acres. 104% of the management goal (over by 38 acres). A total of
36 acres were updated in 2023, primarily natural stands that were scheduled to be
regenerated. These stands will be carried longer as part of an extended rotation. The
36 acres of updates, combined with minor nuances associated with timber sale design
and development, were the primary reasons for the difference.
• Jack Pine: 33 acres. 42% of the management goal (under by 47 acres). The
management goal for jack pine is primarily separated into two distinct areas: 1)
stands located within the Barnes Barrens Management Area; and 2) stands located
outside the Barrens. Most of the older jack pine stands located within the Barrens
areas are over mature (or well past the average rotation age). As per the annual work
plan, adjustments to the goal for jack pine may be needed to address rapid stand
mortality or to advance the development of the Barnes Barrens Management Area
(BBMA). In general, the harvest goal for the remaining stands of mature jack pine is
well established over the next few years. Deviations from the planned management
activities will generally only occur if there is a need to accelerate harvests due to
excessive mortality, when a stand is exhibiting significant signs of decline, or to
achieve a desired objective within the core area of the Barrens. The harvest goal in
unit 3 (outside the BBMA) was set at 40 acres. However, the decision was made to
defer that stand to 2024 and package with other stands nearby (for improved
marketability). The decision to defer that stand to 2024 was the primary reason the
deficit.
• White Pine: 111 acres. Very close to the management goal (under by 8 acres). The
goal for white pine was 119 acres. No significant management issues were noted for
the white pine type in 2023. Minor nuances associated with timber sale design and
development, were the primary reasons for the difference.
• Swamp Hardwoods: 4 acres. Similar to 2022, the goal for the swamp hardwood
type has been reduced to 0 acres. Some stands are managed and included with
adjacent sales where feasible. Starting in 2019, the harvest goal for swamp
hardwood was accelerated to address the inevitable future infestations from EAB.
While the goal for this type was accelerated, most of the stands with better
accessibility and/or market value were established previously. The remaining stands
generally contain poorer accessibility and/or merchantability. While the original
goal was to regenerate all of the manageable swamp hardwoods over the next
decade, many timber sales with significant swamp hardwood volumes remain
unsold, either due to overly restrictive seasonal harvesting conditions (frozen ground
only) and/or a high percentage of poor quality, and otherwise unmarketable wood.
Moving forward, the actual accomplishments in the swamp hardwood type will be
highly dependent on existing conditions and whether or not the stand contains
commercially viable products.
• Red Maple: 28 acres. Roughly 100% of the management goal (over by 3 acre). The
red maple type was officially included in the harvest goals starting in 2019. A few
larger stands of red maple exist, but this type is often included in other adjacent sales
when an opportunity exists. Of the total 2023 accomplishment for this type, over
half was updated (17 acres), with one small 11 acre stand included with an adjacent
larger aspen sale.
6
Table 3 displays a summary of the accomplishments for the sustainable timber harvest
program, from 2019 through 2023.
In 2023 roughly 88% of the total accomplishment (acres) was in the form of a timber sale,
while approximately 12% was updated (not included in a timber sale) for the reasons
described below. This is on par with the general average for stand updates from over the
past five years (roughly 12%).
In general, the sustainable harvest accomplishments are in the form of a timber sale.
However, there are occasions when a stand is updated and managed at a later date or
removed from the management schedule altogether.
Updates are common and typically fall into one or many of the following categories: a stand
has not attained the anticipated amount of growth in between harvests; it isn’t ready for
management; the data describing the stand is incorrect; a stand is retained for another
purpose (e.g. green tree retention, reserve islands, landscape and/or structural diversity, etc.);
it is removed from management due to a restrictive feature (i.e. riparian/wetland buffers or
inoperable slopes); and/or a harvest is temporarily delayed for strategic purposes (e.g.
located adjacent to a recent harvest or minimizing impacts to recreation).
Table 4 displays a summary of the primary reasons for stand updates in CY 2023:
Table 3: Bayfield County Forest Sustainable Harvest Summary (acres)
Management Timber Sale Stand Total
Goal Establishment Updatea Accomplishments
2019b 4,912 4,608 471 5,079
2020c 5,262 5,177 679 5,856
2021d 5,241 4,911 493 5,404
2022e 4,543 3,615 837 4,452
2023f 4,040 3,605 449 4,054
Average 4,800 4,383 586 4,969
a Stands are updated, in part, due to inaccuracies in the data or insufficient growth for management.
b includes 20 acres of other forest types not inc on the harvest goals table.
c includes 35 acres of other forest types not inc on the harvest goals table and 618 acres of storm salvage sales.
d includes 162 acres of other forest types not inc on the harvest goals table.
e includes 7 acres of other forest types not inc on the harvest goals table.
f includes 9 acres of other forest types not inc on the harvest goals table.
Year
7
On average, between 10% - 15% of the annual harvest goal is either not ready for
management, is incorrectly typed or is removed from the harvest schedule, as described
above.
Updating stand information, on a routine and regular basis, should significantly reduce the
number of stands being removed from harvest consideration due to incorrect data. When
most of the stand information has been updated, the expectation is that a higher percentage
of stands will be actively managed in the future.
As part of the timber sale establishment process, a harvest goal or prescription is applied to
each stand. The objective of the timber sale could emphasis developing growth and quality
on trees that are retained (thinning and all-aged prescriptions) or it could target ways to
regenerate the new stand (even-aged and all-aged prescriptions).
Table 5 below summarizes the general type of prescriptions applied to stands that were
established as part of a timber sale.
Over the past five years, even-aged management treatments have been prescribed on an
average of 2,683 acres; 415 acres of all-aged treatments (primarily on northern hardwood
forest types) and 1,285 acres of thinning (primarily red pine and red oak forest types).
Timber Sale Program: Bayfield County offers two timber sale lettings per year, one in the
spring and one in the fall. On average, roughly half of the sustainable harvest goal (that has
been established as a timber sale) is offered at each letting.
Table 4: 2023 Stand Update Summary
Reason For Update Acres
Incorrect Data 184
Riparian Management Zone 111
Retention 106
Research 30
Not Ready 18
Total 449
Table 5: Summary of Management Prescriptions (acres)
Even-Aged All-Aged Thinning Total
2019 2,876 581 1,151 4,608
2020 3,206 375 1,596 5,177
2021 3,263 396 1,252 4,911
2022 2,142 319 1,154 3,615
2023 1,926 405 1,274 3,605
Average 2,683 415 1,285 4,383
Year General Prescription Category
8
Table 6 displays the summary of timber sale offerings since 2019, including the total
number of sales sold per year, total acres, the total value of the winning high bids, the
average bid value per acre and total revenues received from the sale of timber during each
calendar year.
Total outputs in 2023 (new timber sales) dropped significantly when compared to the
average between 2015 and 2021 (over 4,900 acres). The primary reasons for the decrease is:
changes in the management approaches of the aspen type; removal of the swamp types
(hardwood and conifer) from the harvest goal; natural decreases in the northern hardwood
goal; and anticipated declines in mature jack pine and white birch.
Timber sale bid values (on new sales sold) were at a five year high in 2023, even though
total acres sold were at the lowest level in over a decade. In fact, the total bid value received
in 2023 was the largest since 2016 (nearly $4.75 million). The higher than normal prices in
2023 were primarily fueled by a strong red pine pole market.
Timber revenue in 2023 was at the lowest level since 2011. This was not a surprise,
considering the low average bid values received over the past few years. This is primarily a
reflection of relatively poor markets that have persisted since Covid, which includes the
closure or repurposing of two significant Verso mills.
The level of unsold sales has been relatively consistent over the past six years and is also a
reflection of poorer markets. Nearly all of the unsold sales are located in areas that require
frozen ground conditions for most (or all) of the harvest operations and/or contain a
significant amount of poor quality or difficult to market products (like ash pulp). This trend
is expected to continue through 2024 and is one of the primary reasons why the swamp
types were removed from the annual harvest schedule.
The timber sale bidding dynamics over the past few years have also been markedly different
when compared to previous offerings.
Table 7 summarizes the timber sale bidding dynamics since 2014.
Table 6: Bayfield County Forest Timber Sale Summary
Calendar Sales Acres Sales Acres Acres Timber Sale Bid Value Timber
Year Offered Offered Sold Sold Not Sold Bid Values per Acre Revenues
2019 59 5,031 52 4,267 764 $4,163,432 $976 $4,171,667
2020a 68 5,553 61 5,052 501 $4,081,930 $808 $3,625,794
2021 56 5,002 48 4,114 888 $3,028,909 $736 $3,852,290
2022 60 4,266 55 3,993 273 $3,830,889 $959 $4,679,087
2023 58 3,524 50 3,196 328 $4,167,266 $1,304 $3,542,059
Average 60 4,675 53 4,124 551 $3,854,485 $957 $3,974,179
a Includes 9 salvage timber sales on 618 acres.
9
The total number of bids received in 2023 was about 10% higher than 2022. This was
primarily a reflection of the level of bids received on various red pine pole sales (some of
which had up to 8 different bidders). Still, the average total bids, number of bids per sale
and number of different bidders have all steadily decreased over the past decade.
If markets improve, the expectation is that acres sold, total number of bids, bid values and
number of different bidders will also increase. A healthy diversity of contractors
(competition) is one of the keys to optimizing potential timber sale revenues.
If current trends persist, future timber sale revenues will likely hover between $3.25 million
to $4.0 million per year. As a result, potential future returns may be significantly lower than
those received over the past decade (roughly $4.1 million).
Timber Sale Contracts
In 2023, the Department awarded 50 new timber sale contracts, covering 3,196 acres, with a
total bid value of $4,167,266 ($1,304/acre).
Table 8 summarizes the new contracts awarded in 2023 by sale type:
Table 7: Timber Sale Bid Summary
2014 61 4,388 61 4,388 357 5.9 37
2015 57 5,215 54 4,958 251 4.6 39
2016 65 4,750 65 4,750 323 5.0 39
2017 53 4,272 50 4,101 296 5.9 41
2018 56 4,568 49 3,813 190 3.9 27
2019 59 5,031 52 4,267 220 4.2 31
2020 68 5,553 61 5,052 188 3.1 25
2021 56 5,002 48 4,114 166 3.5 20
2022 60 4,266 55 3,993 173 3.1 29
2023 58 3,524 50 3,196 191 3.8 26
Avg.59 4,657 55 4,263 236 4 31
Avg (3 Year)58 4,264 51 3,768 177 3 25
Avg No. of Bids
Per Sales Sold
No. of Different
BiddersYearNo. of Sales
Offered
Acres
Offered
No. of
Sales Sold
Acres
Sold
Total No.
of Bids
Table 8: 2023 Timber Sale Contracts (per Award Type)
Type Total Acres Value Value/Acre
Traditional 49 3,189 $4,141,459 $1,298.67
Salvage 1 7 $25,807 $3,686.71
Direct1 0 0 $0 $0.00
Total 50 3,196 $4,167,266 $1,303.90
1 Sales are available for direct purchase when they receive no bids after one
traditional offering.
10
Total timber sales awarded in 2023 was significantly lower than 2022 (by nearly 25%).
However, the total winning bid values in 2023 (per acre) were nearly 10% higher than 2022.
Again, this is a reflection of the very strong red pine pole market, as well as high demand for
sales with a significant sand ground (all-season) component (like aspen). The lone salvage
sale offered in 2023 was to address red pine pocket decline in a mature plantation.
It’s important to note that annual stumpage revenues are generated, almost exclusively, from
previously awarded timber sale contracts. Revenues generated from forest products
harvested on a timber sale are based solely upon the bid price per product per species as
listed in each contract. In general, all timber sale contracts are awarded on a two-year basis,
meaning a contractor has two years to complete the harvest.
However, the Department will also routinely grant contract extensions. Each contract
extension adds one year to the length of the contract. It’s common for a contractor to be
granted one or two extensions. In some instances, three or more one-year extensions have
been granted. On average, roughly two-thirds of the sales are completed within the initial
two-year contract period.
In 2020-2022, all timber sale contract extensions were awarded with no stumpage price
increases, primarily due to the significant decrease in markets. Stumpage price increases
resumed in 2023, but only on timber sale purchased after the Covid influenced market
decline and after the WI Rapids mill closure. Starting in 2023, all contracts sold from fall
2020 to current would be subject to the standard extension process.
Timber Sale Activity
Timber sale activity occurs in a variety of forms, including, but not limited to: pre-sale
meetings, timber harvesting, forwarding, scaling, hauling, road building, contract
extensions, accounts management, contract close-out requirements, and more. When any
action occurs on a given contract, it’s classified as active.
Table 9 below summarizes timber sale activity on the forest since 2019.
Table 9: Summary of Annual Timber Sale Activity1
Year Offered Sold Active2 Completed3,4
2019 59 52 88 47
2020 68 61 95 50
2021 56 48 91 49
2022 60 55 92 57
2023 58 50 85 40
Average 59 54 90 52
1 Total number per activity per year.
2 Includes active harvesting, hauling, scaling, payments, close-out activities, etc.
3 Once all contract obligations have been met, a timber sale is officially closed.
4 in late 2009/early 2010, a large backlog of completed sales were all closed-out at once.
11
A total of 85 timber sales were active in 2023. Over the past five years, roughly 90 sales
have been active annually. This is a stark contrast to pre-2012 activity levels, which
averaged about 52 per year (an increase of over 63%). Timber sale activity can last
anywhere from a period of a few days or weeks, to a few months, to most of a year,
depending on the size of the sale, harvesting restrictions, operating conditions and the
general goals of the contractor.
Harvested timber sale volumes are tracked and summarized within the Department’s timber
sale management system (customized Access database). When a timber sale is active, all
harvested volumes are either tracked via a haul ticket or scaled in the field by Department
staff.
Table 10 summarizes the amount of haul/mill tickets and field scales that were accomplished
since 2019.
Nearly all pulpwood that is harvested and hauled as part of a timber sale is tracked with a
ticket. The contractor fills out a ticket with the estimated volume of each load and puts a
copy in a ticket box (which is located at the job site). Another copy of the ticket follows the
load to the mill. The Department collects the tickets from the box and enters the estimated
volume into the accounting system/database. Invoices are generated based on the estimated
volume. When the load is processed at the mill, a copy of the ticket and actual mill volume
are sent back to the Department. The actual mill volumes are then entered into the database.
When the sale is finished and the last mill slip has been entered, the contract ledger is
reconciled and a final bill (or refund) is generated.
All logs are scaled in the field by Department staff. These volumes are also entered into the
Department’s database and generally do not require any additional processing. On occasion,
pulpwood piles are also scaled in the field by Department staff.
The information presented in Table 10 represents the total number of tickets and field scales
administered during each year. Since information on each pulp ticket is entered twice (once
for the estimated volume and once for the mill volume), the actual data entry workload
associated with ticket entry is twice the value listed in the table.
Table 10: Haul Slip (Ticket) and Field Scale Entries per Year1
Year Tickets2 Field Scales3 Total Entries
2019 6,441 774 7,215
2020 6,457 748 7,205
2021 6,774 633 7,407
2022 7,116 667 7,783
2023 6,531 623 7,154
Average 6,901 754 7,655
1 Pulpwood and log volumes are processed within the Departments timber sale management system.
2 Pulpwood volumes hauled from a timber sale are tracked via a ticket and associated mill slip.
3 Logs and some pulpwood are scaled on site by Department staff prior to hauling.
12
As of the end of CY 2023, the Department had 142 timber sales under contract, with 33
different contractors and a total contract value of roughly $10.4 million. During any point in
the year, anywhere from around 10 to upwards of 20, or more, timber sales can be active at
one time.
Timber Sale Revenue Model
When analyzing timber sale revenues and the results from previous timber sale offerings,
general patterns develop that allow the Department to estimate when to expect proceeds
from existing contracts. In general, roughly 20% of the volume harvested during any
calendar year comes from contracts sold during that same year. Approximately 35% is from
sales sold during the previous year; 20% from two years prior; 15% from three years prior
and the rest beyond that. The percentages can vary slightly from year to year, but generally
follow this same pattern.
Volumes harvested align fairly closely with revenue received. For example, based on the
above model, the general expectation is that 20% of the revenue generated in 2023 will
come from sales sold in 2023; 35% from sales sold in 2022; 20% from sales sold in 2021;
15% from sales sold in 2020 and the rest from 2019 and earlier.
Harvested Volume
Table 11 below displays the total volume of timber harvested from Bayfield County Forest
timber sales over the last five years. For the sake of comparison, all sales sold by the ton
were converted to cords.
Table 11: Timber Harvest Volume Summary (pulp in cords and logs in thousand board feet)
Pulp Logs Pulp Logs Pulp Logs Pulp Logs Pulp Logs Pulp Logs
Aspen 26,170 0 20,419 0 23,878 0 25,245 0 28,032 0 24,749 0
Mx. Hardwood1 21,913 597 20,024 534 20,541 538 23,392 875 16,371 472 20,448 603
Oak 11,316 2,042 9,120 2,852 8,296 1,937 7,997 2,280 11,530 2,733 9,652 2,369
Paper Birch 285 25 103 1 357 0 23 0 115 14 177 8
Basswood 957 211 727 164 833 147 1,204 178 974 119 939 164
Red Pine 7,585 0 11,115 0 14,764 0 21,039 0 11,619 0 13,224 0
Jack Pine 4,573 0 3,228 0 1,632 0 2,180 0 2,366 0 2,796 0
White Pine 276 0 141 0 954 0 457 0 1,193 0 604 0
Other Conifer2 4,138 0 2,659 0 8,462 0 2,193 0 2,348 0 3,960 0
Total 77,213 2,875 67,536 3,551 79,717 2,622 83,730 3,333 74,548 3,338 76,549 3,144
Total Cord Equiv.3
Revenue
1 Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Black Ash, White Ash.
2 White Spruce, Black Spruce, Balsam Fir, Tamarack, Mixed Conifer.
3 Log volumes converted to cords and added to the pulp volume.
2023
81,892
$3,542,059 $3,974,179
Average
83,465
2019 2022
91,063
$4,679,087
Species
85,485
$3,852,290
2020
75,348
$3,625,794
83,537
$4,171,667
2021
13
Table 11 also displays the total amount of timber sale revenue received each year, as well as
cord equivalents (which converts logs into cords in order to provide a general
overview/summary of the entire program).
In 2023, a little over 74,500 cords and nearly 3,340 Mbf were harvested from the county
forest. While the pulp volume harvested decreased by roughly 11% when compared to
2022, the log volume remained nearly identical.
Aspen is the largest primary forest type on the county forest (by total acreage). Not
surprisingly, it also comprises the largest volume of wood harvested from the forest. The
amount of aspen volume harvested in 2023 was over 28,000 cords. This was roughly 11%
greater than 2022 and about 13% greater than the 5 year average. The increase in harvested
aspen volume is directly related to the steady, but gradual increase in the sustainable harvest
goal for aspen over the last few years. However, the harvest goal for aspen has decreased
markedly since 2021. As such, the amount of aspen volume harvested in the future is
expected to decrease proportionally.
Mixed hardwood pulp is traditionally the second largest volume harvested annually. In
2023, just over 16,000 cords and nearly 500 Mbf were harvested. Both volumes represented
significant decreases when compared to 2022 (roughly 30% and 46%, respectively). Mixed
hardwood is generally comprised on sugar maple, red maple, yellow birch, white ash and
black ash. Roughly 14% of the total logs harvested in 2023 were mixed hardwood.
Red oak pulp continues to command relatively low prices, but the value of oak logs has
remained constant. In 2023, roughly 11,500 cords and just over 2,700 Mbf of red oak was
harvested. These volumes represented increases of roughly 44% and 20%, respectively,
when compared to 2022. Also, nearly 82% of all logs harvested in 2023 were from red oak.
Red pine volumes decreased significantly in 2023 when compared to 2022. A total of nearly
12,000 cords were harvested, which was a decrease of nearly 45% from the year before.
Poor pine pulp markets were the primary reason for the decrease.
Jack pine volumes were slightly higher in 2023 at nearly 2,400 cords. An increase of nearly
9% when compared to 2022. While basswood volumes were lower at just under 1,000 cords
and 120 Mbf (roughly 19% and 33% lower, respectively, when compared to 2022).
Table 12 includes a summary of cord equivalents. To calculate cord equivalents, both the
log and ton volumes were converted to cords using standard weight calculations per species
and product. Cord equivalents is one way to normalize the total amount of volume
harvested across all product types during any given year.
14
The total volume harvested in 2023 was just under 82,000 cord equivalents. This represents
a decrease of roughly 10% when compared to the total for 2022. It’s also the second lowest
amount harvested in the last decade. Prior to 2013, the average was about 61,000 cord
equivalents.
Starting in 2021, the pulpwood volumes on all new timber sales are being advertised and
sold by the ton. This was done to better align with how most mill volumes are reported to
the county (which are primarily in tons), reduce the need to convert quantities from one
measure to another (cords to tons or vice versa) and improve internal efficiencies associated
with processing harvested volumes.
2) Reforestation Program: reforestation, be it natural or artificial, is a core building block of
forest sustainability and a fundamental component of any forest management program. A
successful reforestation program provides numerous benefits, some of which include: the
restoration of forest productivity, fertility and environmental function; the assurance of a
perpetual, sustainable supply of forest resources and amenities for future generations; the
protection of soil and water quality; and the establishment and development of quality
wildlife habitat. Newly regenerating stands are typically monitored 3 to 4 times, and
sometimes more, over a 10-year period, to determine success.
Table 13 displays the summary of the reforestation program since 2019.
Table 12: Total Volume of Wood Harvested (2014-2023)
Year Pulp (cords)Logs (Mbf)Cord Equivalents*
2014 93,321 3,084 100,107
2015 83,023 3,042 89,715
2016 82,372 3,796 90,723
2017 85,214 2,838 91,458
2018 87,261 2,900 93,641
2019 77,213 2,875 83,537
2020 67,536 3,551 75,349
2021 79,717 2,622 85,485
2022 83,730 3,333 91,063
2023 74,549 3,338 81,893
Average 81,394 3,138 88,297
5 Yr Avg 76,549 3,144 83,465
3 Yr Avg 79,332 3,098 86,147
* Converting Mbf to cords and combining pulp and log values.
15
a) Planting: a total of 562 acres, on seven different sites, were planted in 2023. A
summary of the planting program is as follows:
a. Red Pine: all sites listed below were planted with 1-0 containerized stock.
i. Failed Seed Sites: four sites, covering 339 acres were planted with
roughly 222,000 seedlings. These were all failed jack pine seed sites,
where stocking rates were below minimum acceptable levels. Jack
pine is present on these stands and the result is expected to be a mixed
plantation.
ii. New Sites: two sites, covering 112 acres were planted with roughly
90,000 seedlings. These were new sites.
iii. Understocked Sites: one site, covering 26 acres, was supplemental
planted because of low stocking due to excessive deer browse.
b. White Pine: one site, covering 85 acres was underplanted with 1-0
containerized white pine stock. This site is currently dominated by mature,
but very poor quality and poorly stocked aspen. The underplanting will
increase diversity. Stand will likely be managed passively to allow for
natural conversion and encourage species diversity.
An Arbor Day grant in the amount of $35,380 was awarded in 2023. This grant was
used to help offset the costs associated with all seedlings planted in 2023.
b) Seeding: eight sites, covering 399 acres were seeded with jack pine in 2023. This
aligned closely to the amount that was seeded in 2022 (368 acres). All sites were
seeded at a rate of 3-4 ounces per acre (with local seed purchased from the WDNR
nursery). A total of roughly 75 pounds of jack pine seed was applied in 2023.
The jack pine seeding rate was reduced from 4 ounces per acre applied during one
year, to 3 ounces per acre applied during two consecutive years. The primary goal of
the change is to increase the probability of achieving a fully stocked stand of jack
pine.
All seed applications are performed aerially, via a contract with the DNR. All jack
pine seeded acres were previously trenched (two years prior) and sprayed (one year
Table 13: Bayfield County Forest Reforestation Program Summary (acres)
Seeding Monitoring
Red Pine White Pine Jack Pine3 Trench Fire Plow Scarify Spray4 Spray Bud Cap TSI2 Regen
2019 92 3 216 305 10 112 323 0 8 0 5,834
2020 104 0 497 355 26 165 277 0 0 0 4,010
2021 124 0 291 363 0 46 848 0 0 0 3,434
2022 273 0 368 278 20 0 252 0 0 44 2,882
2023 477 85 399 0 0 53 388 472 0 0 2,929
Avg.214 18 354 260 11 75 418 94 2 9 3,818
2 Timber Stand Improvement - Hand release of established regeneration
3 Includes 110 acres of white pine in 2020 and 20 acres in 2021.
4 In 2021, includes 323 acres for red and/or jack pine, and 525 acres for barrens work.
4 In 2022, includes 116 acres for red and/or jack pine and 136 acres for barrens work.
Site PreparationPlantingYear Maintenance
16
prior) to provide the best possible site for germination and recruitment. The seeding
program has also been underperforming recently. Four of the sites planted in 2023
were determined to be failed seed sites. Many stands that were determined to be
successful are still stocked on the lower end of the range. The Department will
continue to monitor the seed program and will begin incorporating more jack pine
planting if determined to be necessary.
All planted and seeded sites are monitored on a routine and regular basis to
determine success (see Forest Monitoring section below).
c) Site Preparation: in 2023, 0 acres were trenched or fire plowed, primarily due to a
lack of acres being ready for treatment (and, in general, fewer plantations are being
regenerated annually). Also, enough acreage needs to be included in a package
before site prep contractors are interested. The latter has led to increased discussions
regarding future site prep strategies, especially if site prep contractors continue to be
in short supply. A total of 53 acres were scarified, with a dozer and straight blade, in
two stands of northern hardwood and red oak. In the northern hardwood stand, 28
acres of existing gaps were treated to reduce the dense ironwood competition. While
10 acres were scarified in a previously thinned red oak stand for the same reason.
Roughly 15 acres of a 40 acre plantation (to be replanted) was raked to pile heavy
brush for future burning. This will facilitate future site prep and planting activities.
A total of 388 acres were treated with chemical to reduce potential competition with
undesirable vegetation. Of the total chemical treatments completed in 2023, 206
acres are to be reforested to red pine, 18 acres reforested to jack pine, and 164 acres
were treated in preparation for barrens development in the Bass Lake Barrens
Management Area. A total of 441 acres were prepared in 2023. This was a decrease
of about 20% when compared to the total acres prepped in 2022.
d) Maintenance: in 2023, 0 acres of timber stand improvement (TSI) was
accomplished. However, as stated in the site preparation section, some hardwood
and oak gaps/groups were treated with a dozer and straight blade, primarily to reduce
excessive competition with ironwood. Competition from undesirable tree species is
a common and developing problem within stands managed with all-aged treatments.
It is anticipated that TSI or similar treatments will become a more regular means of
facilitating natural regeneration throughout many hardwood forest types.
Currently, most plantations are treated with herbicide prior to planting (see above),
which, in combination with mechanical preparation, creates an exceptional site for
young seedlings to develop, thus eliminating the need for release. In some instances,
release may still be required. In 2023, a total of 472 acres were treated to release
young jack pine from competing vegetation. This is the first time in nearly a decade
that a release treatment was needed. Most of the treated areas were older seed sites.
In some situations, the long period of time associated with germination and
establishment from seed (can take up to seven years or longer) allowed other grasses
and woody vegetation to re-establish and compete. A release treatment was needed
to reduce competition and allow jack pine to establish dominance. However, the
long-term goal is to significantly reduce the need for release by treating future
17
plantations prior to planting. Releasing young seedlings increases the risk of damage
from herbicide, something we hope to eliminate by treating sites prior to planting. A
total of 164 acres located within the BLBMA was treated with herbicide to facilitate
the development of barrens habitat. These are expected to be one-time treatments,
with all future maintenance work accomplished via prescribed fire and/or other
mechanical methods (e.g. roller chop).
A total of 0 acres of young jack pine plantations were treated with terminal bud caps
to deter browsing from white tailed deer. This marks the fourth year in a row that
bud capping was not required. However, while excessive browse levels have been
noted less frequently over the past few years, some stands are still significantly
impacted by deer. Bud capping will still be considered in the future if excessive
browsing returns to a level of concern.
Some planted red pine sites are also showing signs of excessive browse. All stands
are monitored on a regular basis and additional protections may need to be
incorporated if significant browsing is discovered.
More Information on Reforestation
As previously stated, reforestation can be accomplished by either natural or artificial means.
Table 13 above tracks annual reforestation accomplishments, but primarily as they pertain to
artificial regeneration or when additional inputs are/were required by the Department (i.e.
site preparation, release, bud capping, etc.).
Every stand that is managed by the Department is ultimately reforested. However, not all
treatments are regeneration harvests. Some stands are thinned, where a smaller portion of
the trees are removed, typically with the goal of improving development on higher quality
stems. Termed even-aged thinnings (also improvement or intermediate harvests), these
treatments generally target the removal of the poorest quality trees; those that exhibit poor
form and/or vigor; and undesirable, diseased or otherwise unhealthy individuals.
During the thinning process, trees are also removed to improve the development of adjacent
higher quality stems, that are competing for the same limited resources i.e. light, nutrients,
water, etc. Stands that are managed with even-aged thinning practices are ultimately
regenerated, but only when approaching the designated rotation age for that species.
Natural regeneration (either from seed or vegetatively via root suckers or stump sprouts) is
the preferred method of reforestation in all hardwood types (i.e. aspen, birch, northern
hardwood, oak), as well as some stands of conifer (primarily swamp conifer i.e. tamarack
and black spruce, as well as some stands of white pine).
Hardwood types such as red oak and paper birch are reforested primarily with even-aged
treatments (i.e. shelterwood, seed tree and/or clearcut) and typically require additional inputs
from the Department to facilitate the natural regeneration process. Site preparation,
competition control, the manipulation of light, timing of seed dispersal, etc all need to be
considered when regenerating red oak and white birch. As a result, the reforestation process
18
is monitored more intensively in these stands, as regeneration can be highly variable and the
Department may need to act quickly if the stand is not responding to the treatment.
Hardwood types such as northern hardwood (typically dominated by sugar maple, with co-
dominants of basswood and sometimes yellow birch) can be managed with even or un-even
aged techniques. Maple typically doesn’t require additional inputs from the Department to
encourage adequate regeneration. However, when implementing un-even aged treatments
(i.e. when gaps or small groups are incorporated to initiate a new cohort or age class), the
Department is detecting some inherent challenges with the process of natural regeneration.
On moderate or poorer quality sites, competition from ironwood has been a growing
concern. Deer exacerbate this issue, as repeated browsing of the desirable regeneration (i.e.
sugar maple, basswood, red oak, the birches, etc.) slows growth (and can eventually kill the
tree) and allows less desirable or undesirable (i.e. ironwood) species to attain and maintain
dominance. Once less desirable species attain dominance, development and growth of the
stand is stagnated and future management potentially altered.
Gaps or groups comprise a relatively small percentage of the stand (typically 10 to 25%), so
it doesn’t take a large population of deer to eventually locate and browse the seedlings. As a
result, most northern hardwood stands that are treated with gaps or groups are monitored
intensively. Additional inputs may be required to facilitate the natural regeneration of
desirable hardwood seedlings and the development of the stand.
Other hardwood types, such as aspen, regenerate prolifically after harvest and rarely require
additional inputs or follow-up from the Department. These stands are regularly monitored
as part of the Department’s reconnaissance program. However, due to concerns with the
potential impacts of a warming climate, the Department is in the process of establishing a
more intensive monitoring program for regenerating stands of aspen.
Quaking aspen has been identified as one of many timbers type that could be negatively
impacted due to changes in the climate. Stands developing on marginal sites are more
inherently stressed and could be most at risk (i.e. sites that are nutrient poor). Monitoring
will cover a cross section of habitat types, but will prioritize stands developing on sites
classified, by the Department, as marginal or nutrient poor.
Table 14 summarizes the general management or reforestation goals for every completed
(closed out) sale from 2019 through 2023 (total sales sold are also included). Management
is basically categorized in one of three ways: 1) with natural regeneration as the
reforestation goal; 2) with artificial regeneration as the reforestation goal; or 3) as an even
aged thinning (or intermediate treatment), where reforestation will come at a later date.
19
A timber sale is considered completed when every component of the contract has been met,
to the satisfaction of the Department. This includes, but is not limited to, harvesting, hauling
and stumpage payments, as well as all road maintenance and/or closure or other similar
requirements.
Of the completed sales (an average of 3,647 acres since 2019), a vast majority are prescribed
to regenerate naturally, with an average of 2,172 acres per year (or roughly 60%). An
average of 572 acres are prescribed for artificial reforestation (approximately 16%) and 903
acres are treated with even-aged thinnings or intermediate treatments (approximately 24%).
Red pine and red oak are the two most prominent timber types that receive even-aged
thinnings (or intermediate treatments).
3) Forest Monitoring Program: forest inventory and reforestation/regeneration monitoring
are vital components of any sound, sustainable forest management program. Accurate, up-
to-date stand information is essential in the development of viable short and long term
sustainable harvest goals. A successful regeneration program is paramount in the
development of the next forested ecosystem. The accuracy of any sustainable harvest goal is
only as good as the data from which it was derived. Monitoring stands, whether mature or
newly regenerating, on a routine and regular basis is an essential element of the forest
management process.
a) Compartment Level Reconnaissance. Starting in 2001, the goal was to update
roughly 10,000 acres of forest annually, until all compartments have been re-
inventoried, and then repeat the process. By targeting individual compartments
(which range from a few hundred acres in size to a few thousand), efforts could be
directed to one general area, thus increasing efficiency and also allowing for the
incorporation of smaller landscape level management decisions.
At roughly 178,000 total acres, a complete re-inventory of the county forest was
estimated to take 17 to 18 years. The last inventory cycle was finished in 2018 and
took a full 18 years to complete.
Table 14: Summary of Treatments and Reforestation Activities on Completed Timber Sales (acres)
2019 2,144 455 723 3,322 4,267
2020 2,399 567 671 3,637 5,052
2021 1,952 906 974 3,832 4,114
2022 2,386 617 1,289 4,292 3,993
2023 1,978 313 859 3,150 3,196
Average 2,172 572 903 3,647 4,124
1 Natural reforestation refers to stands that will regenerate via seed located naturally on site, or vegetatively via coppicing or stump sprouts.
2 Artificial reforestation refers to stands that will be physically planted or seeded by the Department.
3 Thinnings encompase stands that were treated with even aged prescriptions (or intermediate harvests). These stands are eventually
reforested (either naturally or artificially), at a later date, as per the designated rotation age for that particular timber type.
Total New Sales
SoldYearNatural
Reforestation1
Artificial
Reforestation2 Thinnings3 Total Completed
Sales
20
Table 15 displays the summary of compartment/stand updates from 2018 through
2023.
The re-inventory cycle was started again in 2020. A total of 14 compartments and
12,541 acres were inventoried in 2023. The long-term goal is to re-inventory the
county forest over the next 14 years.
b) Stand Level Inventory. In addition to compartment level inventories, the Department
occasionally targets updating stand level information across various primary forest
types. Generally, the reasons for obtaining current information across a primary
forest type are varied and can include: prioritizing management across stands that
are generally all the same age (and scheduled for harvest at roughly the same time);
prioritizing regeneration harvests; fine tuning prescriptions to more accurately
determine short and long term sustainable harvest goals; and monitoring health and
vigor to determine when management is necessary (especially important on over
mature stands).
The focus of stand level monitoring, across a forest type, is generally on mature
stands, where information is required to assist in short or long term management
level decisions, as described above. Stand level monitoring began in earnest in 2014,
when mature jack pine stands were prioritized.
Table 16 summarizes primary forest type inventory efforts since 2019.
Table 15: Compartment Inventory Summary (acres)
2018 9 8,613
2019 0 0
2020 13 12,172
2021 21 17,166
2022 10 7,481
2023 14 12,541
Average 11 9,662
Year Number of
Compartments Accomplishment
Table 16: Primary Forest Type (Stand Level) Inventory Summary (acres)
White Scrub
Birch Oak
2019 0 721 0 0 0 4,975 0 0 0 5,696
2020 705 15 0 124 92 0 0 0 81 1,017
2021 0 13 55 0 0 101 97 0 47 313
2022 0 109 0 0 588 26 0 2,238 33 2,994
2023 0 11 0 106 0 2,320 0 256 0 2,693
Total 705 869 55 230 680 7,422 97 2,494 161 12,713
Year TotalJack Pine Oak Northern
Hardwood
Swamp
Hardwood AspenRed Pine Other
21
Aspen was the primary target in 2023. Specifically, aspen stands in units 1, 2, 3, and
8 between 39 and 45 years old. Information from these stands was entered into a
growth model (FVS) to determine future merchantability. Historically, aspen stands
have traditionally become more marketable when the average stand diameter is 7.5”
or greater. The updated information will be used to determine when these soon-to-be
mature stands will be ready for management. And future management goals will be
prescribed accordingly. Especially important in the Lake Superior clay plain, where
aspen growth is oftentimes below average and quality development is marginal. It’s
not uncommon for some stands in this area to reach an appropriate minimum size
(diameter) threshold until well after the standard 50 year rotation age.
c) Artificial Reforestation Monitoring. Artificial reforestation pertains to all sites that
were planted or seeded. All sites that are reforested with artificial means are
monitored on a routine and regular basis, to ensure the stand is developing as
intended. On planted sites, monitoring occurs every 1,2,3,5 and 10 years after
planting. After the 10 year, assuming the reforestation activity was successful, the
stand is release from intensive regeneration monitoring and will be observed as part
of the various management processes (i.e. compartment level inventory, timber sale
establishment, etc.).
Seeded sites are monitored on a slightly different scale. Because seed can take
multiple years to germinate, the first reforestation survey generally occurs at year 4
(sometimes sooner). Depending on the results, another survey will be prescribed at
year 7, with a final count at year 10. If a survey discovers an issue or poor results,
another count may be prescribed earlier, especially if a follow up treatment may be
necessary.
Table 17 summarizes the artificial reforestation monitoring results since 2019.
In 2023, a total of 1,187 acres of planted and seeded sites were monitored. This was
slightly higher than the total number of acres monitored in 2022. A total of 971
acres of planted red pine sites were monitored, while 216 acres of seeded jack pine
were also surveyed.
In general, monitoring results show that red pine stands are progressing as expected.
However, the success of jack pine seeded sites have been marginal. A combination
of poor germination success, increasing levels of competition (due to slow and/or
Table 17: Artificial Reforestation Monitoring Summary (acres)
Seeded Planted Seeded Planted Seeded Planted Seeded Planted Seeded Planted Seeded Planted
Jack Pine 446 202 394 202 460 0 481 0 216 174 399 116
Red Pine 0 891 0 667 0 798 0 686 0 797 0 768
White Pine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 446 1,093 394 869 460 798 481 686 216 971 399 883
Grand Total
2021
1,258 1,283
Average2020
1,263
2019
1,539
2022
1,167
2023
1,187
Species
22
poor levels of germination) and varying levels of deer browse have led to some
seeded sites being classified as a failure or marginally successful. Monitoring these
marginal sites will continue. Repeated poor success rates may lead to supplemental
planting with jack pine or even a complete start-over with planted red or jack pine.
The Department is also re-evaluating the seed program to determine alternatives,
which could include different forms of site preparation methods, seed application
methods and/or rates, or potentially pivoting back to planting.
If browse pressure continues at current levels and/or if stands are determined to be
inadequately stocked, many of these seeded sites will be considered a failure and will
need to be reforested (again). If a jack pine seeded site is determined to be a failure,
re-planting will most likely be the preferred next step. Jack pine or red pine stock
(containerized) will be planted in sites that are considered a failure (jack pine will be
preferred within the designated barrens areas). Supplemental plantings will most
likely also require bud capping to protect from overbrowsing.
d) Natural Regeneration Monitoring (Competitive Regeneration Survey/Forest
Regeneration Metrix). How a stand will be reforested after a regeneration harvest is
one of the most critical aspects of forest management. As previously stated, every
stand that is managed is ultimately reforested, however, the methods of reforestation
can be somewhat variable, depending, in part, on the timber type and existing
conditions.
Table 18 summarizes the total amount of natural regeneration monitoring (acres) that
has occurred on the Bayfield County Forest since 2019.
Natural regeneration monitoring was previously accomplished utilizing the protocols
outlined in the Forest Regeneration Metrix (FRM). Please refer to the 2021 Bayfield
County Forest Annual Work Plan for more detailed information on FRM. As FRM
was developed, the Department slowly incorporated it into the process. The initial
priorities were targeting stands of red oak and northern hardwood (the two hardwood
types that have been experiencing some issues in the reforestation process), but other
timber types were added in 2018.
Starting in CY 2019, the goal was to incorporate FRM on all stands that will be
regenerating naturally after management, as time allows. Monitoring parameters and
Table 18: Natural Regeneration Monitoring Summary1
2019 1,364 534 1,118 56 1,224 0 0 0 0 0 4,296
2020 1,652 0 1,065 0 0 0 0 0 0 30 2,747
2021 357 268 418 182 867 31 0 53 0 0 2,176
2022 916 288 396 59 0 0 23 33 0 0 1,715
2023 638 99 599 96 264 0 26 18 2 0 1,742
Average 985 238 719 79 471 6 10 21 0 6 2,535
1 Utilizing the protocols outlined in the Forest Regeneratin Metrix from 2012-2020. Using Competitive Regeneration Survey starting in 2021.
Swamp
Conifer TotalRed
Maple
Scrub
Oak OtherWhite
Pine
White
BirchYearNorthern
Hardwood
Red
Oak Aspen Swamp
Hardwood
23
protocols are still in the process of development and will be fine-tuned as more
information is collected.
Recently, after working with FRM methodology over the past few years, the
Department concluded that the survey was not providing the results needed to help
facilitate future management level decisions for each stand. The Competitive
Regeneration Survey (CRS) was established internally using some FRM metrics and
methodologies, combined with additional criteria. The goal of CRS is to
measure/monitor stands that are being regenerated naturally to determine the
likelihood of future success. And, if additional inputs will be required to facilitate
the establishment and recruitment of desired tree species. CRS protocols were
adopted starting in 2021. See the 2024 Bayfield County Forest Annual Work Plan
(Work Plan) for more detailed information on CRS protocols.
In 2023, a total of 1,742 acres of naturally regenerating stands were monitored for
success. This was comparable to the amount monitored in 2022 (1,715 acres).
Stands are ultimately monitored when they are on the schedule.
For northern hardwood, the CRS protocol targets an initial survey between years 5
and 7, with additional follow-ups if an issue is found. If issues are discovered or if
natural regeneration is anticipated to be a problem, additional surveys may be
applied to help determine the next course of action.
For all other types that will be regenerated naturally, an initial survey will be
conducted at year 6 or 7, post-harvest. If natural regeneration is expected to be an
issue, a survey may be conducted earlier. Also, if an issue is discovered, additional
surveys may be applied in successive years to help determine the next course of
action.
In general, the results of regeneration surveys have been variable. Many stands of
red oak and northern hardwood are not regenerating as planned. The results of the
surveys show success in regenerating fully stocked stands of desirable trees, but are
often poorly stocked or underrepresented in the targeted species (e.g. red oak).
The Department has also created a custom survey tool that is used to collect
regeneration information in the field (using the CRS protocols) This tool helps to
streamline the data collection process and has been shared with the DNR, as well as
a few other interested counties.
e) Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI). In 2018, the Department began the development
and implementation of a new long term forest monitoring program, termed
continuous forest inventory (CFI).
Table 19 displays the total number of CFI plots established since 2018, per cycle
(establish or re-measurement) and per primary timber type.
24
The primary purpose of implementing a permanent and continuous forest inventory
is to collect statistically sound stand information that will be used to report on the
status and trends of the forest. The multitude of data that will be collected as part of
every plot will be used to track variables like, but not limited to: forest extent, forest
cover (by type), volume, growth, quality, mortality, removals, regeneration, habitat,
health (both at the stand level and forest wide), carbon sequestration, invasive
species, soils, down woody debris, biomass, insects and disease, herbivory, and
more.
The initial establishment phase was completed in 2022. A total of 667 permanent
CFI plots were installed throughout the forest. The plots were established
throughout all cover types on the forest, in conformance with Wisconsin DNR CFI
protocols. For more detailed information on the CFI program, please see the 2024
Work Plan.
The re-measurement phase began in late 2022 and continued through 2023. In 2023,
a total of 139 plots were re-measured. The data collection process will be repeated,
with the goal of complete re-inventory every five years. Also, the process of data
analysis began in CY 2019 and continued through 2023, with assistance from the
Wisconsin DNR. Though most of the growth and development metrics won’t be
fully realized until the re-measurement phase is nearly complete.
Table 19: CFI Plot Establishment and Re-Measurement Summary
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2022 2023
Aspen 31 76 87 64 45 10 64 377
Northern Hardwoods 14 18 15 18 7 3 20 95
Red Pine 14 10 19 22 0 0 9 74
Red Oak 10 7 13 17 7 2 10 66
Jack Pine 14 13 10 13 0 2 8 60
Scrub Oak 3 5 4 9 3 0 6 30
Kegs/Water 2 3 6 8 1 1 1 22
Swamp Conifer 0 4 1 5 2 2 1 15
Swamp Hardwoods 2 2 4 4 1 0 3 16
Lowland Brush/Alder 2 2 0 3 2 3 9 21
Grasses 3 1 1 3 1 2 2 13
White Pine 0 1 3 4 2 0 2 12
Red Maple 2 3 1 0 2 1 1 10
White Birch 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 5
Fir/Spruce 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 4
Right of Way 1 0 1 2 0 0 1 5
Other 0 1 2 1 0 0 2 6
Hemlock 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1
Total 99 147 170 177 74 26 139
Grand Total
Primary Timber Type Establishment (First Full Cycle)Grand Total
667 832
Re-Measurement
165
25
Establishing 667 CFI plots equates to about 1 plot for every 260 acres of forest land.
At this rate, the plot design will provide a sampling error not to exceed 5% across all
timber types and 10% within each two-inch size class, up to 17 inches in diameter.
Additionally, one CFI plot actually consists of two, 24’ radius plots spaced 120’
apart (from plot centers). Within each plot is a 6.8’ radius subplot (where
regeneration, understory vegetation and other similar data is collected). When
combining both plots, a total of 1,334 plots will be established.
One CFI plot represents approximately 260 acres of county forest land (actually 258
acres). Using that metric, a total of roughly 25,800 acres were inventoried/examined
as part of the CFI program in 2023.
f) Other Monitoring. In addition to the various monitoring efforts listed above, the
Department has also established deer exclusion fencing to analyze the impacts of
browsing. Two larger scale, woven wire fences and numerous small scale poly
exclusion areas.
The two large scale deer exclusion fences were both constructed with eight foot tall,
high tensile woven wire. A 29 acre exclusion is located south of Oulu and was
installed during the spring of 2007. While a 50 acre exclusion is located south of
Cable and was installed during the fall of 2008. Both fences were constructed on
stands being actively managed for red oak. Both locations are routinely monitored to
study the growth and development of regeneration and to better understand the
potential influences of browsing by deer.
Both fence locations have also been recently harvested, where the overstory was
removed to allow established regeneration to recruit. Each site will continue to be
monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the fence. The fences will also be
maintained throughout this process, with the goal of eventual removal once seedlings
have established and attainted dominance.
A few smaller scale fences (ranging in size from 6’x6’ to nearly ½ acre, made from
high density plastic) have also been constructed on the forest. These are much
smaller in size, but still intended to monitor the impacts of excessive browsing by
white tailed deer.
In addition to stands of red oak and northern hardwood, other cover types like
swamp conifer, white pine and white birch are being monitored to better understand
the potential impacts of deer browse. To date, a total of 15 smaller fences are being
maintained on the forest and monitored on a regular basis.
Information collected from the deer exclusion fences will be used to assist in the
development of future management strategies, especially with regards to
regenerating trees that are also preferred browse species i.e. red oak, paper birch,
jack pine, white pine, (and now most of the traditional northern hardwood species).
26
g) Total Monitoring Across All Programs. Whether new timber sale establishment,
timber sale close-out, compartment level inventory, stand level inventory, artificial
regeneration monitoring, natural regeneration monitoring, or one of the many
reforestation activities, the Department collects information on a significant amount
of county forest land every year. primary
Table 20 summarizes the total amount of acres that are analyzed by the Department
since 2019.
In 2023, a total of 27,241 acres were managed by the Department. This represents
about 15% of the total amount of county forest land.
This number also does not include the amount of land monitored as part of the
Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) program. If including the amount of land
inventoried as part of the CFI program (25,800 acres), the total amount of monitoring
in 2023 would be over 53,000 acres or roughly 30% of the county forest.
Barrens Management Areas
The Barnes Barrens Management Area (BBMA) was formally designated in 2012 with the goal of
developing and maintaining critically important Pine Barrens habitat through the simultaneous
management of jack pine and open/early successional barrens. This was after nearly 5 years of
strategizing and planning. Development of the Bass Lake Barrens Management Area (BLBMA)
began in 2020 and continued through 2023. Again, after multiple years of planning.
Among other things, the Barrens Management plan defines operational parameters and guidelines
that must be followed to achieve the desired future conditions. Please review the 15-Year
Comprehensive Land Use Plan and 2024 Work Plan for more detailed information on barrens
management.
Below is a list of the primary accomplishments within the BBMA since 2012:
• Established a timber sale to address the remaining portion of standing timber in the path of
the core road (which will be located around the entire perimeter of the core area).
Table 20: Summary of Principal Activities Occuring on the Bayfield County Forest (acres)1
2019 4,608 3,322 0 6,167 1,539 4,296 1,069 21,001
2020 5,177 3,637 12,172 1,696 1,263 2,747 1,424 28,116
2021 4,911 3,832 17,166 804 1,258 2,176 1,652 31,799
2022 3,615 4,292 7,481 3,831 1,167 1,715 1,235 23,336
2023 3,605 3,150 12,541 3,142 1,187 1,742 1,874 27,241
Average 4,339 3,851 7,956 3,720 1,537 1,690 1,629 24,722
1 Primary activities/goals that are tracked per year.
TotalYearReforestation
Activities
New
Sales
Closed
Sales
Compartment
Inventory
Stand
Update
Artifical
Monitoring
Natural
Monitoring
27
• Established timber sales in Zones 1 and 2 to maintain/prepare for the scheduled future
harvest cycles within each zone.
• Began the conversion of red pine stands in Zone 4 to jack pine to prepare for the scheduled
future harvest cycles in that Zone.
• Currently, approximately 3.5 miles of the core road has been completed. Most of the core
road was constructed in 2019, but the final grading and shaping was completed in 2020.
• Knapweed has been treated along heavily infested roads since 2013 (see Invasive Species
section below for more information). As a result, the total amount of knapweed has been
reduced significantly.
• As per the Barrens plan, all reforestation efforts focus on jack pine. Each year, sites are
either trenched, site prep sprayed, or aerial seeded with jack pine.
• In 2020, the Department completed the fourth year of monitoring permanent vegetation
plots, located within the BBMA, to study the effects of various chemical mixtures on the
development of native plants.
• To date, roughly 75% of the core area has been established as open barrens (the core area is
roughly 1,000 acres in size).
• 472 acres (or nearly 50%) of the core area has been treated with at least one prescribed burn.
An additional 192 acres of the core was burned in the spring of 2022, while another 307
acres was burned in the fall. Some of the acres were burned previously.
• No burning occurred in 2023.
• In 2020, 426 acres of the core area were roller chopped (mechanical site preparation) to
reduce vertical structure and improve habitat. This project was 100% funded with
supplemental Pittman-Robertson (PR) Wildlife Habitat dollars from the DNR.
• In 2020, 228 acres were treated with herbicide to facilitate the development of the core area.
• In 2020 and 2021, numerous game cameras have been installed throughout the core to
observe the presence and movement of wildlife.
• In 2021, roughly 1 acre was brushed/mowed by the Highway Department to establish a new
lek site for Sharp-tailed grouse. In the spring of 2022, as many as 10 males were observed
dancing on this new site!
• 160 acres was roller chopped (via contractor) in the NE portion of the core area.
• In 2023, the Department purchased a roller chopper, in part, with funds awarded via an
Enbridge EcoFootprint grant, DNR Important Bird Area grant, and donation from the Sharp-
tailed Grouse Society. The unit will be pulled by county and/or DNR equipment for future
habitat maintenance work. The unit will also be available for lease to other public land
managers hoping to accomplish similar barrens habitat maintenance work.
• Established a wildlife project that will focus on monitoring birds within the barrens. The
Department will partner with Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI), University of
Minnesota-Duluth in the development of a sharp-tailed grouse (STG), as well as breeding
bird monitoring projects. The STG project will focus on tagging birds with tracking devices
to monitor movements within barrens habitats. While NRRI is contracted to design and
administer the study, the Department will also be partnering with the DNR and USFS on this
project. The breeding bird survey will focus on collecting nesting information on
representative stands within the BBMA. The goal of both projects is to develop a better
understanding of habitat use. Information collected will be used to fine-tune future barrens
management strategies. DNR wildlife habitat funds will be used to fund a portion of these
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projects. NRRI has secured numerous other funds that will be used to address more than
half of the total costs.
o In 2021, NRRI completed a breeding bird survey within the BBMA.
o In 2021, NRRI led a project to capture, tag (with gps collars and colored leg bands)
and monitor Sharp-tailed grouse.
▪ A summary report of this project is located on the website:
https://www.bayfieldcounty.wi.gov/243/Plans-Reports.
o Sharp-tailed grouse capture, tagging and monitoring continued in 2022. The tags of
two males captured in 2022 continued to remit data through May 2023. This is
significant as there will be at least one solid year of movement charts which will
produce a wealth of information on habitat use throughout all four seasons. One of
those tagged males was observed dancing on a lek in the Barnes Barrens in spring
2023.
▪ No birds were tagged in 2023 to give the population a break from that
activity. Banding will continue in 2024 (as of the writing of this report, 4
birds were tagged in 2024).
o Also in 2022, a more thorough inventory of vegetation was completed within the
core area. This will establish a baseline and will be used to determine habitat
richness. Additional similar monitoring efforts will be required to monitor
development.
o In 2023, additional sites were surveyed to establish baseline and habitat development
information. Veg surveys were accomplished on 17 sites by a contracted botanist
within the core area of the BBMA, as well as throughout each zone. The latter was
completed to help provide information on the development of temporary barrens
habitat, focusing on the vegetation layer, as stands are reforested. Another emphasis
of the survey work was to compare and contrast the development of veg layers on
sites that were treated with chemical (as part of the reforestation process). The
floating barrens portion of the BBMA is intended to provide a temporary extension
of the core until trees (either seeded or planted) have reached a level. Information
from the surveys will help to determine if adjustments are necessary to achieve a
higher quality temporary barrens habitat within the core, as well as the floating
barrens within each zone. Similar surveys will be conducted in 2024.
• The Department collaborated with DNR Wildlife to identify two mature jack pine stands
that may provide suitable habitat for the Connecticut Warbler. Both stands were slated for
management, but were retained to monitor for use. Approximately 27 acres of one stand
was treated to cut thick understory brush with the goal of improving habitat and increasing
the chances of use by the warbler. The DNR funded the understory treatment. The
Connecticut Warbler has dramatically declined in Wisconsin, with NW providing the last
known breeding populations.
• The Department also maintains roughly a dozen game cameras targeting lek sites to monitor
for the presence of Sharp-tailed Grouse. Game cameras also pick up on a other uses by a
variety of different wildlife species.
• In 2023, the Department invested in two Autonomous Recording Units (ARU). These are
small audio recording devices designed to collect sound recordings of birds, bats, frogs and
other vocal animals in the wild. Recordings can then be downloaded and processed to
determine species. We are currently working with the Institute for Bird Populations to
calibrate the ARUs and assist in data processing and interpretation. In the future, in addition
29
to monitoring for Sharp-tailed grouse, these units could assist with breeding bird surveys, or
other similar projects, and is another valuable tool for monitoring usage and ascertaining the
quality of habitat. Five more ARUs were purchased in 2024 to continue and expand this
effort.
Below is a list of primary accomplishments with the BLBMA (starting in 2020):
• Completed numerous timber sales required to begin the development of the BLBMA.
• Established more timber sales to continue development.
• Collaborated with the DNR regarding the best placement for a system/fire management
road. The roads will be constructed within the next few years and serve as primary access to
the BLBMA.
• Roller chopped (mechanical site preparation) 40 acres to reduce vertical structure and
facilitate the development of the BLBMA. This project was 100% funded with
supplemental Pittman-Robertson (PR) Wildlife Habitat dollars from the DNR.
• In 2021, the following was accomplished:
o Site Preparation (roller chopping): 133 acres;
o Site Preparation (herbicide): 378 acres;
o Road Building (new construction): approximately 0.6 miles;
o Road Building (ford crossing): installed on new system road to facilitate access.
▪ The roller chopping, herbicide, ford and a portion of new road construction
were funded through PR and Turkey Stamp grants. Another portion of new
road construction was completed as part of an existing timber sale.
o Timber sale establishment to remove merchantable and sub-merchantable trees
within the BLBMA.
• In 2022, timber sale establishment continues with the BLBMA and is expected to continue
through 2023.
• In 2022, a total of 137 acres was treated with herbicide to develop habitat. If needed,
herbicide is used to help establish the site. Prescribed fire will be used in the future to
maintain habitat.
• In 2023, 164 acres was treated with herbicide for habitat development. All herbicide
applications in the BLBMA will be one-time treatments and prescribed to expediate the
transition from a previously forested condition to a permanently open barrens. Unless
unavoidable, all treatments after the initial application will be either prescribed fire or
mechanical (e.g. roller chopper) in nature to control undesirable woody
vegetation/encroachment and encourage/maintain barrens habitat development.
• 150 acres was burned in 2023.
• In 2023, the eastern boundary of the BLBMA was modified and moved to the western edge
of Dahl Creek. Thus removing about 30 acres of small diameter swamp conifer and poor
quality hardwood from the BLBMA. Most of the area contained between Dahl Creek and
the private property to the east is already open wetland, so the move will have little impact
on the overall goals of the project.
• Also in 2023, the fuel mitigation corridor (road) was completed on the west boundary of the
BLBMA. This work was completed with assistance from a DNR County Conservation Aid
grant.
30
Invasive Species and Insects and Disease
Over the past few years, the Department has become more involved in the treatment of invasive
species on the county forest. Invasive species have the potential to alter the ecological relationships
among native species, negatively affect the natural functions and structure of forested ecosystems,
and can negatively impact the economic value of the forest.
Currently, non-native invasive species like spotted knapweed and common buckthorn and native
invasive species like black locust are the most common plants treated on the forest.
Table 21 describes the summary of invasive species treatments on the county forest since 2019.
The management of invasives species has been a progressively increasing workload. In 2023,
approximately 39 acres were hand treated, primarily by Department staff. Of that total, 5 acres
were targeting the treatment of black locust, 4 acres of leafy spurge, and 30 acres of wild parsnip.
Buckthorn was not treated in 2023, as it was given a year to grow, making them easier to find and
treat in the future (all fruiting stems, at known locations, were treated previously).
It should be noted that, to date, most hand treatments are targeting infestations that are generally
located in isolated and fairly widely distributed patches (in other words, the acres treated in 2023
were not blanketed with a sea of targeted invasive species). Some patches contain higher levels of
density and require more intensive treatments.
Unfortunately, additional outbreaks are discovered every year and will most likely require more
resources to control. As a means to address future workloads, the Department completed an initial
inventory of known problem areas/infestations in 2022. Goals of the inventory were to better define
the extent of infestations and potential demand on resources, as well as to develop a working
management plan that will, in part, address future needs and workloads.
Since 2014, the Department has been treating forest roads located within the BBMA for spotted
knapweed. In 2023, a total of 48 miles (roughly 333 acres) were treated. While the total number of
miles treated has remained relatively consistent over that time, the amount of chemical required to
address spotted knapweed has declined by nearly 3.5 fold, from 8.5 gallons in 2015 to roughly 2.4
gallons in 2023 (which equates to roughly 6.5 ounces/mile or less than 1 ounce per acre). The cost
Table 21: Invasive Species Treatment Summary
Year Road R.O.W. (mi)1 Hand Treatment (ac)2
2019 42 13
2020 50 30
2021 44 82
2022 44 85
2023 48 38.5
Average 43 34
1 Spotted knapweed treatment in the Barnes Barrens area.
2 Primarily small isolated patches of buckthorn and black locust.
31
per mile has also decreased significantly during that same timespan, from $750/mile in 2015 to
$195/mile in 2023.
Follow-up treatments will likely always be required to reduce the potential for spread. As
knapweed becomes more manageable, it is also anticipated that less chemical will be required
and/or there may be an opportunity to alternate treatment years. Additional roads may also need
treatment and will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Oak Wilt. In 2018, three cases of oak wilt were confirmed on the Bayfield County Forest. Two of
the detections were made in Cable and one in Barnes. Please see the Bayfield County Forest 2024
Work Plan and Wisconsin DNR website for more information on Oak Wilt.
As a result of the detection, the infected trees needed to be addressed. After an oak wilt infected
tree or pocket is located and confirmed, guidelines/protocols are adopted that help to determine how
the trees/areas will/should be treated. Models or charts that estimate the number of trees located
within potential root grafting distance of a known infection source are applied.
Once the perimeter is established all oak trees within it are double girdled and herbicide is applied
to kill the trees, generally starting at the outside (of the perimeter) and working toward the center.
Once the trees are killed, the oak wilt infected tree(s) are treated. Once all the trees are confirmed
to be dead the uninfected trees may be harvested.
Table 22 below summarizes oak wilt treatments since 2018.
In 2023, only 1 tree on 1 site was treated for oak wilt. Again, located within the Cable block of the
county forest. It is anticipated that, especially as oak wilt continues to spread northward, that more
infected trees will be discovered in 2024. The Department continues to work with the DNR on the
monitoring and treatment of oak wilt across the property.
Emerald Ash Borer. In March 2022, EAB was officially confirmed in Bayfield County. It has also
been confirmed in most counties surrounding Bayfield. While the EAB quarantine rule for
Wisconsin was rescinded in 2023, some states, like Minnesota, still maintain a quarantine in areas
not considered infested.
The large purple traps often seen along major roadways, intended to help monitor for and locate the
presence of EAB, are no longer being administered by DATCP or APHIS. Since 2019, the
Table 22: Summary of Oak Wilt Treatments
Year Total Trees Total Sites
2018 30 2
2019 108 6
2020 0 0
2021 5 5
2022 35 6
2023 1 1
Total 30 3
32
Department has installed numerous purple traps at various locations on the county forest where ash
is a significant component (a total of 9 different locations each year). To date, all traps located on
county forest land have been negative for EAB. However, signs of EAB are starting to pop up at
various locations. Starting in 2024, the Department will no longer monitor for EAB (with the purple
traps).
Based on current known locations, increased levels of EAB on the county forest, and the associated
impacts, is inevitable. In general, ash contributes less than 0.5% of annual stumpage revenues and
is present, as a dominant forest type, on less than 1.0% of the county forest.
In anticipation of eventual EAB confirmation and a subsequent decline in the ash population, the
Department prioritized the re-inventory and management (pre-salvage/regeneration) of all ash
dominated stands. However, the decline in ash markets and poor accessibility to most stands where
ash is present (swamp types), has made it difficult to pre-salvage most stands. The management of
ash stands is still being considered, primarily in conjunction with the treatment of other adjacent
stands. Once EAB is present at higher levels, a sharp decrease in the ash population will be
expected.
Land Transactions
The Department will continue efforts to acquire properties on a willing seller, willing buyer basis,
when advantageous to the long-term goals of Bayfield County. A priority will be given to land
located within the existing county forest blocking and/or areas possessing special or unique natural
resource values. All acquisitions are typically enrolled in County Forest Law and managed as part
of the County Forest.
Table 23 summarizes all County Forest Law (CFL) entries (acquisitions) and withdrawals
(divestments) from 2013-2023.
Table 23: County Forest Law (CFL) Entries and Withdrawals
Year Entries1 Withdrawals2 Net Change
2013 40.00 4.25 35.75
2014 40.00 0.00 40.00
2015 2,601.80 0.09 2,601.71
2016 0.00 3.36 -3.36
2017 200.00 90.20 109.80
2018 0.00 82.71 -82.71
2019 3,731.25 0.10 3,731.15
2020 30.00 222.78 -192.78
2021 0.00 362.57 -362.57
2022 320.00 706.49 -386.49
2023 3,579.64 0.05 3,579.59
Total 10,542.69 1,472.60 9,070.09
Average 958.43 133.87 824.55
1 Land added to the county forest, typically via purchase, donation, trade or tax delinquency.
2 Land removed from the county forest, typically via sale or trade.
33
On occasion, the county will also divest of land. Divestment is typically only considered if the land
in question will be put to a higher and better use and will provide greater benefits to the citizens of
Bayfield County. All divestments need to be approved by the Forestry and Parks Committee and
the County Board. Also, before land is formally divested, it first needs to be withdrawn from
County Forest Law (CFL). Requests for withdrawal are submitted to and reviewed by the DNR.
County forest land cannot be divested until a request for withdrawal has been approved by the state.
Since 2013, the Department has made significant additions to the Bayfield County Forest. A net
total of nearly 9,100 acres has been added to the county forest program over roughly the last decade.
In 2023, the following County Forest Law (CFL) transactions (entries and withdrawals) were made:
1. Withdrawals: 0.05 acres was withdrawn in the Town of Hughes to resolve an
encroachment. The land was sold to the adjacent landowner with proceeds to be re-invested
as part of a future acquisition (for entry into CFL).
2. Entries: the following parcels were added to CFL in 2023.
a. Sand River Acquisition: a total of 1,998.59 acres. This included 5 different parcels
located in the Towns of Bayfield and Bell. The total project cost was roughly $2.591
million. Funding for the acquisition was as follows: $1.965 million from
NOAA/BIL Infrastructure grant (administered through the WI Coastal Program);
$320,379 from USFS Community Forest Program; and $320,379 in cash (from the
sale of land to Red Cliff, see below). The project was also made possible via an
agreement with the Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL acquired the land on behalf of
the county and held it for roughly 9 months until all funds were identified and
received. Once funding was in place, the county purchased the land from TPL.
b. Bark River Acquisition: a total of 1,581.05 acres. This included 2 different parcels
in the Town of Clover. The total project cost was roughly $1.027 million. Funding
for the acquisition was obtained, in full, from the State of Wisconsin, through the
state’s allocation of ARPA funds.
The acquisitions listed above were made possible, in part, by the sale of land to the Red Cliff Band
of Lake Superior Chippewa (Red Cliff). In 2022, Bayfield County completed the final sale of
county forest lands to Red Cliff. The repatriation of county owned lands located within the
reservation was identified as a priority in an MOU between the County and Red Cliff. As per that
MOU, between 2017 and 2022, the county sold a total of 1,439.27 acres of county forest land to
Red Cliff. See Table 24 below for a summary of each sale:
All proceeds from these land sales will be re-invested in replacement lands, enrolled in CFL and
managed as part of the county forest. Most of the lands purchased in 2023 was purchased with the
Table 24: Summary of Land Sales to Red Cliff
Year Acres Value
2017 80 $80,000.00
2018 80 $80,000.00
2020 222.78 $315,000.00
2021 350 $522,000.00
2022 706.49 $1,000,000.00
Total 1,439.27 $1,997,000.00
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various grant funds. As a result, a significant balance of fund remains for future land acquisition
projects. As of January 1, 2024, a total of roughly $1.45 million in funding is available for future
land acquisition projects. The Department will actively pursue and develop land acquisition
projects that will utilize this balance and leverage with other external funding sources, as much as
possible.
The Department will also continue to work with various partners (primarily the Trust for Public
Land (TPL), Wisconsin Coastal Management and Landmark Conservancy) on the development of
grant applications for the purchase of replacement lands.
PARTNERSHIP WITH THE DNR
In accordance with s. 28.11, the DNR oversees the county forest program. As per that partnership,
the DNR provides an abundance of professional, technical and financial assistance to counties
having lands entered in the county forest program. As part of the technical assistance, the DNR
allocates a total of 46,000 hours, statewide, to counties having lands enrolled in the county forest
program.
The amount of technical assistance (termed “time standards”) dedicated to each county is
determined through a fairly complex formula. Past, present and future workloads are incorporated
into the formula to determine the level of assistance required by each county.
Timber sale establishment, reforestation, regeneration monitoring, reconnaissance, timber sale
administration, road and trail maintenance, as well as time associated with certification, work
planning, various meetings, other professional services, and all associated paperwork (and more) are
all part of the calculation. If the total request from all counties exceeds the roughly 46,000 hour
annual threshold, a general proration is adopted to equally adjust the final figure accordingly.
Time standards were recalculated in 2022. The new time standards are effective July 1, 2022
through June 30, 2027. For this next five year period, Bayfield County requested 4,817 hours of
assistance. After all requests from other county forest programs were considered, a prorate of
roughly 88% was applied. On the Bayfield County Forest, the annual time commitment allocated
by the DNR to the county, after the pro-rate was applied, has been calculated at 4,271 hours.
The current time standard is a significant increase from the average allocation between FY2020-22
(3,640 hours). The increase in hours was a direct reflection of the growth in various forest
management programs that occurred over the past five+ years, including, but not limited to: timber
sale establishment, timber sale administration, reforestation, regeneration monitoring (including
CRS), forest reconnaissance (compartment and stand inventory), invasive species control, as well as
significant increases in prescribed fire associated with barrens management.
As part of the annual time commitment, the DNR provides assistance in a variety of areas,
including, but is not limited to:
1. Establishment of timber sales. Roughly 20% to 25% of the annual sustainable harvest goal
is accomplished by DNR foresters.
2. Forest reconnaissance (both compartment and stand updates).
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3. Forest stand data entry (WisFIRS, see below) and maintenance.
4. Continuous Forest Inventory (CFI) plot sampling/data collection.
5. Regeneration monitoring, both artificial and natural.
6. Timber stand improvements (TSI).
7. Timber sale administration.
8. Mechanical site preparation for natural regeneration.
9. Mechanical site preparation for artificial regeneration.
10. County forest road and trail construction and maintenance.
11. Road right of way and wildlife (game) opening mowing/maintenance.
12. Prescribed burning, including both barrens management areas.
13. Support from professional forest management specialists, including forest hydrologists,
wildlife biologists, forest ecologists, forest health specialists, GIS specialists, etc.
14. Support, manage and administer the county forest group certifications, for both SFI and FSC
(both forest certificates are administered by the DNR through a group format).
15. Assistance in the development and maintenance of the comprehensive land use and annual
work plans.
16. Function as a catalyst for the transfer of technology and professional or scientific
information, as well as providing opportunities for training or enhancement.
17. Financial support through various grants, aids and loans.
FOREST CERTIFICATION
The Bayfield County Forest is dual, third party certified (as part of the Wisconsin County Forest
Program group certificates, which are managed by the DNR). For the past ten plus years, the
Department has maintained forest certificates with both SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) and
FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). The DNR maintains all aspects (administratively and
financially) of both the SFI and FSC group certificates.
The standards, principles and/or strategic direction of each non-profit, independent forest certifying
body are developed by their respective board members and staff, which include representation from
conservation organizations, academia, tribal entities, family forest owners, private forest
landowners, public forest landowners and the forest products industry. Each certifying organization
is further structured into three sectors (SFI) or chambers (FSC), incorporating environmental, social
and economic components. This diversity reflects the wide variety of interests in the forest
management community.
As part of certification, the county forest management program is audited annually against the strict
standards, guidelines and principles of each independent organization. To date, every year, the
county forest program has either met or exceeded each standard.
In 2022, as part of the routine annual certification audit for both SFI and FSC, the Wisconsin
County Forest program received no major corrective actions (CAR), and only one minor
opportunities for improvements (OFI) and/or observation (OBS). The minor opportunity for
improvement and observation both centered on BMP’s. Primarily ensuring that a thorough pre-sale
walk through is conducted prior to the onset of harvesting. As with all CARs, OFIs and/or OBSs,
DNR will be working with the WCFA to best address areas that need to attention. More
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information on county forest certification can be found here on the Wisconsin DNR website at:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/timbersales/countyforests
FOREST CARBON PROJECT
Forest Carbon Assessments and Marketing
The County Forest provides an important ecosystem function in the form of carbon sequestration, or
the uptake and storage of carbon in trees, shrubs, vegetation and associated wood products. The
carbon sink in forests and wood products helps to offset sources of carbon dioxide released into the
atmosphere i.e. as created by activities such as deforestation, forest fires, and fossil fuel emissions.
Awareness of, or emphasis on, carbon sequestration has evolved over time, especially as concerns
regarding a potentially changing climate and subsequent negative impacts have commanded more
attention.
Sustainable forest management practices, such as those currently prescribed by the Department, can
increase the ability of the forest to sequester atmospheric carbon, while still producing and/or
enhancing other core ecosystem services i.e. timber products; recreational opportunities; wildlife
habitat; improved soil and water quality. Harvesting and regenerating forests can also result in
improved net carbon sequestration in wood products and new forest growth, especially when
compared to other alternative land uses. Interest in forest carbon sequestration projects has also
increased, as entities explore options or opportunities for climate change mitigation.
Over the past few decades, carbon markets have emerged as one option to address climate change
related concerns. The voluntary retail carbon market continues to evolve, especially as an
increasing number of individuals, governments, companies, and similar entities pledge and/or seek
to reduce their carbon footprints or become carbon neutral.
In response to the various (and often significant) commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions,
carbon is now a priced and valuable environmental commodity in the global marketplace, with
offsets available for purchase within the carbon markets. By allowing the broader public to engage
in climate protection, the voluntary market has the potential to further advance societal awareness of
carbon emissions, the potential impacts of climate change and the significance of consumer action
and/or behavior.
Data regarding carbon sequestration is collected as part of the CFI program. Information from the
CFI program can be used to develop, assess and analyze carbon stocks and trends on the County
Forest (or carbon accounting). Carbon stock and trend information, in conjunction with other
similar assessments on forest carbon, can help the Department better understand the correlation
between carbon storage, previous management practices and disturbance impacts.
In April 2021, Bayfield County entered into an agreement with Bluesource, LLC (now called
ANEW) to help develop, register, verify and administer the project. A total of 159,656 acres of
the Bayfield County Forest are included as part of the carbon project. The project is registered as
part of the American Carbon Registry (ACR) program, under the Improved Forest Management
(IFM) methodology, and available in the voluntary offset marketplace.
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ANEW will assist the county in all aspects of the carbon project including, but not limited to:
development, listing, inventory (a total of 446 CFI plots and associated data will also be used as
carbon inventory plots), growth and yield monitoring, verification, registration, maintenance,
administration, and marketing. The agreement with ANEW will be for the first 10 years of the
project (with an exclusive option to extend), but the terms of use with ACR will be for a 40 year
period.
The results of any forest carbon project could have the potential to alter and/or modify certain
approaches or strategies regarding the sustainable management of the County Forest, as determined
by the Administrator and/or Committee. It also has the potential to positively impact the budget.
Depending on the amount of carbon offsets available to market, as well as the price per unit during
the time of sale, Bayfield County could realize a significant new source of revenue.
The verification audit was completed in July 2022. Post audit follow-up and final project
registration were completed in June 2023. The first tranche of credits were registered in June 2023.
A total of 558,755 credits were issued as part of the first reporting period (RP). All expenses
associated with the carbon project are addressed in the payment to the county. As such, there will
be no direct, budgeted expenses associated with this carbon project.
Below are some of the more noteworthy accomplishments in 2023:
• Project Development and Marketing – Ongoing. The marketing phase has been ongoing
since 2022. The voluntary forest carbon market has stalled significantly over the past year,
resulting in very little movement on new sales. The Department continues to work closely
with the ANEW marketing team on the development of marketing and promotional
materials and will continue to collaborate throughout 2024.
o The Department continues to work closely with the ANEW team on strategies to
improve the project. ANEW also continues to work diligently behind the scenes to
improve the voluntary offset marketplace and restore/strengthen consumer
confidence.
• CFI Plot Re-Measurement – Ongoing. The project reporting period is April 1 through
March 31 every year. As part of the reporting process, the Department is required to
provide information on all significant disturbance related activities throughout the project
area. Disturbance can include timber harvests, natural events (like wildfire, windstorms,
insects and disease outbreaks, etc), or similar activities where a significant number of trees
have been removed or died. The Department is required to keep track of all CFI plots where
disturbance might have occurred, and report updated information to ACR (through ANEW).
o In 2023, a total of 15 CFI plots were re-measured. Of those 15 plots, a total of 6
were found to have been disturbed via a timber harvest.
• Third-Party Verification and Site Audit – A site audit/verification by a team of third-party
auditors is required every 5 years. The initial audit was completed in 2022 (late June/early
July). This was to determine initial compliance. The next audit is expected in 2027 or 2028.
• Project Registration and Carbon Credit Issuance – The final registration process was
completed in June 2023. A total of 558,755 credits were released as part of that first
issuance. Of that total, 313,116 credits were classified as removals and 245,639 credits were
classified as conservation. In general, removal credits command higher pricing.
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o The verification of emissions reductions or removals (credits) for reporting period 2
(RP2) was delayed in 2023. This would cover emission reduction tons (ERT or
credits) generated between April 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023. The delay was
strategic and primarily in response to the poor market conditions experienced
throughout 2023 and into early 2024. These ERTs will likely be combined with
those generated in RP3 as part of a larger issuance in late 2024. It is anticipated that
the number of credits issued in RP2 and RP3 will be similar to those released as part
of RP1.
o The Bayfield County Forest project is participating in the voluntary carbon market
under the American Carbon Registry (ACR) Improved Forest Management (IFM)
program. As of 2023, the Bayfield County Forest is still one of the largest public
forests in the nation to participate in the voluntary carbon market.
• Carbon Sales and Revenue. While the voluntary forest carbon market was slow in 2023, a
very small number of credits were sold. A total of 3,300 credits sold for $73,800, to four
different buyers in 2023. However, as part of the agreement with ANEW, the county does
not receive a return from the sale of carbon credits until their direct out of pocket expenses
have been met. To date, the sale of credits has not covered ANEW’s third-party out of
pocket expenses. As such, as of early 2024, the county has not received a return from the
sale of carbon.
• Forest Carbon Offset Reserve Fund (FCOR): Completed March 2023. Throughout 2022,
the Department worked on establishing a plan to re-invest a portion of future carbon returns
in nature, green, or outdoor based projects. The FCOR describes three primary categories
that would be targeted for investment: Forest Management; Recreation; and Land
Acquisition. A total of up to 40% of the first three full carbon offset payments would be
directed to each category as summarized in the FCOR. The Carbon Offset Reserve Fund
(COR), which includes the FCOR, was approved in March 2023.
• Reporting. Ongoing. Routine and regular reporting will also be part of the carbon project.
This will include plot re-measurements (as described above), as well as supporting
documentation as requested by the ANEW and/or ACR.
Site audits are only expected to occur every five years, so will not be a significant annual workload.
A complete re-inventory of the carbon plots is required every ten years. But that is already
happening as part of the regular CFI program (so will not be an added workload). CFI plot re-
measurement (for disturbances) and reporting are now an annual occurrence, as are regular status
reports and marketing updates with ANEW. While the actual annual workloads associated with the
carbon project have been relatively minor to date, the county still has little experience or history
with the sale of a significant number of credits. If/when significant returns from carbon arrive, that
will trigger various initiatives outlined within the FCOR, which will influence future workloads and
priorities.
The recognition of forest carbon is yet another important variable to consider when developing
sound sustainable short and long-term management strategies for the County Forest.
ROADS AND RECREATION (on the County Forest)
The Forestry and Parks Department maintains nearly 1,300 miles of roads and trails on the forest.
These roads and trails provide a plethora of recreational opportunities. Some of the more popular
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pursuits include: hiking, hunting, mountain biking, snowmobiling, ATVing, cross country skiing,
dog sledding, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, firewood gathering and more.
Primary Roads
Approximately 38 miles are classified as primary gas tax roads, which receive maintenance funds
from the Wisconsin DOT (based on $351/mile, but prorated depending on total miles enrolled in the
program). These roads serve as primary access routes into portions of the county forest. A few of
these roads located in the Towns of Barnes and Hughes also play an integral role in the wildfire
protection plan.
The Department performed routine annual inspections on every mile of primary road to monitor for
both road quality and invasive species in 2023. The Department, with assistance from the DNR,
also performed annual routine maintenance on the rights of way for each primary road.
Maintenance usually is in the form of mowing, but can also include herbicide, if encroaching
vegetation is unable to be mowed. A total of nearly 32 miles of primary road right of way was
mowed in 2023. This work was primarily accomplished by the DNR with county equipment.
Routine grading and brushing of the Flag Road also occurred in 2023 This also included a
significant level of gravel and shouldering work, which was accomplished with assistance from the
Highway Department (the entire length of Flag Rd was also brushed by the Highway Dept in 2023).
Town Road Aids and Other Town Payments
In 2010, Bayfield County developed the Town Road Aid Fund. This fund was created to help
improve problem areas on Town Roads that provide critical access to the county forest. All projects
are selected and administered by the Department. Of the 31 County Forests in the State of
Wisconsin, Bayfield County is the only one to offer this unique additional source of funding.
Table 25 summarizes the total Town Road Aid Program in 2023.
Table 25: 2023 Town Road Aid Award Summary
Town Funding Amount General Project Area
Bayfield $6,500.00 Various
Barnes $6,500.00 W. Church
Tripp $5,000.00 Battle Axe Area
Bayview $4,500.00 Whiting
Bell $5,000.00 S. Stone
Hughes $6,500.00 Various
Orienta $2,000.00 E. Sorenson
Highland $4,000.00 Motts
Iron River $4,000.00 Ruth Lake
Clover $4,000.00 Campbell
Port Wing $2,500.00 E. Fay
Russell $5,500.00 Peterson Hill
Cable $3,000.00 Spider Lake Fire Ln.
Namakagon $1,000.00 Old Grade
Total $60,000.00
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In 2023, $60,000 was available for eligible town road projects.
Most road aid projects revolve around the purchase of material i.e. gravel, but some include culverts
and equipment rentals. The average award amount was nearly $4,300. The program has been very
well received, with many town roads seeing significant improvements and providing much better
access to county forest lands.
In addition to the Town Road Aid program, Townships receive other revenues due to the presence
of county forest lands within Town jurisdictions. As per County Forest Law, the county is required
to distribute at least ten percent of total net stumpage revenues, that are generated from the
management of the county forest, to each Township that contains county forest lands.
The distribution of funds is prorated and based solely upon the total amount (percentage) of acres
located within each Town. Townships also receive an annual payment from the state. Termed
PILT (payment in lieu of taxes), each Township receives $0.63 per acre for every acre of county
forest land (the PILT payment was increase from $0.30 to $0.63/ac starting in 2022).
Table 26 displays the total amount of revenue distributed or awarded to the Townships as a result of
containing county forest lands since 2019.
In 2023, the total 10% stumpage revenue sharing payment from the county was $354,206. This
represented an decrease of roughly 24% when compared to the amount distributed in 2022. Prior to
2013, towns received an average annual total payment of roughly $220,000. When combining the
10% payment, the Town Road Aids and the DNR PILT payment, a total of over $513,000 was
distributed to the Townships in 2023. This was a decrease of nearly 19% when compared to 2022.
As previously stated, Townships receive a PILT payment from the state. Since the late 1980’s, this
amount was $0.30/acre. In 2021, the PILT payment was increased to $0.63/acre. The increase in
payment went into effect starting with the CY22 distribution.
Table 26: Total Annual Payments to Townships
Year 10% Timber Sales Town Road Aids1 DNR PILT2 Total
2019 $417,166 $71,500 $52,725 $541,391
2020 $362,579 $85,750 $52,725 $501,054
2021 $385,229 $65,717 $52,725 $503,671
2022 $467,909 $53,000 $109,927 $630,836
2023 $354,206 $46,545 $112,384 $513,135
Avg.$397,418 $64,502 $76,097 $538,017
1 Town Road Aids increased in 2014 and 2020.
2 Payment made by the DNR based on $0.63 per acre of county forest land in each Township
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Recreation - Events and Use Agreements
The county forest is used for a variety of recreational purposes. Non-motorized uses such as cross-
country skiing, mountain biking, hunting, trapping, hiking, nature watching and dog sledding are
extremely popular. Motorized uses such as snowmobiling and ATVing are also very popular. The
demand for recreational use on public land is increasing every year.
Recreational events have traditionally been a big part of that increasing demand. Every year,
numerous events are hosted on county forest land. All organized events required a permit, which is
approved by the Forestry and Parks Committee.
Table 28 displays the number of recreational use permits per recreation type that were approved
since 2019. All approved permits were for events that utilized a portion of the Bayfield County
Forest.
In addition to daily general recreational use, trails on the county forest also play an integral role in
numerous popular organized events. In 2023, a total of 20 organized events were approved. Such
events include, but are not limited to, the American Birkebeiner, Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival,
Northern Pines Dog Sled Race, and the Cable Area Off-Road Classic mountain bike race.
Mountain biking and cross-country skiing are generally the most common types, with a vast
majority of events occurring in the Cable block. These events bring numerous participants and
spectators to the area and are excellent examples of multiple use. The number of requests for
mountain bike and cross-country skiing events has increased steadily over the past decade.
The Department also maintains land and/or recreational use agreements with a variety of
organizations, some of which include: the American Birkebeiner Association, Chequamegon Area
Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA), North Country Scenic Trail Association, North End Ski
Club, Ashwabay Outdoor Education Foundation (AOEF), National Fish Hatchery, Town of Barnes,
Bayfield County Snowmobile Alliance, Trails North ATV Club, Iron River Area Chamber of
Commerce, and more.
Table 28: Summary of Approved Events1
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Avg
Mountain Biking 7 0 5 8 7 5
Cross Country Skiing 9 4 7 8 8 7
Running 3 0 2 4 3 2
Dog Sledding 2 2 1 1 1 1
Orienteering 1 0 0 0 0 0
Other2 2 1 1 2 1 1
Total 24 7 16 23 20 18
1 Includes events, clinics and similar organized activities.
2 Includes snowshoeing and ski-joring events.
Type of Event Number of Events per Year
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In general, the use agreements highlight specific areas or trails within the forest and outline
management or use requirements expected from each organization. Use requests are treated on a
case by case basis and require approval from the Committee. Department staff regularly meet with
permit holders regarding trail maintenance, timber sale activities and other recreation related
concerns or issues.
Table 29 displays the approximate miles of designated roads and trails currently located within
county forest boundaries.
In addition to designated trails, the county forest offers an abundance of recreational opportunities
on roads and trails that are not designated for a specific use (i.e. signed and maintained by friends or
use groups). For example, of the over 1,200 miles of roads and trails on the county forest, over 40%
can be traveled with a licensed highway vehicle, over 70% with an off-highway vehicle (i.e.
ATV,UTV) and over 90% with a snowmobile. In addition, all are open to hiking and virtually all
are open to mountain biking, horseback riding and cross-country skiing.
The Department staff works closely with all permitted recreational user groups on the establishment
and/or maintenance of trail systems. Recreational use agreements with organized clubs (as
described above) continue to be pursued at every opportunity.
Recreation - Non-Motorized (managed by the Department)
Recreational trails, whether motorized and part of the state funded system, or non-motorized and
part of a designated network, are an integral and important component of any forest management
program. Over the past few years, the Department has emphasized the importance of recreation,
incorporating efforts to maximize, or better capture, the recreational potential of the forest,
including the construction of the three rustic yurts. At roughly 178,000 acres and spread out over
the length of Bayfield County, the county forest provides, or has the potential to provide, a plethora
of recreational opportunities.
Table 29: Summary of Desinated Roads and Trails
on Bayfield County Forest Land (miles)
Road or Trail Type Total Miles
Primary Road 38
Secondary Road 1,239
Road & Trail1 56
Unclassified Road 0
Snowmobile Trails2 108
ATV Trails2 66
Cross Country Ski Trails 42
Mountain Bike Trails 41
Hiking Trails 17
Dog Sled Trails 70
1 Where a designated trail is located on a secondary road.
2 Does not include trails located on town roads, other public lands or private lands.
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All trails are open to most forms of non-motorized use, but only a small portion are actually
designated and maintained for a specific form of recreation. Trail conditions can also be highly
variable. Of those that are maintained for designated uses, most are managed through
partnerships/agreements with non-profit organizations, and some are maintained directly by the
Department.
Currently, there are two major areas of the county forest where non-motorized recreation is more
organized and intensive. These areas are the low-motorized blocks in Cable and near Mt.
Ashwabay. In these areas, the Department has developed strong partnerships with numerous non-
profit organizations on the designation and maintenance of the trails.
• Cable Area. The Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) is responsible
for the development and management of over 300 miles of mountain bike trails within the
region. This includes trails located on the Bayfield County Forest, Sawyer County Forest
and Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest, in addition to some privately owned lands.
In the Cable block of the Bayfield County Forest, CAMBA maintains approximately 23
miles of sustainably built singletrack mountain bike trails and an additional roughly 11 miles
that occur on logging roads, railroad grades or similar features. These trails connect to those
located on the Chequamegon Nicolet National Forest and Sawyer County Forest to form one
of the most extensive mountain bike networks in the nation. CAMBA maintains a
recreational use permit with the Department that describes the partnership and how trails are
maintained or developed on the Forest. Routine maintenance work and minor trail
improvements occurred in 2023.
In 2023, a roughly 0.90 mile re-route of the Esker Trail from the ATV trail east of CAMBA
location marker M11 was completed. Multiple section of the Ojibwe Trail were rehabbed
post logging activities.
Numerous mountain bike related events are hosted on trails located within the county forest
in the Cable area. Some of the most popular include: CAMBA hosts the Festival of Trails;
the Cable Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the Cable Area Off-Road Classic; Life Time
Fitness hosts the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival; and the American Birkebeiner Association
hosts the Fat Tire Birkie (in the winter). All of these events are extremely popular and bring
thousands of riders and spectators into the area.
Also in the Cable block, the North End Ski Club and American Birkebeiner Association
(ABA) maintain cross country ski and snowshoe trails on the county forest. Some of the ski
trails utilize the same portion of ground as the bike trails. Snowshoe trails are also
maintained on most of the single track trails. The North End Ski Trail network totals
roughly 21 miles on county forest land, while the snowshoe network is about 4 miles. Both
organizations maintain recreational use permits with the Department. Fat bike trail (big
tired mountain bikes) are also gaining in popularity. In 2023, more miles of trail were also
groomed for fat bike use. Routine maintenance work and minor trail improvements also
occurred in 2023.
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The North End Ski Club also maintains a warming cabin, outhouse and storage building on
county forest land. The cabin and outhouse are open for public use. The storage building is
used to house much of the gear and grooming equipment required to maintain the trails.
They also host numerous cross country ski events including their flagship North End Classic
race.
The American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation (ABSF) maintains roughly three miles of the
famed Birkie trail on county forest land. They also maintain a warming/storage building and
privy. The world famous American Birkebeiner cross country ski race, as well Prince
Haakon and Birkie tour ski events are all held on county forest land. The ABSF also hosts
other events, including various running events and the Fat Tire Birkie (see above). ABSF
has also been in the process of re-establishing, improving and creating new trails as part of
the Mt. Telemark Village project. Many of which were completed in 2023. Some of these
trails are located on county forest land and the Department will continue to collaborate with
ABSF on future developments.
Recreational Use Agreements for ABSF and CAMBA will be updated in 2024. The Rec
Use Agreement for North End Ski Club will most likely also be updated in 2024, so that all
groups are current and placed on the same timelines.
• Mt. Ashwabay Area. In the northern portion of the Forest, the Ashwabay Outdoor
Recreation Foundation (AOEF) and Bayfield Nordic maintains an extensive network of
cross country ski and snowshoe trails, in part, on county forest land (also on county land not
part of the county forest i.e. Jolly Trails). Trails are groomed for classic or skate skiing.
AOEF hosts numerous events (both summer and winter events) on the trails including: the
Peel Out 5k Run; WinterDASH running event; and a Fat Tire Expo/Time Trial. In addition,
numerous other groups host events on these same trails, including CANSKI’s Summit Cross
Country Ski Race. The Bayfield and Washburn school districts have also used portions of
the trails for various ski and running meets.
In 2011, a branch of CAMBA (CAMBA North) was formed to develop a mountain bike trail
network, primarily on county forest land located near Mt. Ashwabay. During that time, the
Department approved CAMBA’s proposal to construct up to 30 miles of new singletrack
mountain bike trails on county forest land. To date, roughly 20 miles of sustainably built,
single track mountain bike trails have been constructed, roughly 19 miles of which is located
on county forest land. Many of these trails are also being maintained in the winter for fat
tire mountain bike use.
In 2020, the Department worked with CAMBA to expand the parking area/trailhead at the
Whiting Road location. This included widening and the addition of material. A concrete
vault bathroom was installed at this location in 2022.
In 2023, a portion of the Stick Up/Stick Down trail was converted to two independent one-
way trails. Now named Get Up and Get Down. Also, a new 0.3 mile one-way jump style
trail was constructed (near the Whiting Rd trailhead). This trail is named Down Home. A
gateway was also installed at the entry to the Whiting Rd trails.
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Trail counters have been installed at both trailhead locations (one off Ski Hill Road and one
off Whiting) as a means to monitor and better understand use patterns. The counter off Ski
Hill Road has been in place since 2015, while the counter off Whiting was installed in 2017.
Table 30 summarizes the total amount of trail uses originating from each trail head location
since 2015.
The trail counters were placed in strategic locations in order to capture as much use as
possible. In general, counters from each trail head are capturing different users. However,
there could be instances where a trail user trips the counter at one trail head and rides a good
portion of the entire system, thus tripping the counter at the other trail head. Trail users
could also access the system from other locations, not serviced by one of the trail heads.
The conventional thought is that such uses are offsetting, resulting in solid use data.
As per Table 30, use of the CAMBA trails at Mt. Ashwabay increased steadily since 2015,
especially with the addition of the second trail head, reaching a peak during the Covid
influenced years of 2020 and 2021.
Use in 2022 decreased markedly, by roughly 35%. This decrease may be best explained by
some form of post Covid-19 normalization, as well as an increase in similar mountain biking
opportunities in the region.
In 2023, use increased by around 9%, primarily fueled by a significant uptick at the Ski Hill
Rd location. Trail access from the Ski Hill Rd location increased by over 30%, while use at
the Whiting Rd location decreased by around 7%. The total number of uses in 2023 is very
close to the three year average realized between 2017-2019 (prior to Covid). Indicating that
between 5,000-5,500 individual uses might be the average for this rec feature at this
location.
Table 30: Trail Counter Summary - CAMBA Trails
Mt. Ashwabay Location1
2015 3,543 0 3,543
2016 3,965 0 3,965
2017 3,293 1,485 4,778
2018 4,068 1,615 5,683
2019 2,570 3,211 5,781
2020 3,506 4,462 7,968
2021 3,058 4,367 7,425
2022 2,092 2,802 4,894
2023 2,748 2,599 5,347
Avg.3,205 2,282 5,487
1 Number of individual uses per trail head location.
Ski Hill Rd.
Access
Whiting Rd.
Access TotalYear
46
In addition to the Cable and Mt. Ashwabay areas, designated non-motorized recreational trails
and/or areas are located on numerous other county owned properties (on county forest lands, as well
as non-CFL properties). Some of the more popular designated trails include the North Country
Trail, Jerry Jolly Trails, Lost Creek Falls Trail and the newly acquire Swenson Forest
Preserve/Siskiwit Falls property.
• North County Trail. Approximately 8 miles of the North Country Trail travels within the
county forest. These trails are maintained by local chapters of the Association. In 2018,
North Country Trail volunteers completed a roughly 1.4 mile relocation of the trail between
Banana Belt Road and Pero Road, south of Iron River. This re-route moved the trail off an
older logging road and through a forest of younger aspen. A total of roughly 1,400
volunteer hours went into the relocation. The NCT association also maintains two rustic
campsites on county forest land near the trail. One campsite is located near Erick Lake and
the other is located near Morris Pond. No significant repairs, re-routes or new construction
was accomplished in 2023.
• Jerry Jolly Trails. Some additional work was accomplished on the Jolly trails in 2019. A
broken timber mat, used on the trail to cross a minor wet area, was repaired in 2019 (using
salvaged timbers that were removed from the docks in the City of Bayfield). Some
additional gravel was placed on the access road, parking area and portions of the trail. Work
also began in 2017 to re-evaluate the Jolly network to determine current uses, the intensity
of those uses, the condition of existing infrastructures and explore future direction
options/potential. Trail counters are installed at the trail head or primary access point of the
Jolly network to help determine the amount of use the system receives. A small foot bridge
was repaired in 2021.
Numerous trail improvement projects were completed in 2023, in part with assistance from
Bayfield Area Trails (BATS) and their volunteers, including tread improvements, signing
and brushing. Similar general maintenance activities are expected to continue in 2024,
including additional trail and sign work.
Table 31 summarizes the total use at Jolly/Pike’s Creek since 2018.
With the exception of 2019, use at Jolly/Pike’s Creek has been fairly consistent. Roughly
1,200 uses were counted in 2023, which is in line with the average.
Table 31: Trail Counter Summary
Jolly/Pike's Creek
Year Number of Users
2018 1,234
2019 676
2020 1,439
2021 1,433
2022 1,333
2023 1,196
Avg.1,219
47
• Lost Creek Falls Trail. The trail to Lost Creek Falls is the most substantial rec trail managed
internally by the Department. Since 2015, significant upgrades to the trail and parking area
have been completed at this location. Some of which include: over 1,600 feet of new hand
built trail; nearly 1,300 feet of new boardwalk, some with hand rails; nearly 40 feet of new
foot bridges; nearly 1,000 feet of gravel on new and existing trail surfaces; upgrades to and
expansion of the trail head parking area, as well as overflow parking area; installation of
new trail signs and markers, as well as a new entry sign; installation of a new informational
kiosk; removal or trimming of potentially hazardous or threatening trees; and the installation
of location/directional signs on County Highway C.
Table 32 summarizes the total use of the Lost Creek Falls trail, from the Trail Dr. trail head
location, since 2016.
The amount of use at Lost Creek Falls continues to impress. Presumably, the massive
increase in use in 2020 and 2021 was significantly influenced by Covid-19 and the resulting
surge in outdoor recreation. Total use in 2022 decreased by nearly 40%, but was still nearly
double the pre-Covid usage. Total use in 2023 was just over 9,000, marking another
roughly 12% decrease in traffic.
Since 2016, a counter has been installed on the trail near the trailhead as a means to monitor
use. Actual use would most likely be a little higher as the counter only monitors access
from the primary parking area off Trail Drive. The falls are also accessible from the
snowmobile trail off Klemik Road, which is not captured by the counter and still attracts
some users (likely local users) looking to approach the falls from a different way.
More boardwalk and/or gravel will be needed on the Lost Creek Falls trail in the future to
minimize pressure on the landscape, while continuing to provide an enjoyable and
sustainable hiking trail. Fencing, signs or other objects may be needed to encourage users to
stay on the trail and discourage the creation of social trails (which are typically
unsustainable and can lead to future site damage).
Table 32: Trail Counter Summary
Lost Creek Falls1
Year Number of Users
2016 6,327
2017 7,193
2018 5,468
2019 5,105
2020 14,648
2021 16,562
2022 10,298
2023 9,010
Avg.9,326
1 Number of individual users from Trail Dr. trailhead.
48
Numerous projects were completed in 2022 and 2023, including:
1. Installation of a new concrete vault style restroom facility near the primary parking
area off Trail Dr. The restroom was installed in June 2022.
2. Steps were constructed from the trail to the stream (2022).
3. A picnic area and boardwalk were constructed a short distance from the steps to the
falls (2022).
4. A new entrance sign was installed in 2023.
Additional trail improvement projects are anticipated in 2024, including addressing
excessive tread wear, which will likely involve the placement of gravel; addressing
unauthorized and unsustainable user created trails (social trails), likely with signs and/or
barriers; and new signs and kiosk materials. There is also an opportunity to investigate the
potential for the development of new hiking trails that could provide additional options for
those looking for a longer hike.
• Lake Access Projects: in late 2020, the Department completed Perch Lake access project.
Perch Lake is a small, roughly 21acre lake located in the Town of Bell (off County Highway
C). In general, the goal of a lake access project is to improve public accessibility to the
water feature. Generally involving an improved motorized access road and parking area, an
informational kiosk and a new or improved non-motorized access path to the lake. At Perch
Lake, an existing access road was improved, as was a small parking area. An informational
kiosk and sign markers were installed in 2022. An additional walking path and/or picnic
table may also be installed in the future, depending on use pressure.
In 2023, a similar lake access project was completed at Bismarck Lake. Bismarck Lake is
roughly 60 acres in size and located south of Iron River (off County Highway A). Access to
Bismarck was completed as part of a timber sale and includes a primary access road
(accessible with motorized vehicles), a small parking area, and a short, non-motorized foot
path to the lake. A small kiosk and informational sign will be installed in 2024. Numerous
other lake access projects are also being considered and will be pursued as time and funding
allows.
• Swenson Forest Preserve/Siskiwit Falls. In 2018, with much assistance from the Bayfield
Regional Conservancy (now Landmark Conservancy), Bayfield County acquired roughly
103 acres of land in the Town of Bell, adjacent to the Siskiwit River. The property was
purchased with a NOAA CELCP grant (administered by Wisconsin Coastal Management)
and matching funds from donations and landowner bargain sales (all secured by the
Conservancy).
Bayfield County ultimately agreed to accept ownership of the property (the Siskiwit River
Estuary Protection project, as titled in the grant) for primarily two reasons: 1) in recognition
of the unique and exceptional natural resource values contained throughout the parcels,
including numerous waterfalls on the Siskiwit River, as well as ecologically significant
forests and wetlands, and agreed that these values should be protected and conserved; and 2)
in recognition of the current public use values and future potential of the property, as
individuals and families have enjoyed recreating on these parcels for generations.
49
As part of the acquisition, the county also agreed to receive and administer the NOAA
CELCP grant. The overall goal of the grant was to provide permanent protection and
conservation of the ecological, recreational, historical and aesthetic resources of this unique
site.
The grant award was in the amount of $186,841 for land acquisition and $7.932 for
construction/infrastructure costs (i.e. parking lot development, access road improvements,
signs, etc). These funds required a match from the recipient. A combination of the grant
funds, donations received by Landmark Conservancy and a bargain sale from the
landowners were used to purchase the property. The total cost of the acquisition was a little
over $305,000 (including all associated fees, taxes, survey work, etc.).
By accepting these funds, the county was mandated, by the terms of the grant, to manage the
property in a manner that will preserve the qualities of these values. In addition, eventually
a conservation easement with the Conservancy will be recorded on this property. This
easement will further require the county to ensure the protection and conservation of these
various important resources. The entire property was re-zoned to W Conservancy in 2018.
Some of the major goals accomplished since 2019 include:
• Primary Parking Lot Development. Located on the east side of the river. This area will
serve as the primary trail head/entry to the property.
• Secondary Parking Lot Development. Located on the west side of the river. This area is
intended to serve as the primary access point to the falls located across the road. Having
two parking areas should reduce the amount of foot traffic on Siskiwit Falls.
• In 2019, two $30,000.00 grants, an Acquisition and Development of Local Parks
(ADLP) Knowles-Nelson Stewardship grant and a Wisconsin Coastal Management grant
(NOAA), were awarded to the Department. Funds from each grant will be used to repair
and improve the existing fisherman/hiking trails located adjacent to or near the Siskiwit
River. The funds will also be used to purchase signs and informational kiosk materials.
• A short hiking trail was mowed in the old hay field. This was accomplished via a
partnership with the Town of Bell. The Town also mows the parking areas in the
summer and plows the access road to the primary parking area in the winter.
• In 2020, planned trail improvement work located on the east side of the river was
completed, including: widening and armoring (adding gravel) the existing tread;
removing hazard trees; brushing the trail corridor; creating a new switchback trail on the
northern most end of the trail; adding steps near the Town Road; and installing a short
boardwalk on a wetter portion of the trail. In addition, a few signs/markers were also
installed.
• In early 2021, an elevated boardwalk was constructed over a wet and narrow portion of
the existing trail. This boardwalk was the major last piece needed to stabilize the
existing fisherman trail located along the river.
• In summer 2021, Landmark Conservancy hosted a celebration event in honor of the
previous landowners and those who contributed to this project. As part of that event, an
informational kiosk and numerous interpretive signs were installed.
• Also in 2021, roughly 1 acre of the old apple orchard located along the eastern most
50
portion of the property was treated. The Highway Department used an ASV with
brush/mulching attachment to remove thick underbrush. This allowed direct access to
roughly 60 apple trees.
• The Department is working with Chequamegon Audubon to install and maintain
numerous bird and bat houses on the property, primarily near the meadow, east of the
river.
• The Department is also collaborating with the WDNR regarding the restoration of the
old roughly 7 acre meadow, with the goal of establishing and maintaining a native
prairie.
• Some of the more noteworthy accomplishments in 2022 include:
o Installation of a new concrete vault style restroom facility adjacent to the primary
parking area (east side of river). The restroom was installed in June 2022.
o With assistance from the Highway Department, additional trails were constructed
on the west side of the river. These are shorter loop trails, but provide additional
hiking opportunities.
o Also with assistance from the Highway Department, an additional trail was
constructed on the east side of the property, from the meadow and through the
apple orchard. This also included the construction of a small bridge. This work
was accomplished with assistance from Cornucopia Trails Club (CTC)
volunteers.
o The Department entered into an agreement with Bayfield Nordic to groom cross-
country ski trails within the old meadow and the new trail through the orchard.
The meadow was groomed throughout the 2022/23 ski season, but the orchard
loop was determined to be too narrow to facilitate skiing. A trail counter was
installed to monitor use. This information is still in the process of being
summarized, but there was a total of nearly 1,500 uses during the ski season
(which is positive considering each full loop was approximately ½ mile).
o In partnership with the Town of Bell, the town continues to mow near the
parking area and plow snow in the eastern parking area.
• Some of the more noteworthy accomplishments in 2023 include:
o Installation of new entrance signs and trail markers, as well as directional signs
along County Highway C.
o Construction of new hiking trails along the west side of the river. Including steps
and boardwalk.
o Improvements to the trail through the orchard, including the construction and
installation of another bridge.
o Continuation of the agreement with Bayfield Nordic to groom the prairie and
orchard trail loops for cross-country skiing. However, snow condition during the
2023/2024 winter season were very poor, resulting in very little grooming and
almost zero opportunity for skiing.
o Improvements to the primary parking area on the east side of the river.
o Prescribed burn in the prairie completed spring 2023. The attempted fall burn
was unsuccessful. Another burn is planned in spring 2024, with additional prep
work and seeding slated for that fall. If burning is unsuccessful, attempts to
restore the old field to native prairie may be abandoned and the area will be
allowed to naturally reforest, primarily to white pine.
51
• For detailed information on future plans for the Siskiwit property, see the 2024 Annual
Work Plan.
Table 33 summarizes the total use at Siskiwit Falls, from access located on the east side
of the river, since 2019.
The trail counter is located on the entrance road leading to the primary parking area on
the east side of the river. As such, it tracks the number of entries (primarily vehicles)
into the property, rather than counting individual uses on the trail.
A total of nearly 9,500 entries were registered in 2023, which is an all-time high, and
nearly 38% greater than 2022. Also, since there is a smaller parking area on the west
side of the river, in conjunction with recent new trail improvements, some of the use that
would have occurred on the east side has shifted there. There isn’t a trail counter on the
western parking area to monitor use, so total entries into the property was likely well
over 10,000 in 2023.
Since the trail counter essentially registers vehicles, it’s more difficult to quantify the
actual number of people that recreated on the property. However, if assuming an
average of two people per vehicle, a total of nearly 19,000 people visited the property in
2023. The actual number of visitors is likely much higher when considering the amount
of use that occurred on the west side of the property.
• Fire Hill Preserve. In October 2018, the Department partnered with Landmark Conservancy
on another potential land acquisition project. The Fire Hill Preserve Project is located in the
Town of Bayfield and contains approximately 104 contiguous acres of forested land. To
purchase the property, the Conservancy and Department collaborated on the development and
submission of a Wisconsin Coastal Management land acquisition grant application (Landmark
also submitted a Stewardship grant application).
In 2019, Landmark was awarded Stewardship funds and the county was awarded the Wisconsin
Coastal Management grant. On December 27, 2019, the project officially closed. In early 2020,
ownership of the Fire Hill property was conveyed to Bayfield County. While the property was
purchased primarily for conservation value, little work has been accomplished since the initial
purchase.
Table 33: Trail Counter Summary
Siskiwit Falls
Year Number of Users
2019 1,638
2020 5,899
2021 9,233
2022 6,901
2023 9,498
Avg.6,634
52
A forest inventory was completed in 2023, which also included an inventory of existing
infrastructure. Throughout 2024, the Department will begin the process of developing short and
long term goals and objectives for the property, which may include suggestions for small scale,
non-motorized rec development (while collaborating with the Conservancy and Wisconsin
Coastal Management, as well as the Town of Bayfield). Any proposed developments would be
shared with the public and open to public input. Proposed developments would also need to be
reviewed and approved by the grantor prior to construction.
Please refer to the 2024 Work Plan for more information on plans for Fire Hill.
There are numerous other organized recreational events and/or activities that utilize portions of the
county forest. For example, Iron River Chamber hosts the increasingly popular Northern Pines Sled
Dog race, which almost exclusively utilizes trails on county forest land located in the Town of Iron
River. Every year, the Department works closely with all user groups on the maintenance of and/or
improvements to existing trails.
Periodically, new trails or re-routes are also addressed. All are treated on a case by case basis, with
larger projects needing Committee approval. Groups are also informed of current or future timber
sale activities located adjacent to or in the vicinity of designated trail networks. Occasionally, slight
timber sale modifications may be incorporated into the sale design, and are treated on a case by case
basis. The Department is also incorporating trail counters on some of the more significant
recreation networks with the goal of better understanding use. Information obtained from the
counters will also be very beneficial for future planning and development efforts.
Recreation - Yurts
During the summer of 2016, two yurts were constructed on county forest land. One yurt was
constructed in the Cable area and one near Mt. Ashwabay (now named Evergreen – it’s green in
color). In late summer of 2018, a third yurt was constructed, a little north of the first one located
near Mt. Ashwabay (named Terra Cotta – reddish clay in color).
Table 34 summarizes the rates of occupancy and total net revenues per yurt from 2016-2023.
53
Occupancy at the two northern locations (Terra Cotta and Evergreen) have been fairly similar.
Each averaging 274 nights rented over the past three years. In 2023, Evergreen was rented a total of
246 nights, compared to 234 at Terra Cotta. This represented occupancy rates of 69% and 64%,
respectively. However, total occupancy at the two northern locations declined by about 7% when
compared to 2022.
Occupancy at the Cable location has traditionally been much lower than Evergreen and Terra Cotta.
In 2023, a total of 134 nights were rented. This represented an occupancy rate of roughly 38%, a
decrease of over 20% when compared to 2022.
The general, there has been a significant decrease in use across all locations since 2021. The
northern locations have decreased by just under 27% since 2021, while the Cable location has
decreased by over 43%. However, 2021 was influenced by Covid and the use rates were likely
abnormally high as a result. The occupancy rates realized in 2023 are fairly close to the average use
numbers from 2018-2020. It is anticipated that future use rates will closely resemble those received
in 2023.
An average of 3 to 4 people stay at the yurt as part of each reservation. Using an average of 3.5
people per night and 480 nights rented, combined, in 2023 a total of roughly 1,680 people stayed in
the Evergreen and Terra Cotta yurts and recreated on the surrounding county forest.
Using the same average rate of occupancy as the northern locations, at 3.5 people per night and 134
nights, in 2023 a total of nearly 500 people stayed in the Cable yurt and recreated in the surrounding
county forest.
When combining all yurt locations, a total of 614 nights were rented in 2023. This represents an
average combined occupancy rate of roughly 56%.
Table 34: Yurt Occupancy (Nights Rented) and Total Net Revenue1
Occupancy Net Revenue Occupancy Net Revenue Occupancy Net Revenue Occupancy Net Revenue
2016 42 $2,369 0 $0 15 $838 57 $3,207
2017 269 $15,641 0 $0 168 $9,905 437 $25,545
2018 260 $14,841 30 $1,712 180 $11,452 470 $28,006
2019 255 $15,982 238 $16,115 167 $10,357 660 $42,454
2020 208 $13,754 214 $14,151 194 $11,897 616 $39,801
2021 318 $21,415 329 $21,870 236 $16,133 883 $59,418
2022 258 $18,732 259 $19,105 172 $13,432 689 $51,269
2023 246 $16,989 234 $15,989 134 $8,970 614 $41,948
Total 1,856 $119,722 1,304 $88,942 1,266 $82,984 4,426 $291,649
Avg. (3 yr)274 $19,045 274 $18,988 181 $12,845 729 $50,879
1 The following fees/taxes apply to each reservation: Airbnb 3%; State sales tax 5.5% (Airbnb started collecting state sales tax in 2018);
Cable room tax 4% (only at Cable location); Bayfield room tax 6.5% (only at Bayfield locations).
2 The Bayfield - Evergreen location went live on October 8, 2016.
3 The Bayfield - Terra Cotta location went live in September 2018.
4 The Cable location went live on November 12, 2016.
Bayfield - Evergreen2 Cable4
Year TotalBayfield - Terra Cotta3
54
As part of the process, the yurts are subjected to taxes (state, local and room taxes), as well as fees
from Airbnb. Airbnb charges a flat rate of 3% per transaction. Airbnb now also collects state and
local taxes (which are now paid by the renter, as part of the total fee associated with renting a yurt).
The room tax for the Town of Bayfield is 6.5% and the room tax for the Town of Cable is 4%.
For more detailed information on the yurts, please see the 2024 Work Plan.
PERMITED USES
Permits are issued by the Forestry and Parks Department for events, rights-of-way, timber storage,
private property access, firewood, miscellaneous forest products, and other recreational activities.
Table 35 displays a summary of permits issued on the forest since 2019:
Firewood comprises the vast majority of the total permits issued on an annual basis. In 2023, a total
of 180 firewood permits were issued. This represented a decrease of over 30% when compared to
2022. The number of firewood permits issued has been steadily decreasing over the last decade.
Likely indicating the need for the Department to once again advertise/promote the need for a permit
when collecting firewood for personal use. Firewood permits are free of charge and are available
online. Nearly all of the permit applications come via the website.
Permits for balsam boughs, Christmas trees and cones all increased in 2023, as did access permits.
The Department is also still in the exploration stages of developing a maple sugaring permit system,
where low/poor quality hardwood stands could be tapped for maple syrup production. A pilot
maple tapping project was approved in 2019, though, due to limited participation and then Covid-
19, was extended through the 2024 season. While there is some potential for an expanded tapping
program, the amount of resources available to develop a more robust program has been somewhat
limited. Work on the development of a maple tapping program will continue in 2024, as time and
resources allow.
Sand and Gravel
Sand and gravel is extracted and sold from county managed pits, to be used on approved municipal
projects. All projects are reviewed and acted upon by the Committee.
Table 35: Bayfield County Forest Summary of Issued Permits and Approvals
Fire Balsam Christmas Disabled
Wood Boughs Trees Hunting
2019 284 10 2 5 4 24 4 2
2020 278 11 2 6 5 7 5 1
2021 226 6 3 8 6 16 6 1
2022 264 7 2 9 4 23 2 1
2023 180 13 6 13 9 20 5 1
Avg.246 9 3 8 6 18 4 1
* specifically advertised for jack pine cones in 2013
Cones*Access StorageYearEvents
55
The Department maintains two pits on the county forest: the largest one being in the Town of
Bayfield, commonly referred to as the Sand River Pit (which is also were the staging of the Apostle
Islands Sled Dog Race was held); with a smaller one off the end of Tulip Lane, in the Town of
Russell. These pits are primarily used by local municipalities, as well as the Red Cliff Tribe, for the
maintenance of local infrastructure. Over the past few years, the Committee has approved the
temporary storage of power line infrastructure as Xcel Energy continues work on local electrical
grid upgrades.
Table 36 displays the total amount of sand and gravel and revenues received since 2017.
All revenue received from the sale of sand and gravel is deposited in a non-lapsing account for
eventual site reclamation activities. This was as per a 5-year agreement with the Towns of Bayfield
and Russell, and the Red Cliff Tribe, for harvesting and crushing material at the Sand River Pit.
There was no mining activity in the pits in 2023. Activity in the pits is highly variable and
generally occurs once every few years.
WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT/MONITORING
Forest openings, dominated by forbs and grasses, are important habitat for a great diversity of
wildlife species. Since the mid 1970’s, numerous, small forest openings have been maintained on
the forest to encourage this diversity of habitat. The openings are relatively small in size (average
about 1 acre) and are spread throughout the county forest (although they are more numerous in the
Bayfield peninsula). Each opening is treated about every five years to discourage encroaching
woody vegetation.
Table 37 displays a summary of the wildlife opening maintenance program, performed on county
forest land since 2019.
Table 36: Sand and Gravel Summary
Year Yards Value
2017 12,750 $19,125.00
2018 0 $0.00
2019 0 $0.00
2020 0 $0.00
2021 21,398 $20,328.10
2022 0 $0.00
2023 0 $0.00
Avg.4,878 $5,636.16
56
Primarily due to issues with funding, the DNR did not conduct wildlife opening maintenance
activities in 2023. This issue is likely to persist into 2024 as well. The Department and DNR are in
the process of reviewing the wildlife opening program to determine effectiveness and future
objectives. This review will continue throughout 2024. Traditionally, all work associated with the
wildlife opening program is completed by DNR staff, using a combination of DNR and county
equipment.
The Department is still periodically working with the DNR and other resource professionals to
assist in additional/supplemental bird and/or other wildlife monitoring projects.
Wildlife Projects in the Barrens Management Areas (BBMA and BLBMA). One related project
involves the use of conspecific attraction to help in the monitoring for the presence of Kirtland’s
Warblers in the Barnes Barrens Management Area. Conspecific playback literally involves the
broadcasting of the primary songs of a species, with the aid of sound equipment, to encourage
individuals to settle in an area.
In 2014, the DNR detected one male Kirtland’s Warbler, with no females or nesting being located.
In 2015, three males were detected, with no females or nesting being located. In 2016, the first
confirmed nesting and successful fledging of Kirtland’s Warblers in Bayfield County occurred in
the Barnes Barrens Management Area (BBMA). All five nestlings successfully fledged. In 2017,
three males were observed (one of those males was a banded 2016 nestling). However, no females
or nest activity was located in 2017. A male and female nested in 2018 and hatched five young.
Unfortunately, the nest failed due to an unknown cause.
In 2019, one banded male returned to the site, but did not locate a female and did not nest. No other
Kirtland’s were observed in 2019. The project was not continued in 2020 due to Covid-19 related
field restrictions. A solitary Kirtland’s was heard singing in 2021, but a nest was never confirmed.
In 2022 and 2023, field work was designated in another location and did not include BBMA.
The BBMA provides excellent potential habitat for the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler. If breeding
success continues and an extensive population begins to develop, this area will be a prime example
of how intensive, sustainable forest management can provide critical habitat for a variety of rare
species.
The BBMA also contains one of the highest populations of sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin. In
2017, partly as an attempt to maintain the genetic diversity of the sharp-tailed grouse population in
Table 37: Summary of Maintained Wildlife Openings on County Forest Land
Mowed Mowed Hand Treated1 Hand Treated1 Total Total
Number Acres Number Acres Number Acres
2019 69 71 18 9 87 80
2020 15 17 37 37 52 54
2021 63 44 20 15 83 59
2022 60 62 0 0 60 62
2023 0 0 0 0 0 0
Average 41 39 15 12 56 51
1 using a mix of herbicide and hand cutting
Year
57
the Moquah Barrens, the DNR, in partnership with numerous other agencies, trapped over 200 birds
in NW Minnesota and released 67 of them in the barrens. The Department has also assisted in lek
mowing/establishment, as well as surveys, and has deployed numerous game cameras to help
provide information on the population.
The Department is currently collaborating with NRRI, the DNR and USFS regarding a sharp-tailed
grouse banding project. Data received from such a project will be used to provide information on
movement within the barrens and how stands are being utilized, on a daily basis, by the birds. The
results could also be used to develop new or modify existing forest management strategies within
the barrens, with the goal of optimizing habitat. Work on this project began in 2021 and continued
through 2023. See the Barnes Management Area section above (page 26) for more detailed
information on accomplishments within the BBMA and BLBMA.
The BBMA has been very well received by the professional community. The plan has been viewed
as a ground-breaking model that blends sound, landscape level forest (pine barrens) management,
with the maintenance and development of optimal and perpetual wildlife habitat for a variety of
species, including many of greatest conservation need.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – GRANTS AND AIDS
Financial assistance plays a major role in helping to achieve annual and long-term objectives.
Table 38 outlines some of the major grants and aids awarded to the Department since 2019. Every
award listed in the table, with the exception of the Arbor Day and FEMA grants, has come from the
State of Wisconsin.
In 2023, over $266,000 was received from the major grants and aids. This was an increase of
roughly 60% when compared to 2022, primarily due to a significant level of wildlife funding
(American Forests grant).
The Sustainable Forestry grant and County Conservation Aids are generally highly variable. Both
are awarded based on the state fiscal year and revenues are received after projects are completed. In
some cases, a project can be completed in one year, with actual reimbursement received the
following year.
Table 38: Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Department Summary of Major Grants and Aids1
County Forest Wildlife Habitat County Forest Sustainable County
Administrator Improvement2 Road Aid Forestry Conservation
2019 $60,704 $20,057 $11,836 $4,375 $4,235 $0 $41,516 $142,724
2020 $67,100 $53,192 $13,327 $44,748 $0 $5,202 $43,284 $226,854
2021 $70,349 $102,395 $13,309 $0 $0 $15,344 $32,014 $233,410
2022 $65,860 $21,015 $13,327 $0 $4,558 $39,252 $20,280 $164,292
2023 $70,291 $21,407 $13,327 $40,094 $15,000 $91,072 $15,048 $266,239
Average $66,861 $43,613 $13,025 $17,843 $4,759 $30,174 $30,428 $230,320
1 Where awarded funds were received per calendar year.
2 Starting in 2019, includes funds received Wisconsin Habitat Partnership Fund Grant. Starting in 2021, includes funds from the Turkey Stamp grant.
3 Also includes similar awards/donations, like American Forests (2023).
Arbor Day3 TotalYearGNA
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The Sustainable Forestry grant is also competitive with other county forest programs, and,
therefore, not guaranteed. The Arbor Day grant is privately funded and also competitive. Funding
from this grant covers trees purchased as part of the planting program. Other grants and/or aids are
received within a calendar year, but may not be regularly recurring and, as such, are not included in
the table listed above.
Additionally, many grants are awarded in a specific calendar year, but full or partial re-imbursement
is not realized until the project is complete. Also, most grants are awarded by state or federal
agencies and are based on the fiscal year, with a contract length of typically two years. Most can
also be extended, without penalty, for another full year.
GOOD NEIGHBOR AUTHORITY (GNA)
In spring 2016, Bayfield County entered into a GNA Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the DNR. As part of the MOU, the county agreed to become a contractor of the state, with the
ultimate goal of assisting in the establishment of timber sales on federal land.
Program contracts are established with the state on an annual basis and subject to a mutually agreed
upon scope of work. All work performed by the county as part of the GNA MOU is accomplished
outside of normal business hours. As a result, the focus on, and completion of, core Department
goals and objectives are not impacted by the MOU.
Table 39 summarizes GNA activity since 2016.
The scope of work defines the level of involvement the Department is willing to provide, outlines
general goals and expected accomplishments and establishes an estimated budget. All salary,
fringe, supplies, services and overhead costs, contributed by the county as per the GNA program
contract, are reimbursed by the state.
Table 39: Summary of GNA Activities
2016 2017 15 381 326 $21,033.35 $0.00
2017 2018 20 675 358 $23,960.56 $39,627.93
2018 2019 17 889 365 $24,164.40 $9,393.10
2019 4 2020 52 1,685 490 $38,548.18 $41,515.62
2020 2021 17 520 410 $30,267.16 $43,284.28
2021 2022 16 478 251 $18,538.86 $32,014.38
2022 2023 7 357 250 $15,934.81 $20,279.85
2023 2024 5 298 350 $23,358.74 $15,047.61
149 5,283 2,800 $195,806.06 $201,162.77
1 Total work assigned per calendar year per GNA contract.
2 Includes hours associated with timber sale establishment and administration.
3 A portion of the revenues are generally received the year after work has been completed.
4 Of the total stands/acres, 17 stands and 634 acres were prescription writing only.
Revenues 3
Total
Calendar
Year
Fiscal
Year
No. of
Stands 1
Total
Acres 1
Total
Hours2 Expenses
59
The scope of work is also subject to annual revisions and Department involvement is highly
dependent on opportunities located within the Washburn Ranger District of the Chequamegon-
Nicolet National Forest. The scope of work generally involves, but is not limited to: initial stand
assessments; prescription development and writing; timber sale boundary establishment; timber
marking and cruising; timber sale write-up; and timber sale administration.
In 2023, 5 stands of covering 298 acres were included as part of the GNA workload, which still
continues to be entirely focused on stands of red pine.
Since 2016, a total of 2,800 hours have been attributed towards the GNA program. Again, these
hours are classified as overtime and do not interfere with normal Departmental operations.
OTHER RECREATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS (State Funded Motorized Trails)
The management of county recreational trails was assigned to the Forestry and Parks Department in
July 2013. Primarily, this involves the management/oversight of all state funded motorized trails
located on county and private lands, but also includes groomed snowmobile trails on federal and
state lands. To help accomplish this task, Bayfield County maintains agreements with the Bayfield
County Snowmobile Alliance (which is an assemblage of local snowmobile clubs), local ATV
clubs, the US Forest Service and the DNR.
Table 40 lists the total miles per motorized trails type as per 2023, managed by the Department, as
well as the amount of state maintenance aids received.
The State of Wisconsin provides annual aids for the maintenance of existing motorized trails and
also offers some additional funding opportunities for individual trail rehabilitation and new trail
development projects.
Below are some of the more noteworthy accomplishments on the state funded motorized trails
systems in 2023:
✓ The state increased the level of funding for UTV trails from $200/mi to $400/mi.
✓ Developed an agreement with Auxilium North (contractor) to perform an initial inventory
and inspection of all motorized trail bridges under county management. This will include an
annual inspection schedule, detailed condition reports and maintenance requirements. A
total of approximately 50 bridges are part of the inventory.
✓ Completed an initial re-stabilization of a failing railroad trestle bridge on Trail 63 in Grand
View. The Highway Department completed the work. Auxilium North is assisting with
Table 40: Mileage and Funding For Trails Managed by Bayfield County
Trail Type Miles Rate/Mile Total
Snowmobile 462.5 $300 $138,750
ATV Summer 66 $600 $39,600
ATV Winter 173.7 $200 $34,740
UTV Summer 66 $200 $13,200
Total 768.2 $226,290
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long-term repair plans. Depending on the extent of work required to repair the old and very
long trestle bridge, repairs may be prioritized in 2025.
✓ Re- route of Trail 13 on two different sections of private land (Sunday and Marx).
✓ Re-grade and repair Trail 19 near the Pub and Grub.
✓ Re-route of Trail 1 on county forest land near Gotchling Rd.
✓ Three new gates were installed on Trail 1 at N. Stone Rd.
✓ Trail repair and re-grade on trail 31, north of Ruth Lake.
✓ Beaver control near various bridges has become an annual activity. A few nuisance beaver
were removed and dams were addressed, in a response to rising water threatening the
integrity of the bridge (and use of the trail). The primary areas where beaver control
measures were required were on Trails 1, 17 and 31.
✓ Numerous re-routes of the snowmobile trail system continue to be evaluated as they arise,
primarily a result of road closure on private lands. When re-routes are required, the
Department works closely with the Alliance to locate suitable re-routes and collaborate with
the landowners. This will continue to be a problem in the future.
✓ Placement of gravel on numerous sections of ATV trail. Sections are treated as needed and
as reported by the clubs.
✓ The southern portion of the Wally Polk trail (Trail 40) was re-established in partnership with
the USFS. With permission of the Forest Service, a new road was constructed (in
conjunction with a county timber sale), on federal land near FR 447 (a few years ago, the old
road was closed at the private property line). The closure of FR447 resulted in the
temporary closure of Trail 40 to snowmobiles and ATVs. While the snowmobile trail was
re-opened in 2023, the ATV trail still remains closed. The ATV trail closure is due to
another road closure on private land that occurred just south of Almstead Rd. The
Department continues to strategize ways to re-open the ATV trail.
When compared to previous years 2023 was a relatively quiet year in terms of trail related issues.
Bayfield County works with local clubs (both ATV and snowmobile) and the Snowmobile
Alliances to ensure that all trails are in a safe and enjoyable riding condition. All routine or minor
maintenance activities are typically accomplished by the clubs, while most major rehabilitation
projects are administered by the Department.
During any given year, routine maintenance can include the posting/maintenance of signs, brushing,
removal of debris, mowing, grooming, minor washout or rutting repair, grading, placement of
gravel, etc.
Major rehabilitation can include significant culvert washouts, bridge repair, significant damage
occurring as a result of flooding or other major storm event, etc. Addressing concerns or questions
from private landowners (generally regarding trails approved for use on their property) is also a
significant part of managing the motorized programs.
PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS
In September 2010, the management of all county owned parks and campgrounds were assigned to
the Forestry and Parks Department. This includes the management of three campgrounds (Twin
Bear Lake, Delta Lake and Big Rock) and one day use park (Atkins Lake).
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Most of the major improvements have been focused on the two largest and most popular
campgrounds, Twin Bear and Delta Lake. Below is a summary of all major accomplishments, at
Twin Bear and Delta Lake, since the transition.
1. Twin Bear Campground
a. Complete electrical rebuild and upgrade throughout the entire
campground.
b. Repair of all major outbuildings and store.
c. New seasonal mooring dock (2017).
d. New transient mooring dock, with steps (2017).
e. Construction of new overflow parking area (2017).
f. Construction of new fenced in storage area adjacent to garage (2017).
g. New pressure tank in the upper well (2018).
h. New well pump in the upper well (2019).
i. Reconstruction of the beach area.
j. New fishing pier near the beach area.
k. New ADA access ramp to the beach area.
l. Creation of new tent camping site.
m. Re-grade of the parking area to control runoff and improve drainage.
n. New gas hot water heaters, for each shower, in the shower building.
o. Installed high-speed wireless internet service throughout the entire
campground.
p. Installed new playground equipment near the beach area.
q. Re-established and re-surfaced the walking path near Puig’s Point.
r. Improved an old dock and added a new access point to the lake.
s. Changed out all locks to the same keyset.
t. Trimming of hazard branches and removal of hazard trees (a little nearly
every year).
u. Replacement of picnic tables (ongoing – a little every year).
v. Numerous other minor improvements throughout the campground.
w. Erosion repair after two significant storms (2020).
x. Removed storm damaged slide from the play area (2020).
y. Remove tree from and repair the roof on the shower building (2020).
i. Repair included a new metal roof.
z. Powered vents added to the shower building (2020).
aa. Temporarily installed security cameras in response to a theft of property
occurrence (2020).
bb. A new fishing dock was installed at Puig’s Point in 2021 and extended in
2023.
cc. Cabin re-stained (2022).
dd. Cabin porch and entry ramp repaired (2022).
ee. Upgraded wireless (2022).
ff. Constructed an overflow parking area east of Hart Lake Road (2023).
gg. Installed a new entrance sign, located on County Highway H and installed
a large campground sign adjacent to the cabin. Also installed numerous
new signs throughout the campground (2023).
hh. Installed new retaining walls on sites 20 and 21. Also re-graded those
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sites (2023).
ii. Installed a new waterline and spigots to sites 20 – 25 (2023).
2. Delta Lake Campground
a. Complete camping pad re-grade on nearly all campsites.
b. New playground equipment near beach area.
c. Removed old access boardwalk near the playground and replaced with
graveled path (2017/2018).
d. Minor repairs to the beach area (2017 and 2018).
e. New fishing pier.
f. Repair of all major outbuildings.
g. New electric added to last four remaining powerless campsites.
h. A small timber sale was established to remove all dead and dying hazard
trees. Mostly over mature white birch and aspen.
i. Installed high-speed wireless interest service throughout the entire
campground.
j. Added another mooring dock/fishing pier and small picnic area.
k. Installed another section on additional mooring dock.
l. Replaced hot water heater in the shower building.
m. Changed out all locks to the same keyset.
n. Minor maintenance on the wooden access ramp.
o. Re-located the fee tube due to previous theft related issues.
p. Replacement of picnic tables (ongoing - a little every year).
q. Numerous other minor improvements throughout the campground.
r. Erosion repair after two significant rainstorms (2020).
s. New outhouse (2021).
t. Upgraded wireless (2022).
u. Added two parking spots up the hill near the boat launch (2023).
v. Installed several signs throughout the campground (2023).
w. Removed many stumps that were within campsites. This will facilitate
mowing and is a general improvement to the sites (2023).
x. Reestablished the sand beach (2023).
3. Atkins Lake Park (day use)
a. New boat launch dock (2017).
b. A new primary park sign was installed in 2019.
c. Old fee tube was removed in 2020.
d. Old kiosk was removed in 2021.
4. Big Rock Campground
a. Removed large dead white pine near river (2018)
b. Removed hazard trees and branches/limbs throughout entire campground
(2018).
c. Regraded and surfaced main parking area (2018).
d. Resurfaced a few camping pads (2018).
e. Replacement of roughly one quarter of the picnic tables (2018).
f. A new primary park sign was installed in 2019.
g. New concrete slab around the hand pump in 2020 (6.5’x 6.5’x 3.5”).
h. New kiosk near the fee tube (2020).
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In addition to the physical improvements to the parks and campsites, many logistical improvements
have also been made. At both Twin Bear and Delta Lake, seasonal sites have been re-structured in
a way to better capture the value potential in each campground. The reservation system for each
was also adjusted to give all interested an equal chance at reserving a site. Also in 2021, an option
to pay with a credit card was established. This feature was made available at Twin Bear and Delta
Lake starting with the 2022 season and will continue through 2024.
Table 41 summarizes the total amount of occupancy at each campground since 2019. The seasonal
category represents the total number of sites that were rented for an entire camping season (now the
second Friday in May through the second to last Sunday in October), while the day use category
represents the total number of days non-seasonal campsites were rented within each campground
over the entire camping season. Total revenues received are also included (total revenues include
seasonal sites, day use sites, boat launching, boat mooring, canoe rentals and other miscellaneous
charges).
Covid-19 had a significant influence on the management of all campgrounds in 2020 and 2021. As
a response to concerns surrounding Covid-19, the Department made a significant temporary change
to the way Twin Bear and Delta Lake was managed in both 2020 and 2021. Campsites at both
properties were only available for rent by the season. Transient camping was not permitted at Twin
Bear or Delta Lake in 2020 or 2021. Also, the opening of each campground was slightly delayed to
start the 2020 season to develop Covid-19 management strategies.
The number of seasonal campsites available to rent at Twin Bear and Delta Lake was increased to
achieve an occupancy rate of around 80 to 85%. In 2020, a total of 35 seasonal campsites were
rented at Twin Bear and 27 at Delta Lake. In 2021, that number was increased slightly, to 37 and
31, respectively.
A “normal” camping structure was implemented in 2022 at both Twin Bear and Delta Lake, which
included the more traditional mix of transient and seasonal camp sites.
A total of nearly $136,000 was received in 2023, a decrease of roughly 6% when compared to
2022(which was a record year for revenue). Twin Bear continues to be the primary driver of the
parks program, generating nearly 60% of the total returns. Delta Lake generated roughly 34% of
total returns, with the remaining coming from Big Rock.
Table 41: Campround Rates of Occupancy and Total Revenues (Seasonal and Transient)1
Seasonal Transient Revenue Seasonal Transient Revenue Seasonal Transient Revenue Seasonal Transient Revenue
2019 19 1,058 $68,960 15 503 $39,122 0 513 $6,617 34 2,074 $114,700
2020 35 0 $60,581 27 0 $41,145 0 914 $11,263 62 914 $112,988
2021 37 0 $69,598 31 0 $51,941 0 920 $13,437 68 920 $134,976
2022 23 1,183 $83,488 18 552 $46,714 0 954 $13,493 41 2,689 $143,695
2023 23 1,105 $79,220 18 389 $45,696 0 745 $10,696 41 2,239 $135,612
Average 27 669 $72,369 22 289 $44,923 0 809 $11,101 49 1,767 $128,394
Avg. (3 yr)28 763 $77,435 22 314 $48,117 0 873 $12,542 50 1,949 $138,094
1 Seasonal represents the total number of campsites rented for an entire season; Transient is a summary of the total number of days
non-seasonal campsites were rented at each campground.
TotalYearTwin Bear Delta Lake Big Rock
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In addition to camping, boat launch activity (available at both Twin Bear and Delta Lake, for a fee,
and Atkins Lake, for free) continue to increase. Day use of the playground equipment (available at
Twin Bear and Delta Lake), as well as the beach (again, at Twin Bear and Delta Lake) has also
significantly increased. Total use of the parks, in terms of overnight camping and day-time use of
the grounds, has increased dramatically over the past few years.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, REPRESENTATION AND PARTICIPATION
Most staff members of the Department are active members, representatives or participants in
various professional committees or organizations. Participation can vary from casual interactions to
formal representation. Some of the more noteworthy over the past few years include:
1. Member of a Committee that updated the Economics chapter of the WDNR Silvicultural
Handbook – Steve Probst.
2. Assisted in the Log-A-Load for Kids program – Steve Probst.
3. Member of the BMP for Water Quality monitoring/compliance team – Steve Probst.
4. Member of a Committee that updated the Jack Pine chapter of the WDNR Silvicultural
Handbook – Andrew O’Krueg.
5. Member of the WDNR Tree Marking Guidelines Ad Hoc Team – Jeremiah Neitzel.
6. WCFA representative on the Wisconsin Initiative on Climate Change Impacts, Forestry
working group – Jason Holmes.
7. Member of the WNDR Natural Regeneration Ad Hoc Team – Mike Amman.
8. Member of the Captive Cervid Committee – Mike Amman.
9. Forestry stakeholder representative on the Wisconsin County Deer Advisory Council
(CDAC) – Mike Amman.
10. Member of the WDNR Sharp-tailed Grouse Advisory Committee – Mike Amman.
11. WCFA Representative on the WDNR Recreation Stakeholders Committee – Jen Bratsch.
12. Core Member of the Bayfield Area Trails (BATs) Committee – Jen Bratsch.
13. Renewed MSHA Certification – John Mesko.
14. Maintained Herbicide Applicators License – Jeremiah Neitzel.
15. Maintained FAA license to operate drones – Mike Amman, Jason Holmes, Jen Bratsch and
Steve Probst.
16. Presenter(s) at one stop of the Natural Resources Board tour (in Cable) – Jason Holmes and
Mike Amman. Focus of the discussion was on an overview of the Bayfield County Forest,
summary of recreation in Cable, challenges associated with forest management and
recreation, deer and continuous forest inventory.
17. Presenter at the WI SAF Annual Conference in Wausau – Jason Holmes. The focus of the
presentation was regeneration monitoring and deer browse issues.
18. Presenter at a meeting of the Northern Area GIS User Groups – Jason Holmes.
19. Guest Presenter at Northland College – Jason Holmes. Discussion of forestry and the
county forest system during a Forestry class.
20. Presenter at a Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association meeting in Hayward – Jason
Holmes. Adapting forest to climate change.
21. Presenter at a Northern Forest Birds Workshop in Ashland – Andrew O’Krueg. Overview
of the Barnes Barrens Management Area.
22. Presenter at MN SAF Conference – Andrew O’Krueg. Presentation of the Barnes Barrens
Management Area.
65
23. Presenter at the Wisconsin Sharp-tailed Grouse Society Annual Meeting in Red Cliff –
Andrew O’Krueg. Summary of the Barnes Barrens Management Area.
24. Presenter at the Wisconsin Wildlife Society conference. Ruffed-grouse research and policy.
Mike Amman. (in 2020).
25. Forestry Representative on the DNR Sharp-Tailed Grouse Advisory Committee – Mike
Amman (2022).
26. Presenter at WI Chapter of the Wildlife Society Meeting – Presentation on Barrens
Management and Sharp-Tailed Grouse – Mike Amman (2022).
27. Presenter at WI Sharp-Tailed Grouse Society Meeting – Mike Amman (2022).
28. Presenter at Bayfield County Forest Barrens Field Tour – Andrew O’Krueg and Mike
Amman (2022).
29. Demonstration of Oak Wilt Treatments with Rec Groups and Industrial Landowners –
Jeremiah Neitzel.
30. Wisconsin Academy Focus Group Participant – Jason Holmes (2022).
31. Forest Certification, Carbon and Climate Change – Michigan State Online Course – Caleb
Brown (2022).
32. Demonstration of Tree Planting at Washburn Elementary School – Andrew O’Krueg.
33. WCFA/Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) Climate Adaptation
Workshop – All field staff (2022).
34. Presenter(s) during the full dual forest recertification audit – the entire Department staff.
35. Hosted professional tours of various forest management activities on the county forest,
including, but not limited to, numerous visits to the two deer exclusions fences; the Barnes
Barrens Management Area; and red oak regeneration site visits.
36. As part of professional development, all staff members attend various meetings, conferences
and technical training sessions throughout the year, including those arranged and/or hosted
by the WCFA, SAF, WDNR and other similar organizations.
37. WCFA/WisFIRS Pesticide Training – Tester – Jeremiah Neitzel.
38. Innovation Award. In 2020, the Department was the recipient of the Wisconsin Society of
American Foresters (SAF) Innovation in Forestry Award. SAF is the national, scientific and
educational organization representing the forestry profession in the United States. The
Innovation award is presented annually to a project, team, or an individual to recognize
excellence in silvicultural innovation, transfer of knowledge, and/or outreach for the purpose
of furthering sustainable forest management in Wisconsin. Mike Amman and Jason Holmes
accepted the award during the annual Wisconsin SAF meeting (which was held virtually in
2020).
39. Forest Stewardship Guild Meeting Presentation (2021) – Andrew O’Krueg. Presentation
about barrens development and management.
40. University of Minnesota – Sustainable Forests Education Cooperative Presentation (2021) –
Andrew O’Krueg. Presentation on pine and barrens management.
MEET THE STAFF
The information listed above describes the general Departmental accomplishments for CY 2023.
Below is a brief background history of Department and DNR staff employed to accomplish those
goals (that were part of the Department in CY 2023).
Administrator: Jason Bodine.
66
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 2000 to 2009. Administrator from 2009 to
present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Master of Science in Forestry from Michigan Technological
University.
c. Primary Role: administers and manages all aspects of the forestry, parks and recreation
programs. Directs day to day operations and all planning efforts. Supervises all employees
working within the Department.
Assistant Administrator: Steve Probst.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 1999 to 2000. Assistant Administrator
from 2000 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from UW Stevens
Point.
c. Primary Role: assist the administrator in all facets of the forest management program.
Provides lead field role in all aspects of timber sale administration.
Forester: Mike Amman.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 2003 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from UW Madison.
c. Primary Role(s): timber sale establishment, forest reconnaissance, reforestation and
regeneration monitoring and database management (GIS and WisFIRS). Assist in other
aspects of the forest management program.
Forester: Andrew O’Krueg.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 2010 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from UW Stevens
Point.
c. Primary Roles(s): timber sale establishment, forest reconnaissance, reforestation and
regeneration monitoring and database management (GIS and WisFIRS). Assist in other
aspects of the forest management program.
Forester: Jeremiah Neitzel.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 2011 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Forest Management from UW Stevens
Point.
c. Primary Roles(s): timber sale establishment, forest reconnaissance, reforestation and
regeneration monitoring and database management (GIS and WisFIRS). Assist in other
aspects of the forest management program.
Forester: Caleb Brown.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County since 2018.
b. Highest Level of Education: Master of Science in Forest Biology from Purdue University.
c. Primary Role(s): timber sale establishment, forest reconnaissance, reforestation and
regeneration monitoring and database management (GIS and WisFIRS). Assist in other
aspects of the forest management program.
Inventory and Analysis Forester: Jason Holmes.
a. Experience: Forester with Bayfield County from 2012 to 2018; Inventory and Analysis
Forester from 2018 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: Master of Science in Forestry from Michigan Technological
University.
c. Primary Roles(s): develop and manage the CFI and FRM programs, including data analysis
and reporting; provide a lead role in the management of the access management program;
67
play a lead role in the management of various GIS databases; assist in other field forestry
related tasks including timber sale establishment, inventory, and reforestation.
Recreation Specialist: Lindley Mattson.
a. Experience: Office manager with the Forestry and Parks Department from February 2019-
April 2022; Recreation Specialist since April 2022.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Management from UW River
Falls.
c. Primary Roles(s): assist in the management of state funded ATV and snowmobile
programs, all recreation related activities on county forest lands, including all designated
non-motorized trails and yurts, and county owned campgrounds and day use parks.
Forest Technician: John Mesko.
a. Experience: Forest Technician with Bayfield County from 2001 to present.
b. Primary Roles(s): heavy equipment operation, road and trail maintenance, repair and
construction, parks maintenance, assist in the timber sale program, assist in the reforestation
program.
Office Manager: Deanna Regan.
a. Experience: Office Manager with the Department since 2023.
b. Highest Level of Education: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of
Michigan.
c. Primary Role(s): maintains accounts receivable and payable, prepares vouchers for all
expenditures, manages all accounts and paperwork associated with the timber sale program,
manages and prepares all financial records, statements and reports, provides customer
service.
WDNR – County Forest Liaison Forester: Joseph LeBouton.
a. Experience: WDNR - County Forest Liaison Forester from 2011 to present.
b. Highest Level of Education: PhD candidate in the Department of Forestry at Michigan State
University for five years where he studied links between forest landscape composition,
white-tailed deer densities and northern hardwood forests.
c. Primary Roles(s): coordinating the DNR’s contribution to Bayfield County Forest
management activities. The DNR provides the county with enough forest management
assistance annually to set up 25% of the sustainable harvest, perform roughly 50% of the
required forest reconnaissance updates, as well as contribute to road maintenance, forest
improvement activities, prescribed fire, and wildlife habitat improvement projects.
`
WISCONSIN
COUNTY
FORESTS
ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Wisconsin County Forests Association (WCFA)
Board of Directors consists of 17 elected members,
the majority being county elected individuals and
some at-large members.
The Board of Directors oversees the
administration and management of the association
and its staff, and has the ability to influence and
guide forestry in Wisconsin by engaging in issues
as a collective.
REQUIREMENTS:
• Any active Committee member
with Forestry oversight or elected
County official are eligible to serve
as a Director of the Association.
EXPECTATIONS:
• 2-year term
• Attend scheduled meetings;
usually 3 a year.
• Actively participate in discussions
& decisions.
BENEFITS:
• Paid travel & meeting expenses
o $50/ meeting or day stipend
o IRS mileage rate
o Lodging & meals
• Opportunity to sit on WCFA
Committees
• Opportunity to represent WCFA on
other organizations
Set policies & priorites
Approve operating budget
Advise Executive Staff
1 March 2024
Effective March 2024
BY-LAWS OF THE WISCONSIN COUNTY FORESTS ASSOCIATION, INC.
Hereinafter referred to as “the Association”
ARTICLE I
GENERAL VOTING MEMBERSHIP, DUES, FISCAL YEAR
SECTION 1 VOTING MEMBERSHIP
Every county having established county forests pursuant to S.S 28.11 (1) of the Wisconsin Statutes shall be
deemed a voting member of this association, unless membership is expressly declined. Each county
represented by a Forestry Committee member of that county shall be entitled to one vote on every question
put to a vote at any meeting of the general membership. Nonpayment of association dues and acreage
assessment by established due date shall be deemed a waiver of membership.
SECTION 2 MEMBERSHIP DUES
Membership dues and acreage assessment fees shall be set by the general membership at the Annual
Meeting of the association. The Board of Directors shall prepare recommendations prior to the Annual
Meeting. Membership dues and acreage assessment fees are payable after January 1 and must be received
prior to April 1 of each year.
SECTION 3 FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the association shall be the same as the calendar year--January 1 through December 31,
inclusive.
SECTION 4 ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
Associate membership may be offered to counties in neighboring states having a county forest program
and practicing sustainable forest management on public lands, who share similar goals and objectives with
this association. The primary purpose for associate membership will be exchange of information and
collaboration on regional forestry issues. Associate Membership dues will be set by the Board of Directors
of the association and approved by the general membership at the Annual Meeting of the association.
Associate members of the association will not have voting privileges.
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS: MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
SECTION 1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The affairs of the association shall be managed by a Board of Directors consisting of fifteen (15) directors.
Directors shall be chosen by the process identified in Section 2 of this Article; but the Board of Directors, by
majority vote, may elect additional directors at large to diversify expertise and increase competency of the
Board. Individuals interested in serving as director at large shall submit a completed application to the
Executive Director of the association. The Executive Committee of the association shall present suitable
candidates for the position of director at large to the Board for their consideration. Individuals elected to
director at large positions shall serve in that capacity for a period of two years. Such directors at large shall
have the same powers and privileges as the other directors, except they shall not be permitted to hold the
office of President or Vice-President of the association. Successful candidates applying for the position of
director at large may reapply for subsequent terms of service.
SECTION 2 SELECTION OF DIRECTORS; MEETINGS OF MEMBERS
For purposes of election to the Board of Directors, the State of Wisconsin shall be divided into five (5)
districts described below:
2 March 2024
1. Area I - Consisting of the following counties:
Marinette Forest
Oconto Florence
Langlade
2. Area II - Consisting of the following counties:
Vilas Taylor
Oneida Price
Lincoln
3. Area III - Consisting of the following counties:
Iron Bayfield
Ashland Douglas
4. Area IV - Consisting of the following counties:
Sawyer Polk
Washburn Barron
Burnett Rusk
Chippewa
5. Area V - Consisting of the following counties:
Clark Marathon Adams
Eau Claire Juneau Monroe
Jackson Wood Vernon
In each of the districts described above, in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the association, there
shall be held in each even numbered year a joint meeting of the counties within each district as represented
by the duly designated members of County Committees with Forestry oversight as established by the
respective County Boards pursuant to S.S. 28.11 (3)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes.
The purpose of said meeting in each of the five (5) districts shall be to elect three (3) County members from
within the district to serve as a Director of the association and to transact such other business as may come
before the meeting. All elections shall be for a period of two (2) years. Directors shall be elected singly,
with a majority vote of the counties voting being necessary for election of said Director. Each county shall
be entitled to only one vote, regardless of the number of members present. Any active Committee member
with Forestry oversight or elected County official are eligible to serve as a Director of the Association. In the
event vacancies occur on the Board of Directors within a given district due to lack of interest or
unwillingness of members to serve, the Board of Directors may, by a majority vote, elect members from
outside said district to serve in the vacant position(s) or fill with Directors-at-Large. Priority should be
given to any county elected individual prior to filling any vacancy with a Director-at-Large.
The President or Secretary shall call an Annual Meeting of the association membership. The meeting shall
be held in September and at such time and place as shall be designated by the President or Secretary and
set forth by written notice, given by the Secretary to each member of the association at his/her last known
address, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting; provided, however, that any member may waive
notice of any meeting, either in advance of, during or subsequent to such meeting. The purpose of the
Annual Meeting of the membership shall be to transact such business as may come before the meeting.
Each county shall be entitled to only one vote at meetings of the general membership, regardless of the
number of members present.
3 March 2024
SECTION 3 REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The meeting of the Board of Directors for the purpose of electing officers and for the transaction of such
other business as may come before the meeting shall be held in conjunction with the Annual Meeting of the
association in each even numbered year subsequent to election of Board members from each District. Other
regular meetings shall be held at such time and place as may be designated by the President of the Board of
Directors from time to time.
SECTION 4 SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called for any purpose at any time by the President, and
shall be called by the President upon the request, in writing, of any five (5) directors. Notice of the time and
place of all special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given by the Secretary to each director and
may be given by depositing such notice at any post office or in any United States mail box in the State of
Wisconsin not less than seven (7) days before the time appointed for such meeting, addressed to each
director at his/her address as the same may appear on the books of the association; provided, however,
that any director may waive notice of any meeting, either in advance of, during or subsequent to such
meeting. In addition, notice may be delivered by either email, phone or mail, provided the Secretary keeps
a confirmation that the email, phone or mail was received by the recipient.
SECTION 5 QUORUM
A simple majority of seated members of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum; but less than a
quorum meeting at any time pursuant to notice shall have power to adjourn from time to time until a
quorum shall be present.
The positions of President and Vice President of the County Forest Administrators, as well as the Chair of
the Legislative & Forest Certification Committee, the Chair of the Personnel Committee and the Chair of the
Budget Committee shall serve as ex-officio members. Ex-officio members may serve, at the discretion of the
President of the Board of Directors, as voting members of the Board of Directors in order to fulfill quorum
requirements.
Board members may attend meetings via virtual or phone to conduct business as necessary. Decisions of
the Board may be conducted via email as necessary.
SECTION 6 POWERS
The Board of Directors shall have the care and management of the property, affairs and business of the
association.
The Board of Directors shall also have powers, in addition to all others lawfully vested in them:
(a) To purchase or otherwise acquire, lease, sell, convey, transfer or assign any property, rights,
interests or privileges of the association, upon such terms and conditions, and for such price as
such Board sees fit.
(b) To elect or appoint assistants to the general officers, and to employ such servants and agents
upon such terms and conditions as said Board sees fit, with power to remove or suspend any of
the same, or all or any of the said general officers of the association, and said Board may
delegate to any officer of the association by resolution, or to any committee of its members, all
or any of the powers stated in this section, or any part of such powers.
(c) To authorize the borrowing of money for corporate purposes, as in the discretion of said Board
seems fit, and for that purpose to execute or cause to be executed in the name of the
association such bills, notes or other evidences of debt as may be expedient; and to pledge,
4 March 2024
mortgage or otherwise hypothecate the property both real and personal, of the corporation, to
secure payment of such corporate indebtedness.
(d) To create any necessary committees and define their functions. The members of such
committees need not be members of the Board of Directors.
SECTION 7 ORGANIZATION OF MEETINGS AND ORDER OF BUSINESS
The President, and in his/her absence the Vice-President, shall preside at meetings of the Board of
Directors and at all meetings of the entire membership, with the Secretary to act as Secretary at said
meetings; but in the absence of either or any of such officers, their functions may be performed by any
member of the Board selected by those present. The regular order of business shall be:
(1) Call of the roll;
(2) Reading of minutes of previous meetings;
(3) Reports of officers and committees;
(4) Unfinished business;
(5) New business.
All meetings of the association, or its Board of Directors, shall be conducted under "Robert’s Rules
of Order.
SECTION 8 FILLING OF VACANCIES
A vacancy on the Board of Directors, from any cause whatsoever, shall be filled by election by the
Board of a successor from the district which, as a result of the vacancy, is deprived of equal
representation on the Board. The person so elected shall serve until the next meeting of the
members of the County Board Committees, described in Section 2 of this Article. Vacancies in
director at large positions may filled by the Board of Directors through the process defined in
Section one (1) of this ARTICLE at any time the Board deems fit.
SECTION 9 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The Board of Directors shall adopt and abide by a Conflict of Interest Policy.
ARTICLE III
OFFICERS
SECTION 1 PRINCIPAL OFFICERS; ELECTION
The principal officers of the association shall be President, Vice- President, Secretary and Treasurer.
The officers shall be elected by the process defined in Section 2 of ARTICLE II. The officers shall be
elected from among the Directors except the Executive Director of the association shall serve as
Secretary.
SECTION 2 TERMS OF OFFICE
The officers shall hold office for two (2) years and until their respective successors are elected. The
term of office of any officer shall be terminated by his/her death, resignation or loss of his/her seat
on their respective County Forestry Committee and his/her term of office may be terminated by a
vote of a majority of the members of the Board of Directors present at any regular or special
meeting whenever in their judgment the best interests of the association will be served thereby.
SECTION 3 FILLING OF VACANCIES
A vacancy in any office may be filled until the next succeeding election by the affirmative vote of a
majority of the Directors present at any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors.
5 March 2024
SECTION 4 PRINCIPAL DUTIES
The principal duties of the officers shall be as follows:
(a) The President shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and generally perform all
duties usually incumbent upon such office. He/She is the Chief Executive Officer of the
association, charged with its general supervision and management, subject to the control of the
Board of Directors; with the execution of contracts, deeds, leases, conveyances, and
instruments generally on behalf of the association. He/She shall counter-sign evidences of
indebtedness, and other documents required to be signed by the Secretary or Treasurer; and
shall perform such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by these by-laws or
delegated to him/her by the Board of Directors.
(b) The Vice-President shall perform the duties of the President in the case of the latter's absence
or disability, and, in addition, such other duties as may from time to time be prescribed by
these by-laws or delegated to him/her by the Board of Directors.
(c) The Executive Director of the association shall serve as Secretary. The Secretary shall have
custody of the minute books; keep a record of all meetings of the Board of Directors; send out
any required notices of meetings of the Board; countersign all deeds, leases, conveyances and
other documents requiring the seal of the corporation; and perform such other duties as
usually devolve upon such office. He/She shall, in addition, perform all such duties as may
from time to time be imposed upon him/her by these by-laws or delegated to him/her by the
Board of Directors.
(d) The Treasurer shall have knowledge of all moneys, securities and valuable papers of the
association; shall have knowledge of all collections and dispersals of funds; shall have
knowledge of account balances and make reports from time to time as required by the Board
of Directors; and perform such other duties as usually devolve upon such office. He/She shall,
in addition, perform all duties as may from time to time be imposed upon him/her by these by-
laws or delegated to him/her by the Board of Directors.
SECTION 5
The Board of Directors may appoint one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant
Treasurers to act with or for the Secretary or Treasurer, respectively.
SECTION 6
All officers shall serve under the supervision and direction of the Board of Directors, and shall
perform any and all additional duties as may be directed by the Board.
SECTION 7 ACCOUNTABILITY AND REPORTS
The officers of the association shall prepare and submit to the Board of Directors each year a full
and complete report on the affairs and accounting of the funds of the association covering the
preceding year.
ARTICLE V
AMENDMENTS
By-laws must be adopted, amended or appealed by a two-thirds majority vote of the general
membership at the Annual Meeting of the Association.
Bayfield County Forestry and Parks Department
Timber Sale Revenue Report
Monthly, Cumulative and Three Year Average
2024 2024 2023 2021-2023
Month YTD Month Average
Net Net Net Month Net
January $238,241.30 $238,241.30 $237,285.27 $237,285.27 $271,448.64 $271,448.64
February $392,747.47 $630,988.77 $346,476.03 $583,761.30 $513,507.22 $242,058.57
March $790,012.42 $1,421,001.19 $465,040.89 $1,048,802.19 $1,103,399.30 $589,892.08
April $201,401.61 $1,622,402.80 $188,375.71 $1,237,177.90 $1,444,392.94 $340,993.64
May $1,622,402.80 $125,582.35 $1,362,760.25 $1,846,242.73 $401,849.79
June $1,622,402.80 $244,100.19 $1,606,860.44 $2,315,016.91 $468,774.18
July $1,622,402.80 $363,051.52 $1,969,911.96 $2,694,168.90 $379,151.99
August $1,622,402.80 $519,092.26 $2,489,004.22 $3,009,276.01 $315,107.11
September $1,622,402.80 $139,378.27 $2,628,382.49 $3,145,880.82 $136,604.81
October $1,622,402.80 $392,716.61 $3,021,099.10 $3,512,629.54 $366,748.72
November $1,622,402.80 $253,805.64 $3,274,904.74 $3,798,671.49 $286,041.95
December $1,622,402.80 $267,154.45 $3,542,059.19 $4,017,724.00 $219,052.51
Month
2023
YTD
Net
2021-2023
Average
Cumulative Net
$0
$100,000
$200,000
$300,000$400,000
$500,000
$600,000
$700,000
$800,000$900,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Monthly Net Revenues Comparison Summary
2021-2023 Average
2024
$3.83
$4.68
$3.54
2021 2022 2023
Net Revenues By
Year
5/9/2024
K:\File System\6000 Management\6500-Finance & Accounting\Revenues\Committee Timber Sale Receipt Report\Timber Sale Revenues - Committee Timber Sale Report
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Account Account Description Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
REVENUE
Department 34 - Forestry
43572 State Grant-Snowmobile Trails 271,980.00 .00 271,980.00 .00 .00 .00 271,980.00 0 .00
43575
43575 State Grant-ATV Trails 66,000.00 .00 66,000.00 .00 .00 .00 66,000.00 0 .00
43575-002 ATV Winter Trail Grants 34,740.00 .00 34,740.00 .00 .00 .00 34,740.00 0 .00
43575 - Totals $100,740.00 $0.00 $100,740.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $100,740.00 0%$0.00
43582 Conservation Aids-50/50 NL 8,500.00 .00 8,500.00 .00 .00 .00 8,500.00 0 .00
43584
43584-003 Turkey Stamp State Grant .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++11,764.00
43584 - Totals $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 +++$11,764.00
43587 Good Neighbor Grant 18,000.00 .00 18,000.00 .00 .00 .00 18,000.00 0 .00
43597 State Sustainable Forestry Grant .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 +++37,023.85
43598 County Forest Admin Grant 70,000.00 .00 70,000.00 .00 .00 76,144.63 (6,144.63)109 70,290.58
43599 Wildlife Habitat .10 Grant NL 8,143.00 .00 8,143.00 .00 .00 9,810.55 (1,667.55)120 8,143.30
43610 State DOT Road Aid NL 13,327.00 .00 13,327.00 .00 .00 13,227.69 99.31 99 13,327.47
46720 County Park Fees 135,000.00 .00 135,000.00 2,843.60 .00 66,635.03 68,364.97 49 62,938.28
46721 Yurt Rental Revenue 40,000.00 .00 40,000.00 .00 .00 9,610.59 30,389.41 24 11,460.12
46811 Sale of Wood-CFL-Co Share 3,049,200.00 .00 3,049,200.00 162,304.80 .00 1,784,707.60 1,264,492.40 59 1,272,177.90
46813 Land Acquisition NL .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 500.45 (500.45)+++.00
46815 10% County Forestry-Towns 338,000.00 .00 338,000.00 .00 .00 .00 338,000.00 0 .00
48205 Rent on Leased Land 17,950.00 .00 17,950.00 .00 .00 7,800.00 10,150.00 43 11,988.83
48500 Donations 68,000.00 .00 68,000.00 .00 .00 .00 68,000.00 0 2,500.00
48900 All Other Revenue 1,000.00 .00 1,000.00 .00 .00 314.55 685.45 31 171.24
48910 Permit Revenues 1,000.00 .00 1,000.00 .00 .00 280.00 720.00 28 670.00
49301 Fund Balance Applied 40,000.00 .00 40,000.00 .00 .00 .00 40,000.00 0 .00
49401 Sale of Larger $Gen Fixed Assets 9,000.00 .00 9,000.00 .00 .00 .00 9,000.00 0 4,150.00
Department 34 - Forestry Totals $4,189,840.00 $0.00 $4,189,840.00 $165,148.40 $0.00 $1,969,031.09 $2,220,808.91 47%$1,506,605.57
REVENUE TOTALS $4,189,840.00 $0.00 $4,189,840.00 $165,148.40 $0.00 $1,969,031.09 $2,220,808.91 47%$1,506,605.57
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 55201 - Parks
50220 Utilities 13,000.00 .00 13,000.00 .00 .00 705.07 12,294.93 5 836.12
50225 Telephone 2,300.00 .00 2,300.00 .00 .00 360.47 1,939.53 16 446.68
50240 Repair & Maintenance 7,500.00 .00 7,500.00 .00 .00 .00 7,500.00 0 541.75
50290 Contractual Services 46,101.00 .00 46,101.00 .00 .00 9,648.52 36,452.48 21 9,189.06
50313 Printing & Duplication 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 605.00 (105.00)121 762.00
50350
50350 Repair & Maintenance Supplies 1,000.00 .00 1,000.00 .00 .00 278.25 721.75 28 .00
50350-002 Yurt Repair & Maintenance 4,000.00 .00 4,000.00 .00 .00 203.31 3,796.69 5 99.96
Run by Deanna Regan on 05/09/2024 01:20:00 PM Page 1 of 6
Budget Performance Report
Fiscal Year to Date 05/09/24
Include Rollup Account and Rollup to Account
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Account Account Description Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 55201 - Parks
50350 - Totals $5,000.00 $0.00 $5,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $481.56 $4,518.44 10%$99.96
50590 Other Fixed Charges 1,510.00 .00 1,510.00 .00 .00 500.00 1,010.00 33 500.00
State Account 55201 - Parks Totals $75,911.00 $0.00 $75,911.00 $0.00 $0.00 $12,300.62 $63,610.38 16%$12,375.57
State Account 55313 - Recreation Management
50240 Repair & Maintenance 3,000.00 .00 3,000.00 .00 .00 .00 3,000.00 0 178.37
50290 Contractual Services 1,500.00 .00 1,500.00 .00 .00 .00 1,500.00 0 250.00
50340 Operating Supplies 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 24.53 475.47 5 187.46
50350 Repair & Maintenance Supplies 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 17.99 482.01 4 192.00
50351 Fuel 250.00 .00 250.00 .00 .00 110.25 139.75 44 13.62
State Account 55313 - Recreation Management Totals $5,750.00 $0.00 $5,750.00 $0.00 $0.00 $152.77 $5,597.23 3%$821.45
State Account 55442 - Snowmobile Trail Maint. Grants
50240 Repair & Maintenance 271,980.00 .00 271,980.00 .00 .00 11,862.28 260,117.72 4 48,000.00
State Account 55442 - Snowmobile Trail Maint. Grants
Totals
$271,980.00 $0.00 $271,980.00 $0.00 $0.00 $11,862.28 $260,117.72 4%$48,000.00
State Account 55443 - ATV Trail Maintenance Grants
50240 Repair & Maintenance 66,000.00 .00 66,000.00 .00 .00 .00 66,000.00 0 .00
State Account 55443 - ATV Trail Maintenance Grants
Totals
$66,000.00 $0.00 $66,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $66,000.00 0%$0.00
State Account 55447 - ATV Winter Trail Grants
50240 Repair & Maintenance 34,740.00 .00 34,740.00 .00 .00 .00 34,740.00 0 .00
State Account 55447 - ATV Winter Trail Grants Totals $34,740.00 $0.00 $34,740.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $34,740.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56121 - Forestry
50121 Full Time 629,261.00 .00 629,261.00 21,970.07 .00 181,699.45 447,561.55 29 167,603.75
50122 Part Time 29,700.00 .00 29,700.00 .00 .00 .00 29,700.00 0 .00
50123 Temporary Employee 7,812.00 .00 7,812.00 .00 .00 .00 7,812.00 0 .00
50131 Sick Leave Pay 10,921.00 .00 10,921.00 394.22 .00 3,924.70 6,996.30 36 4,301.57
50132 Vacation Pay 14,690.00 .00 14,690.00 1,748.53 .00 14,339.55 350.45 98 10,226.45
50135 Overtime 9,000.00 .00 9,000.00 .00 .00 498.40 8,501.60 6 2,972.61
50138 Holiday Pay .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 4,822.56 (4,822.56)+++4,511.90
50140 Per Diem 2,500.00 .00 2,500.00 50.00 .00 600.00 1,900.00 24 1,025.00
50151 Fica/Medicare 51,888.00 .00 51,888.00 1,743.99 .00 14,820.54 37,067.46 29 13,767.64
50152 Co. Share Retirement 46,009.00 .00 46,009.00 1,663.79 .00 14,156.55 31,852.45 31 12,844.79
50154 Health Insurance 162,464.00 .00 162,464.00 5,806.91 .00 55,688.74 106,775.26 34 46,953.95
50155 Life Insurance 117.00 .00 117.00 11.05 .00 56.91 60.09 49 31.45
50210 Professional Services 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 .00
50220 Utilities 4,250.00 .00 4,250.00 333.37 .00 1,790.42 2,459.58 42 1,876.66
50225 Telephone 6,000.00 .00 6,000.00 .00 .00 1,670.70 4,329.30 28 1,714.58
50240 Repair & Maintenance 3,500.00 .00 3,500.00 .00 .00 403.58 3,096.42 12 1,329.29
Run by Deanna Regan on 05/09/2024 01:20:00 PM Page 2 of 6
Budget Performance Report
Fiscal Year to Date 05/09/24
Include Rollup Account and Rollup to Account
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Account Account Description Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 56121 - Forestry
50290 Contractual Services 27,000.00 .00 27,000.00 .00 .00 .00 27,000.00 0 .00
50310 Office Supplies 1,250.00 .00 1,250.00 .00 .00 438.02 811.98 35 229.30
50311 Postage 1,100.00 .00 1,100.00 .00 .00 322.81 777.19 29 262.12
50313 Printing & Duplication 3,500.00 .00 3,500.00 .00 .00 2,611.03 888.97 75 314.09
50315 Advertising 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 .00
50320 Publication,Subscriptions & Dues 1,500.00 .00 1,500.00 .00 .00 500.00 1,000.00 33 975.67
50325 Registration Fees & Tuition 2,000.00 .00 2,000.00 .00 .00 1,018.61 981.39 51 1,263.30
50332 Mileage 45,000.00 .00 45,000.00 8.04 .00 15,151.66 29,848.34 34 12,037.35
50335 Meals 150.00 .00 150.00 .00 .00 20.25 129.75 14 20.93
50336 Lodging 750.00 .00 750.00 .00 .00 226.38 523.62 30 456.28
50351 Fuel 1,250.00 .00 1,250.00 .00 .00 44.13 1,205.87 4 521.15
50353 Parts 250.00 .00 250.00 .00 .00 .00 250.00 0 .00
50390 Other Supplies and Expense 750.00 .00 750.00 .00 .00 105.87 644.13 14 .00
50395 Safety Supplies 200.00 .00 200.00 .00 .00 316.75 (116.75)158 .00
50396 Clothing Allowance 2,970.00 .00 2,970.00 .00 .00 407.89 2,562.11 14 87.03
50590 Other Fixed Charges 250.00 .00 250.00 .00 .00 557.78 (307.78)223 252.00
State Account 56121 - Forestry Totals $1,067,032.00 $0.00 $1,067,032.00 $33,729.97 $0.00 $316,193.28 $750,838.72 30%$285,578.86
State Account 56122 - Equipmnt Use
Agreemnt=NonLapsing
50390 Other Supplies and Expense 2,500.00 .00 2,500.00 .00 .00 .00 2,500.00 0 .00
State Account 56122 - Equipmnt Use
Agreemnt=NonLapsing Totals
$2,500.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $2,500.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56125 - 10% Timber Sales Due Towns
50590 Other Fixed Charges 338,000.00 .00 338,000.00 .00 .00 .00 338,000.00 0 .00
State Account 56125 - 10% Timber Sales Due Towns
Totals
$338,000.00 $0.00 $338,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $338,000.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56128 - Sand & Gravel Pit
Exp.=NonLapsng
50590 Other Fixed Charges 1,000.00 .00 1,000.00 .00 .00 970.00 30.00 97 970.00
State Account 56128 - Sand & Gravel Pit
Exp.=NonLapsng Totals
$1,000.00 $0.00 $1,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $970.00 $30.00 97%$970.00
State Account 56129 - Town Road Improvement Aid
50241 Town Road Aid 55,000.00 .00 55,000.00 .00 .00 .00 55,000.00 0 .00
State Account 56129 - Town Road Improvement Aid
Totals
$55,000.00 $0.00 $55,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $55,000.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56145 - Access Management
50240 Repair & Maintenance 6,500.00 .00 6,500.00 .00 .00 .00 6,500.00 0 3,681.72
50340 Operating Supplies 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 332.00
50350 Repair & Maintenance Supplies 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 .00
Run by Deanna Regan on 05/09/2024 01:20:00 PM Page 3 of 6
Budget Performance Report
Fiscal Year to Date 05/09/24
Include Rollup Account and Rollup to Account
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Account Account Description Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 56145 - Access Management
50390 Other Supplies and Expense 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 .00
State Account 56145 - Access Management Totals $8,000.00 $0.00 $8,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $8,000.00 0%$4,013.72
State Account 56148 - State D.O.T. Road Aid NL Grant
50240 Repair & Maintenance 23,327.00 .00 23,327.00 .00 .00 .00 23,327.00 0 .00
State Account 56148 - State D.O.T. Road Aid NL Grant
Totals
$23,327.00 $0.00 $23,327.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $23,327.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56152 - Reforestation=NL
50290 Contractual Services 180,240.00 .00 180,240.00 .00 .00 35,361.65 144,878.35 20 13,580.00
State Account 56152 - Reforestation=NL Totals $180,240.00 $0.00 $180,240.00 $0.00 $0.00 $35,361.65 $144,878.35 20%$13,580.00
State Account 56159 - Wildlife Habitat .5/Acre Grant
50240 Repair & Maintenance 5,000.00 .00 5,000.00 .00 .00 4,633.94 366.06 93 1,222.95
50290 Contractual Services 10,000.00 .00 10,000.00 .00 .00 .00 10,000.00 0 .00
State Account 56159 - Wildlife Habitat .5/Acre Grant
Totals
$15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00 $0.00 $0.00 $4,633.94 $10,366.06 31%$1,222.95
State Account 56160 - County Forest Admin Grant
50111 Department Head 105,513.00 .00 105,513.00 4,027.20 .00 31,814.88 73,698.12 30 30,449.52
50131 Sick Leave Pay .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 805.44 (805.44)+++375.92
50132 Vacation Pay .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 805.44 (805.44)+++375.92
50138 Holiday Pay .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 805.44 (805.44)+++751.84
50151 Fica/Medicare 8,071.00 .00 8,071.00 282.48 .00 2,400.82 5,670.18 30 2,236.70
50152 Co. Share Retirement 7,280.00 .00 7,280.00 277.88 .00 2,360.62 4,919.38 32 2,169.48
50154 Health Insurance 24,700.00 .00 24,700.00 1,029.18 .00 9,262.62 15,437.38 38 7,876.26
50155 Life Insurance 49.00 .00 49.00 4.09 .00 20.45 28.55 42 11.15
50320 Publication,Subscriptions & Dues 12,303.00 .00 12,303.00 .00 .00 12,303.22 (.22)100 12,069.25
State Account 56160 - County Forest Admin Grant Totals $157,916.00 $0.00 $157,916.00 $5,620.83 $0.00 $60,578.93 $97,337.07 38%$56,316.04
State Account 56170 - Conservation Match 50/50NL
Grant
50340 Operating Supplies 6,125.00 .00 6,125.00 .00 .00 .00 6,125.00 0 .00
State Account 56170 - Conservation Match 50/50NL
Grant Totals
$6,125.00 $0.00 $6,125.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $6,125.00 0%$0.00
State Account 56171 - Forest Management
50340 Operating Supplies 16,500.00 .00 16,500.00 3,029.78 .00 10,051.51 6,448.49 61 4,987.95
50390 Other Supplies and Expense .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 361.83 (361.83)+++.00
State Account 56171 - Forest Management Totals $16,500.00 $0.00 $16,500.00 $3,029.78 $0.00 $10,413.34 $6,086.66 63%$4,987.95
State Account 56173 - Good Neighbor Grant
50135 Overtime 11,000.00 .00 11,000.00 1,891.67 .00 4,770.46 6,229.54 43 1,765.64
50151 Fica/Medicare 842.00 .00 842.00 136.07 .00 343.98 498.02 41 126.70
50152 Co. Share Retirement 759.00 .00 759.00 130.52 .00 329.15 429.85 43 120.06
50154 Health Insurance 3,500.00 .00 3,500.00 535.20 .00 1,390.25 2,109.75 40 520.27
Run by Deanna Regan on 05/09/2024 01:20:00 PM Page 4 of 6
Budget Performance Report
Fiscal Year to Date 05/09/24
Include Rollup Account and Rollup to Account
Adopted Budget Amended Current Month YTD YTD Budget - YTD % Used/
Account Account Description Budget Amendments Budget Transactions Encumbrances Transactions Transactions Rec'd Prior Year YTD
Fund 100 - General
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 56173 - Good Neighbor Grant
50155 Life Insurance .00 .00 .00 .52 .00 .94 (.94)+++.03
50332 Mileage 1,000.00 .00 1,000.00 .00 .00 368.62 631.38 37 100.41
50340 Operating Supplies 500.00 .00 500.00 .00 .00 .00 500.00 0 .00
State Account 56173 - Good Neighbor Grant Totals $17,601.00 $0.00 $17,601.00 $2,693.98 $0.00 $7,203.40 $10,397.60 41%$2,633.11
Department 34 - Forestry Totals $2,342,622.00 $0.00 $2,342,622.00 $45,074.56 $0.00 $459,670.21 $1,882,951.79 20%$430,499.65
EXPENSE TOTALS $2,342,622.00 $0.00 $2,342,622.00 $45,074.56 $0.00 $459,670.21 $1,882,951.79 20%$430,499.65
Fund 100 - General Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 4,189,840.00 .00 4,189,840.00 165,148.40 .00 1,969,031.09 2,220,808.91 47%1,506,605.57
EXPENSE TOTALS 2,342,622.00 .00 2,342,622.00 45,074.56 .00 459,670.21 1,882,951.79 20%430,499.65
Fund 100 - General Totals $1,847,218.00 $0.00 $1,847,218.00 $120,073.84 $0.00 $1,509,360.88 $337,857.12 $1,076,105.92
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund
REVENUE
Department 34 - Forestry
46813 Land Acquisition NL .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 1,032,515.41 (1,032,515.41)+++.00
Department 34 - Forestry Totals $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,032,515.41 ($1,032,515.41)+++$0.00
REVENUE TOTALS $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $1,032,515.41 ($1,032,515.41)+++$0.00
EXPENSE
Department 34 - Forestry
State Account 57100 - Capital Expenditures
50252 Purchase of Land=NL .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 3,534.18 (3,534.18)+++1,029,910.38
50390 Other Supplies and Expense .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 1,150.00 (1,150.00)+++1,176.00
50810 Capital Equipment 46,500.00 .00 46,500.00 .00 .00 21,340.00 25,160.00 46 139,171.40
50820 Capital Improvements 102,000.00 .00 102,000.00 .00 .00 13,240.15 88,759.85 13 332.66
State Account 57100 - Capital Expenditures Totals $148,500.00 $0.00 $148,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $39,264.33 $109,235.67 26%$1,170,590.44
Department 34 - Forestry Totals $148,500.00 $0.00 $148,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $39,264.33 $109,235.67 26%$1,170,590.44
EXPENSE TOTALS $148,500.00 $0.00 $148,500.00 $0.00 $0.00 $39,264.33 $109,235.67 26%$1,170,590.44
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund Totals
REVENUE TOTALS .00 .00 .00 .00 .00 1,032,515.41 (1,032,515.41)+++.00
EXPENSE TOTALS 148,500.00 .00 148,500.00 .00 .00 39,264.33 109,235.67 26%1,170,590.44
Fund 430 - Capital Projects Fund Totals ($148,500.00)$0.00 ($148,500.00)$0.00 $0.00 $993,251.08 ($1,141,751.08)($1,170,590.44)
Grand Totals
REVENUE TOTALS 4,189,840.00 .00 4,189,840.00 165,148.40 .00 3,001,546.50 1,188,293.50 72%1,506,605.57
EXPENSE TOTALS 2,491,122.00 .00 2,491,122.00 45,074.56 .00 498,934.54 1,992,187.46 20%1,601,090.09
Grand Totals $1,698,718.00 $0.00 $1,698,718.00 $120,073.84 $0.00 $2,502,611.96 ($803,893.96)($94,484.52)
Run by Deanna Regan on 05/09/2024 01:20:00 PM Page 5 of 6
Budget Performance Report
Fiscal Year to Date 05/09/24
Include Rollup Account and Rollup to Account
4.9 miles
3. 4miles
¯
Barnes
Bass Lake
Mott's