Government Affairs
Executive Session for AB 856 (Managed Forest Law) Set for February 12
WI Assembly EXECUTIVE SESSION – Committee on Forestry, Parks and Outdoor Recreation The committee will hold an executive session on the following items at the time specified below: Wednesday, February 12, 2020 12:30 PM 328 Northwest Assembly Bill 856 Relating to: the managed forest land program. By Representative Mursau.
State Plant Inspectors Advise Consumers to Properly Dispose of Holiday Greenery
Release Date: December 26, 2019 Media Contact: Brian Kuhn, Director, Bureau of Plant Industry, (608) 224-4590 High-resolution photo: Evergreen with EHS MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) advises consumers who purchased evergreens this holiday season to check for an invasive pest called elongate hemlock scale (EHS) and properly dispose of any holiday greenery that may show signs of infestation.
USDA Invites Input on Environmental Quality Incentives Program Rule
Contact: FPAC.BC.Press@usda.gov WASHINGTON, D.C., December 16, 2019 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) seeks public comments on its interim rule for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), USDA’s flagship program that helps producers plan and implement 150-plus conservation practices on working lands. The rule – now available on the Federal Register – takes effect upon publication and includes changes to the program prescribed by the 2018 Farm Bill.
Marathon County 15-Year Forest Plan: Public Input Requested
The Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is beginning the process of updating its Fifteen-Year Forest Plan which will guide the management of our 30,195-acre Marathon County Forest from 2021 – 2035. Please help us with this important process. We want to hear from you about issues to address with plan revisions. Please submit feedback by September 25, 2019.
Do Your Woodlands have Flood Damage?
NRCS Wisconsin Offers $7 Million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program-Floodplain Easements Apply Now, Until September 30 to be Considered for Funding Due to the recent catastrophic flooding events, Congress has provided the U.S Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wisconsin with over $7 million for the Emergency Watershed Protection Program-Floodplain Easements (EWPP-FPE). The program’s focus is to provide landowners with another option for those frequently flooded agricultural fields.
EAB Found in Pierce County
The WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has detected emerald ash borer for the first time in Pierce County. This is the first new county detection of 2019 for Wisconsin. There have also been finds this year in 46 new municipalities in counties where EAB had already been detected previously.
Have You Experienced Frequent Flooding on Your Property?
NRCS Offers more than $200 Million in Emergency Funding to Restore Flood-Prone Lands: 11 states identified to invest in floodplain easements WASHINGTON, July 24, 2019 – In response to recent flooding impacting many parts of the United States, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the availability of $217.5 million dedicated to funding conservation easements on certain lands damaged by flooding and other natural disasters.
Watch for Travelling Contractors in the Wake of Recent Storms
MADISON – Recent severe weather in northern and central Wisconsin has resulted in significant damage to homes and businesses throughout the region. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) asks affected property owners to seek trusted contractors for repairs and to be leery of “storm chasers” that come knocking at your door with aggressive sales tactics.
Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest additional ATV/UTV access routes
Public comment period open through August 16, 2019 WOODRUFF, Wis. – Plans for improved access to the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest through the designation of approximately 19 miles of all-terrain and utility vehicles routes on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources roads in the state forest are now available for public comment.
Plan ahead for spring 2020 tree planting
The Wilson State Nursery gave a preview of what their tree stock is anticipating for spring 2020 plantings. This list is preliminary, as it is possible that some species will be added or subtracted depending on health, growth, and several other factors as the growing season begins to wane. However, most of these trees and shrubs listed will be available to purchase starting October 7, 2019. View the full list HERE.