Press Releases

Kickoff

Madison, Wis. - At a State Capitol ceremony held today, the clock was started on the "Year of Wisconsin Forestry" celebration by Chief State Forester, Paul DeLong.

"Sixteen million acres of forest cover nearly half the land area of Wisconsin", said DeLong. "Forests are one of our most important natural resources and are our state's largest land use. They support and enhance our quality of life with many, many social, ecological and economic benefits, beautiful scenery, and recreational opportunity. We are blessed to have such a wonderful resource."

Reading a proclamation signed by Governor Jim Doyle, Fred Souba, Chairman of the Governor's Council on Forestry, urged Wisconsin residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, governments and schools to support the Year of Wisconsin Forestry and to promote a broader understanding of the role of forests and sustainable forest management. The Year of Wisconsin Forestry observes landmark anniversaries of multiple forestry organizations in Wisconsin, including the centennial of the state forestry program as marked by the hiring, 100 years ago, of E.M. Griffith, Wisconsin's first chief state forester and the beginning of modern, science-based forest management in Wisconsin.

A "Year of Wisconsin Forestry" Internet site has been created at www.wisconsinforestry.org The site features events, activities, links to partners, important facts about Wisconsin forests and where to find additional information about Wisconsin's forests.

The most recent statewide forest inventory, completed in 1997, shows that Wisconsin has more forestland now than when statewide inventories began in 1936, a dramatic turnaround from the cut-over, abandoned forest land of the early 1900s. At a time when significant forest lands are being lost in other states, Wisconsin forest lands have increased by 640,000 acres since 1985, most through conversion of marginal agricultural acres back to forest. Updated forest inventory numbers will be available later this year.

"Forestry means many things to many people," said DeLong. "To the family on vacation, the birder, angler, skier or hunter, there is the obvious scenic quality and opportunities for recreation and quiet reflection. But Wisconsin's forests are also working forests. Forests support a $20 billion industry and 96,000 jobs, protect our water quality, filter our air, and provide homes and habitat for many of the 200 endangered or threatened species in Wisconsin as well as for countless common species."

Throughout 2004, in locations all over the state, citizens will be able to participate in events and activities where they can learn more about Wisconsin's public and private forests. A few of the planned activities include:

On May 15, the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association will host an "Open Woods" day across the state. Local members of the association will open their properties for people to visit and learn about private woodland management. A professional forester will be there to answer questions and interpret what visitors are seeing.
Charter Communications and Time Warner Cable have generously donated air time for the "Year of Wisconsin Forestry" promotions on statewide cable television channels.
Open houses will be scheduled in Wisconsin's state forests and tree nurseries.
Many county fairs and local events will have forestry displays.
The summer reading program at Wisconsin's public libraries will feature forestry topics and readings.

"When forestry is mentioned, it's common for people to think of state, county and federal forests," says DeLong. "State, county and federal forests amount to about 30 percent of our state forestlands, but privately owned, nonindustrial forestland is the largest segment of forest ownership and makes up 57 percent of our total forest. The Year of Wisconsin Forestry is intended to celebrate the wealth of our forest resources under all ownerships and our shared commitment to sustainable management of our forests. The celebration includes many partners in forestry who are dedicated to the protection, wise use and careful stewardship of our forest resources."

"Governor Doyle has declared 2004 as the "Year of Wisconsin Forestry" to recognize 100 years of professional forestry in Wisconsin," says Scott Hassett, Secretary of DNR. "Wisconsin's forests have recovered from the stark cut-over lands of the early 1900s to today's high-value forest, a tremendous success story that is the product of hard work by people of vision and commitment. We sincerely hope that all Wisconsin citizens will join us in celebrating our collective accomplishment, and to renew our commitment to sustaining our forests for future generations."