Committee approves Sawyer County Forest 2026 work plan after forestry report on sales and carbon project

Forestry staff briefed the Sawyer County Land, Water and Forest Resources Committee on timber sales, volunteer trail work and an anticipated carbon credit submission, and the committee approved the Sawyer County Forest 2026 annual work plan.

Forestry staff reported 16 active sales for December, with sale value (sold and uncut) just over $4,700,000 and annual revenue "just shy of $2,200,000," exceeding the budgeted revenue amount for the year. Staff said recon acres and sale inspections were on target, one tract was turned in for review, and the department is finishing the Good Neighbor Authority contract and preparing the contract for the coming year. Staff also noted a carbon project submission and that feedback is anticipated in 2026.

The forest work plan is a state requirement that makes the department eligible for an administrator's grant that covers roughly half the forestry administrator's salary and benefits. Randy Newman moved to approve the Sawyer County Forest 2026 annual work plan; Jim Evans seconded the motion. The committee approved the plan by voice vote. Forestry staff told the committee the plan also needs county board approval.

Forestry staff and allied volunteer groups were thanked for trail and ATV snowmobile work after ice damage and for season preparations. The committee heard related reports from the DNR and recreational trails alliance during the meeting.