Government Affairs
UWFWS Publishes Northern Long-Eared Bat Protections under Threatened Species 4(d) Rule
On January 14, 2016 the US Fish and Wildlife Service published the final 4(d) rule for the Northern Long-Eared Bat (NLEB) which was listed as a Threatened species in 2015. The NLEB is found in Wisconsin and may affect how you manage your woodlands. Learn more at the USFWS or the Wisconsin DNR website pages on the NLEB.
Government passes Permanent Charitable Giving Options
The Protecting Americans From Tax Hikes (PATH) Act of 2015 was passed by votes of 318 to 109 in the House and 65 to 33 in the Senate. President Obama signed the PATH Act on December 18, 2015. With bipartisan support, the bill makes permanent four tax extenders that help donors support their favorite charities: IRA Charitable Rollover, Conservation Gift Limits, Food Inventory Gifts, and S Corporation Appreciated Gifts.
MFL “Open” Lands now subject to Tribal Night Hunting
Yesterday’s (October 13, 2015) ruling by U.S.
MFL & FCL changes made in Budget Bill
The WI DNR has released new information for Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) contract holders for processing cutting notices. WWOA was unsuccessful in attempting to remove language in the state budget recently signed by the Governor, as a result DNR approval of cutting notices has been eliminated – if foresters from designated organizations submit the cutting notice. PLEASE NOTE – it is the landowner’s choice to request DNR approval.
Legislators again change Managed Forest Law Program in Budget Bill
More than three million acres of Wisconsin woodlands under the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) programs are once again impacted by changes proposed in the state budget. The State Legislature, through the Joint Finance Committee is withdrawing DNR Division of Forestry oversight of the program it is charged to administer.