Public comment period opens for four interim forest management plans

Public comment period opens for four interim forest management plans

DATE: April 30, 2019
CONTACT: John Pohlman, property planner, 608- 264-6263

MADISON – Interim plans guiding the management of forest resources on four state-owned properties are now available for review and comment through May 13, 2019. 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 John Pohlman, property planner with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Facilities and Lands in Madison.

The properties with interim forest management plans open for public comment include Collins Marsh Wildlife Area in Manitowoc County, Killsnake Wildlife Area in Calumet County, North Bend Bottoms Wildlife Area and Halfmoon Lake Fishery Area in Jackson County, and Trempealeau Lakes Wildlife Area in Trempealeau County.

“People want to know we are managing their lands well, and consumers increasingly prefer products from sustainably managed forests,” Pohlman said. The Wisconsin forest products industry is a $24.7 billion per year business that directly supports nearly 65,000 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 website dnr.wi.gov by searching keyword “IFMP.”

People can fill out an electronic survey to submit comments www.surveymonkey.com/r/T738FRY or can download the form and mail it in. Comments, either electronic or written, are due by 4:30 p.m. May 13, 2019.