Public Lands & Forestry

Public lands and forest land management, funding, habitat, and planning for the future. WGF’s analyses and educational materials are developed by the Public Lands and Forestry Work Group.

Making an impact – Tom Jerow and Gov. Evers

aerial view of trees in the Pelican River Forest with blue hills in the background

Conservation succeeds through nonpartisan teamwork!

by Meleesa Johnson, WGF Executive Director

Pelican River Forest WI, photo copyright Jay Brittain, courtesy of Gathering Waters

When Tom Jerow answered his phone last week, I bet he wasn’t expecting a call from Governor Tony Evers! As the two talked, Gov. Evers thanked Tom for helping to conserve the Pelican …

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WGF Opposes SB 999 – Changes to Managed Forest Law

close up of white birch bark

Wisconsin’s Green Fire submitted a letter of testimony opposing SB 999, a Wisconsin Senate bill that would change Managed Forest Law (MFL) to require enrollees in MFL open enrollment to allow motorized access on all roads.

WGF Letter of Testimony – SB 999 | February 14, 2024

According to the Wisconsin …

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WGF Celebrates the Conservation of the Pelican River Forest

aerial view of trees in the Pelican River Forest with blue hills in the background

Pelican River Forest WI, photo copyright Jay Brittain, courtesy of Gathering Waters

After years of conservation efforts, over 67,000 acres of the Pelican River Forest in Oneida, Forest and Langlade counties are now protected forever under conservation easements. Leaders and volunteers from Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) collaborated with partners …

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WGF and Partners Submit Joint Statement on Flambeau Mine Closure

Ariel view of the Flambeau Mine in Lady Smith when it was in operation.

On Friday, July 1st Wisconsin’s Green Fire, River Alliance of Wisconsin, and Sierra Club – WI Chapter submitted a joint statement on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (WDNR) proposed completion of a portion of the Flambeau mine site south of Ladysmith, WI. The statement outlines …

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WGF Members Submit Comments for June Natural Resources Board Meeting

Members of Wisconsin’s Green Fire’s Wildlife Work Group and Public Lands and Forestry Work Groups have submitted comments to the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board for consideration during their upcoming June 22nd meeting. These comments cover three agenda items, voicing approval of the 2022-2032 Wisconsin Greater Prairie Chicken (GRPC) Management Plan and the …

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Meeting Wisconsin’s Deer Conservation Challenges – Wisconsin’s Green Fire Opportunities Now July 2021 Report

In our new report, Wisconsin’s Green Fire (WGF) examines several threats and trends that, taken together, are affecting the future of Wisconsin’s white-tailed deer herd. The report discusses the threats Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) poses to deer and human health; explains the ecological effects of high deer densities on forest habitat quality; discusses the lack of antlerless deer harvests and reduced hunter numbers in Wisconsin; and concludes with recommendations for policy and actions on the state and local levels to ensure the health and safety of Wisconsin’s deer and their habitat.

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WGF Supports Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Reauthorization

Lake

In August, representatives from Wisconsin’s Green Fire were able to speak with Governor Evers and Lt. Governer Barns about the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund and provide a letter to address identify additional program needs and offer up suggestions on framing the case for continued funding of this important conservation program.

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Wisconsin’s Green Fire Conservation Webinar April 30, 2020: Our Living Ancestors – The History and Ecology of Old Growth Forests in Wisconsin, with John Bates

Northern Wisconsin Naturalist, John Bates, discusses the ecological history and human history of northern Wisconsin forests. He describes remaining old growth forests in the upper Midwest and their values. John’s talk is based in part on his recent book “Our Living Ancestors: The History and Ecology of Old Growth Forests in Wisconsin and Where to …

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