The regular monthly meeting for the Jackson County Forestry & Parks Department was held at 8:30am on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at the Jackson County Courthouse. Those in attendance were: Ed Chamberlain, Jerry Schmidt, Dale Hoff, John Higgins, Tom Clark, James Zahasky, Dave Spaude, Jeremy Breheim and Ashley Stetzer
The regular meeting was called to order at 8:30am by Chairman Ed Chamberlain
A motion was made by John Higgins to approve the minutes from the April meeting. The motion was seconded by Dale Hoff, all members voted in favor.
A motion to approve the bills for payment was made by John Higgins, seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor.
Zach Clausing and Christina Kizewski were present from the WI-DNR and gave updates. Staff is gearing up for the upcoming elk calf searches. Fires season was busy. DNR helped with the large fire at Fort McCoy that burned over 3,000 acres.
Several people were present to discuss a possible change to the opening and closing dates of the ATV/UTV trails. Karl Miller, President of the ATV Club suggested the dates to be changed to the 2nd full Saturday in May and the 3rd Sunday in October. Peter Bakken from the WI-DNR spoke out against changing the dates. He noted that May 15 has been the date for over 30 years and the Master Plan notes May 15 as the opening date. After discussion a motion was made by John Higgins to leave the dates as May 15 and October 15. The motion was seconded by Tom Clark. Dale Hoff, John Higgins, Ed Chamberlain and Tom Clark voted in favor of the motion. The motion was denied by Jerry
Schmidt, motion carried.
The forestry, parks and trails report were presented. Tree planting is complete. Timber harvest is slow but steady. Parks are starting to ramp up. All buildings are opened and new employees are starting for the summer. The pace and pedal event will take place on May 20 at Wazee Lake. Trails will open on May 15. Clean-up continues from the last snow storm.
Dave presented the spring timber sale bid results. Of the 12 sales, 11 sold for a total of $891,110.60. A motion was made by John Higgins to award the contracts to the highest bidder. The motion was seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor.
There are 12 timber sales that will expire on June 15, 2023. Dave discussed his recommendation with the committee. A motion was made by John Higgins to not penalize any sales that require frozen ground conditions. Sale JC-2618 and JC-2613 should be penalized accordingly if cutting has not started before 6-15-23. Sale JC-2523 should be kept at its current rate of 5% as they have began cutting. The motion was seconded by Tom Clark, all members voted in favor.
The 2022 Annual Report was presented. Rebekah Luedtke, Executive Director of the Wisconsin County Forest Association was present and gave a presentation.
A motion to adjourn at 10:17am was made by John Higgins, the motion was seconded by Dale Hoff. All members voted in favor. The next meeting will be at the Jackson County Courthouse at 8:30am on June 13, 2023.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:17am
Next regular meeting date: June 13, 2023
These minutes will be approved at the June Meeting
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