Blog Articles

Daniel Simkowski, Rosholt – passed away May 4, 2017.

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!

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.

The Trump administration is slapping duties on billions of dollars of lumber imported from Canada, marking an escalation of trade tensions. The Commerce Department said that countervailing duties ranging from 3% to 24% would be applied retroactively on five Canadian lumber exporters. Overall the duties average about 20% and could amount to $1 billion. Additional penalties could be levied if Commerce determines Canadian lumber is being dumped into U.S. markets.

Weekly News – April 25, 2017 – Wisconsin DNR MADISON – Celebrations across the state are taking place to celebrate Forest Appreciation Week, which is capped off by Arbor Day on Friday, April 28. Governor Scott Walker issued a proclamation recognizing Forest Appreciation Week and Arbor Day. Wisconsin has celebrated Arbor Day since 1883.

02/23/2016   Source: Two Sides North America, 2016 “Go paperless, go green” is a common theme these days as many corporations and governments encourage their customers and employees to switch to electronic transactions or communications. But are appeals to help the environment by eliminating paper based on sound science or on marketing strategies aimed at cost cutting?

Weekly News – April 11, 2017 – Wisconsin DNR MADISON – Wisconsin landowners who want to boost wildlife habitat on their property — whether a city lot or hundreds of acres — have a new resource to help them choose native plants that can thrive where they live, benefit a wide variety of wildlife and promote water quality.

Weekly News – April 18, 2017 – Wisconsin DNR MADISON – Early spring is the best time to check gardens, yards and woodlands for garlic mustard and take measures to control this rapidly spreading invasive plant, state invasive plant experts say.

Members have been asking, what does the Forestry Mill Tax pay for? Funds raised through the Forestry Mill Tax are deposited in the DNR Conservation Fund under the Forestry Account.  The DNR Forestry Account Revenue and Expenditures for fiscal year 2016 have been released.  The Forestry Account shows revenues of $118,289,789 with total state and federal expenditures of $113,628,313.  The Forestry Mill Tax provided a revenue of $83,306,027.

WI DATCP Contact: Donna Gilson, 608-224-5130, donna.gilson@wi.gov  or Bill Cosh, Communications Director, 608-224-5020, William2.Cosh@wi.gov MADISON – You’ve heard it before, and we hate to be pests, but now that cabin and camping season is starting, remember: Don’t move firewood.