2013 Wisconsin Forestry Practices Study
Forest policies in Wisconsin have been evolving rapidly in recent decades. There has been much discussion and debate regarding effects that changing policies have on current forest-based operations and potential future growth in Wisconsin's forest products industry. Information gaps exist regarding the costs and benefits of forest policies, regulations and guidelines in Wisconsin. Addressing these information gaps through a well-focused forest practices study will serve to establish a credible research information data base for addressing identified issues and concerns.
In early 2011, Wisconsin Council on Forestry (COF) identified five priority issues:
- timber supply,
- forest certification,
- Wisconsin's Managed Forest Law (MFL) Program,
- deer, and
- education.
The COF formed committees to address each of these priority issues. Since that time, Wisconsin's COF has struggled with sufficient funding to gather reliable, scientific data necessary for developing guidance addressing these and other forest policy issues. The 2013 Wisconsin Forestry Practices Study will enable necessary research efforts.
The 2013 Wisconsin Forestry Practices Study is a comprehensive study of WDNR forestry and forest fire prevention practices. Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) and Wisconsin County Forests Association (WCFA) received a state grant for $600,000 over a two year period to complete the study. GLTPA and WCFA will be utilizing a consultative process with the Wisconsin Council on Forestry to guide research. The goal of the study is to obtain research results which will help guide decisions and policy development for investment in forest-based manufacturing industries in Wisconsin, while ensuring that social and ecological benefits provided by Wisconsin's forest remain viable for future generations.
GLTPA and WCFA have selected the National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) to serve as general contractor for this study. NCASI is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) research institute formed in 1943 focusing on environmental and sustainability topics relevant to forest management and the manufacture of forest products. NCASI will subcontract research projects out to qualified organizations. We believe that multiple research projects (rather than one overly broad project) will better serve the information needs of the forestry community.
2013 Forest Practices Study Plan
- Subscribe to the Study Newsletter List
- Forest Practices Study Plan
- Forest Practices Study Plan Overview
- Wisconsin Council on Forestry Letter of Support
- Joint Finance Committee Approval Letter
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Wisconsin Council on Forestry 2013 Forest Practices Study Subcommittee
- Subcommittee Agenda (December 2014)
- Wisconsin COF WFPS Subcommittee Charter
- Subcommittee Agenda (January 2014)
Study Progress Updates
- June 2016
- January 2016
- September 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- September 2014
- June 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
Project Abstracts
- An Analysis of: Single Tree Selection Order-of-Removal Procedures in Northern Hardwood Forests and Rotation Lengths in Red Pine and Aspen Forests
- Economic and Ecological Effects of Forest Practices and Harvesting Restrictions on Wisconsin’s Forest Resources and Economy
- The Scale and Cost of Seasonal Timber Harvesting Restrictions in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment
- Wood Supply Chain Component Cost Analysis; A Comparison of WI and U.S. Regional Cost
Project Reports
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment
- Economic and Ecological Effects of Forest Practices and Harvesting Constraints on Wisconsin’s Forest Resources and Economy
- The Scale and Cost of Seasonal Timber Harvesting Restrictions in Wisconsin
- An Economic and Ecological Analysis of: Northern Hardwood Single-Tree Selection Order of Removal Procedures and Evaluation of Red Pine Plantation and Aspen Forest Type Ages
- Update: Wood Supply Chain Cost Component Analysis; A Comparison of WI and U.S. Regional Cost
- Wood Supply Chain Cost Component Analysis; A Comparison of WI and U.S. Regional Cost
Project Summaries
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment
- Economic and Ecological Effects of Forest Practices and Harvesting Constraints on Wisconsin’s Forest Resources and Economy
- The Scale and Cost of Seasonal Timber Harvesting Restrictions in Wisconsin
- An Economic and Ecological Analysis of: Northern Hardwood Single-Tree Selection Order of Removal Procedures and Evaluation of Red Pine Plantation and Aspen Forest Type Ages
- Wood Supply Chain Cost Component Analysis; A Comparison of WI and U.S. Regional Cost
Project Presentations
The following presentations were presented at the March 29, 2016 Wisconsin Council on Forestry Meeting.
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment – Landowner Study
- Wisconsin Wood Supply Assessment – Logger Utilization in Wisconsin
- Economic and Ecological Effects of Forest Practices and Harvesting Constraints on Wisconsin’s Forest Resources and Economy
- The Scale and Cost of Seasonal Timber Harvesting Restrictions in Wisconsin
- An Economic and Ecological Analysis of: Northern Hardwood Single-Tree Selection Order of Removal Procedures and Evaluation of Red Pine Plantation and Aspen Forest Type Ages
- Wood Supply Chain Cost Component Analysis; A Comparison of WI and U.S. Regional Cost
- Wisconsin Forest Practices Study Sub-Committee Member Expectations
Request for Proposals
Contact Information
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GLTPA, Executive Director
P.O. Box 1278
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-282-5828
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WCFA, Executive Director
P.O. Box 70
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-282-5951
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NCASI Project Manager
4321 Ridgeview Lane
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
715-213-4833
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NCASI
PO Box 340317
Clemson, SC 29634-0317
864-656-0840