Government Affairs
Become a Tree Seed Collector
The WI DNR Reforestation Program continues to purchase seed from private collectors. Over the years, our seedling demands have changed; thus, so does our need for seed. In 2017, WI DNR will be purchasing seeds for the following species: american hazelnut, american plum, black cherry, bitternut hickory, black walnut, butternut, shagbark hickory, sugar (hard) maple, and the following oaks – bur, red, swamp white, white.
New DNR Tax Law Section for MFL and FCL
From: WI DNR Forestry News As part of the DNR Strategic Alignment, the Division of Forestry has consolidated the tax law programs (Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop Law) and associated work into fewer positions under a new Tax Law section. This section will focus on the tax law programs, allowing us to better meet our customers’ needs. Within the new section, six staff are located in Madison: Tax Law Section Chief, Tax Law Administration Specialist, Tax…
Wisconsin Council of Forestry Announces Strong Support for Funding the Mill Tax
The Governor’s Council on Forestry has announced it’s support for the continued funding of the Forestry Mill Tax. Read the full letter here.
Others in the Forestry Community Now Join WWOA’s Efforts on the Forestry Mill Tax
Lake States Lumber Association, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, and Wisconsin Consulting Foresters released their letter to the Joint Committee on Finance opposing the defunding of the forestry mill tax. Read the full letter here.
LAST CHANCE to speak out on the Forestry Mill Tax
VERY SOON the Joint Committee on Finance (JCF) will be taking up the Forestry Mill Tax (or as legislators have been calling it the State Property Tax) issue. The Committee is split on this issue and needs to hear from WWOA members and citizens about the benefits of the Forestry Mill Tax. Your voice and a few minutes of your time CAN make a difference on this very important issue!
Joint Committee on Finance Members
Please select Read More for the full listing of all Joint Committee on Finance Members and their contact information.
Wisconsin Property Tax = Forestry Mill Tax
While we in the forestry community have been discussing the proposed state budget provision which eliminates the collection of the Forestry Mill Tax and instead will use General Purpose Revenue to fund the Forestry Fund for this budget cycle – the Governor and some legislators have been broadcasting their message of eliminating Wisconsin’s Property Tax.
Legislators surveys on Property Tax issue – Don’t throw it away!
Wisconsin citizens have been receiving surveys from their State Legislators on the Property Tax issue. The ones we have seen make all kinds of claims such as – property taxes have gone sky high, hell is freezing over, elimination of the property tax will increase funds for schools, or it will help someone be able to afford a home. What they don’t tell you – WISCONSIN’S PROPERTY TAX IS THE FORESTRY MILL TAX.
Governor’s Weekly Address on Forestry Mill Tax
The Governor’s weekly radio address discusses “lasting property tax relief” in the proposed budget. Sounds good doesn’t it? Until you realize that he is talking about saving you an average of $26/year by defunding the Forestry Mill Tax. Talk about “lasting” – look at Wisconsin’s beautiful and healthy forests!
Forestry Mill Tax Needs Your Help!
Budget Update – Efforts to Save the Mill Tax Last week, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) concluded their public hearings across the state. I’d like to thank all of you who came out to share your thoughts on the Governor’s Budget Proposal. It’s crucial for the Committee to hear what’s important to the folks who live up north.