Wisconsin Forestry Report Calls for Strategic Overhaul

An annual report from a cross-section of leaders in the forest world that details the importance of forests to Wisconsin’s economy and natural resources was published in early June. It incorporates a number of major proposals to gain greater focus for forests and the industry in ongoing state government budget debates.

The report by the Wisconsin Council on Forestry pointed out that forestry was the top economic activity in output among 18 of the state’s 72 counties. It also pointed out the breadth of forestry’s impact, noting that it was in the top 10 activities in 42 (or 58%) of the state’s counties.

To counter headwinds that have developed for the forestry sector in the state, the report recommends development of “a comprehensive forest industry strategic plan and roadmap… examining Wisconsin’s related industry and forest strengths and limitations impeding continued development.”

The report suggests that “regulatory and permitting issues” be included, along with a “wood fiber availability study”. It suggests a review of any “real or perceived” factors preventing new industries from locating in Wisconsin.

The report notes a variety of forest health issues related to “pests” and “invasive species”.

It recommends several measures to address health issues, including an increase in DNR capacity for “forest health management and research” and enhanced capacity at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection for “forest pest inspections.”

In addition to a variety of recommended actions for the state and others in the forest world, the report contains a robust collection of statistics and history.

The report can be downloaded here on the Council on Forestry website:

https://councilonforestry.wi.g...