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.
Opportunities Now 2024: Wisconsin Forests at Risk
Wisconsin Forests at Risk: Engaging Wisconsinites in Another Century of Forest Conservation
We are proud to announce a new paper in our Opportunities Now series.
Left to right: Upson Lake Fall Forest. Photo Credit: Colleen Matula. Log deck and forwarder in Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Forest. Photo Credit: Paul Koll. Thompson Family Forest. Photo …
Read More >Making an impact – Tom Jerow and Gov. Evers
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 …
Read More >WGF Opposes SB 999 – Changes to Managed Forest Law
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 …
Read More >WGF Celebrates the Conservation of the Pelican River Forest
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 …
Read More >WGF and Partners Submit Joint Statement on Flambeau Mine Closure
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 …
Read More >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 …
Read More >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.
Read More >WGF Supports Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund Reauthorization
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.
Read More >WGF Issues New Analysis: “Strategies for Mitigating Climate Change with Natural and Working Lands”
Investing in the health of our working lands is a powerful solution to addressing climate change, and is one of Wisconsin’s best economic development opportunities.
Read More >Remembering Dan Wisniewski
Dan Wisniewski was a founding member of Wisconsin’s Green Fire and a champion of conservation. The Northwoods Land Trust recently named its 40-acre riverfront property, “The Dan Wisniewski Deerskin River Preserve” in his honor. It is not a coincidence that the Deerskin River is a fine trout stream.
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