HomeMy WebLinkAboutForestry & Parks Committee - Minutes - 3/10/2025
BAYFIELD COUNTY FORESTRY AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
COMMITTEE MEETING
March 10, 2025
County Board Room
Members Present: Fred Strand; Larry Fickbohm; Jeff Olsen
Members Absent: Steve Sandstrom; Charly Ray
Staff in Attendance: Jason Bodine, Administrator; Deanna Regan, Office Manager
Others in Attendance: Joseph LeBouton
1. Call to Order of Forestry and Parks Committee Meeting.
This meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
2. Public Comment: None
Public comment closed at 6:00 PM.
3. Approval of the February 10th Meeting Minutes.
MOTION: (Fickbohm, Olsen) Approve minutes and place on file. All: Yes. Carried.
4. Research Request. The University of Illinois is asking to temporarily install two short radio antennas to
track the movements of banded saw-whet owls and brown thrashers. The antennas would be in place
for about two years, likely in openings near or in the Barnes Barrens Management Area (BBMA). We
would work with them on final placement. There would also be informational signs next to each tower in
case curious public stumble upon them. Bodine has no concerns and recommends approval.
MOTION: (Fickbohm, Olsen) Approve research request. All: Yes. Carried.
5. Barnes Barrens Management Plan (BBMP). We have been assessing the effectiveness of the current
BBMP to improve future management. As a result, a few minor modifications are recommended to
increase management efficiency, reduce future risk, expand core habitat areas and improve financial
performance. One modification is to increase the permanently open core area by about 420 acres.
Another is to modify each zone by condensing it to improve manageability, function, and connection to
the core. This would amount to about 2,840 acres less than the current area. Red pine rather than jack
pine would be a target species for future management, increasing financial performance. Approaches
to the management of stands and rotation around the permanent core would remain unchanged, with
jack pine the primary tree species. If approved, Bodine would bring an update to Chapter 4000 of the
comprehensive plan to the next meeting. Bodine recommends approval. Bodine is also in early stages
of conversation with DNR Wildlife on a long-term lease of the permanently open barrens areas.
MOTION: (Olsen, Fickbohm) Motion to approve BBMP changes. All: Yes. Carried.
6. Monthly Reports
a) Forestry. We were recently informed by the feds that processing and summarizing our CFI plot
data may be in jeopardy after this year. This would be a significant issue as we have relied
exclusively upon the federal FIA system for data processing and support. We are working with
them and the DNR on potential solutions, which may involve coming up with something
ourselves. This is a new development with a lot of unknowns that might require future action
and/or change in direction.
a. 2025 Budget. Stumpage returns for February were slightly below average, with over $262k
received. Returns for March are already near $300k due to contractors moving into high
dollar spring wood. Expenses are on target.
Bayfield County Forestry & Parks Committee
March 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 2
b. Carbon Project. Working on a potential sale involving nearly 13,000 credits.
c. Land Acquisition Projects.
i. Stewardship Application. Submitted application. Received formal support from 5 of
the 6 towns, therefore Siskiwit River parcel was removed from the Stewardship
application. Appraisals of the properties are due in mis-March. Bodine will pursue the
purchase of the Siskiwit River parcel with an application submitted to the DNR by
early next week. Still have Coastal support for this purchase.
ii. BCPL 40 Acres. Expecting to close in the next two weeks.
iii. Community Forest Grant-Iron River Community Forest. Expecting an end of May
closing date due to federal funding issues.
iv. Whittlesey Creek. Closing has been moved to the end of May for same reason.
d. Barnes Barrens Lepidoptera Survey Report. Last year Kyle Johnson and Ryne Rutherford
conducted a baseline lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) survey of the BBMA. This,
combined with previous work on sharp-tailed grouse and vegetation surveys, are ways to
establish the quality and effectiveness of barrens habitat. It also helps to identify potential
next steps and develop goals/objectives for future habitat improvement projects.
e. Herbicide Overspray Update. The final settlement statement has been signed by all parties.
Final payment is due by the end of March.
f. WCFA Board Member Update. Nothing has happened recently. Upcoming meetings on
March 25, 26 and 27th. Will have updates for next committee meeting.
b) Campgrounds and Day Use Parks. Nothing new to report.
c) Trails and Recreation.
a. Motorized Trail Updates. Snowmobile trails closed as of Sunday. Work on motorized grant
applications has ramped up.
b. Non-Motorized Trails Updates. Lindley will be attending the International Trails Summit in
Madison this April. This weeklong event is hosted by American Trails and the Professional
Trail Builders Association and will be a combination of hands-on training and presentations.
c. Rec Coordinator Position. The position has been offered and accepted by Sara Hudson with
an expected starting date of April 14th.
d. Yurts. Occupancy rates are normal for this time of year.
e. Events. Nothing new to report.
Committee acknowledges that reports are received and placed on file.
7. Committee Members Discussion. None.
8. Joseph LeBouton, DNR Representative, Comments: None.
The next Forestry and Parks Committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday, April 14th, at 6:00 PM
in the EOC.
Meeting adjourned at 6:48 PM.
Submitted by,
Deanna Regan