Public comment period opens for four interim forest management plans
MADISON – (RealEstateRama) — Interim plans guiding the management of forest resources on four state-owned properties are now available for review and comment through Oct. 28, 2016. The interim plans will guide forest management on the properties until formal master plans are completed.
The Interim Forest Management Plans are important because they help department staff guide forest management on state properties to consider ecological, economic and recreational considerations. The planning process also provides an opportunity for interested and affected stakeholders to have input on forest management, according to Shelley Warwick, property planner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Facilities and Lands in Madison.
The properties with interim forest management plans include the North Branch Trempealeau River Fishery Area in Jackson County Van Loon Wildlife Area in La Crosse and Trempealeau counties, the Buffalo River Fishery Area in Jackson and Trempealeau counties, and scattered properties in Dodge and Jefferson counties, including the Glacial Habitat Restoration Areas, the Fox Lake Fisheries Area and others.
“People want to know we are managing their lands well, and consumers increasingly prefer products from sustainably managed forests,” Warwick said. The Wisconsin forest products industry is a $22.9 billion per year business that directly supports nearly 62,000 jobs.
A complete list of properties and the interim plans for these properties, as well as directions on how to submit comments, can be found online on the DNR websitednr.wi.gov by searching keyword “IFMP.”
People can fill out an electronic survey to submit comments, or can download the form and mail it in. Comments, either electronic or written, are due by 4:30 p.m. Oct. 28, 2016.
Contact(s): Shelley Warwick, Property Planner, shelley.warwick (at) wisconsin (dot) gov or 608-266-2698
