Newsletter
February 4, 2008

President’s Message

As we enter 2008, much uncertainty and change is taking place in the forestry industry.  Mill closures, buyouts, an unstable economy; all these issues will surely affect us as consumers and forest owners.  Here at WFF-DOA we strive to get you the best advice and trusted consultants to help you make decisions that best fit your management goals for your wood lot.

On Sat February 16^th at the Deerfield Town Hall, 1:00 PM, we will be holding a forum on the Managed Forest Law.  Our panel of guest speakers will include Louis Molepske, State Representative; Kathryn Nelson, DNR Representative; Juris Repsa, Industrial Forester; and Dick Hall, Outdoor Writer.  Each speaker will give a few opening remarks and then the panel will field questions and receive your comments and suggestions.

Upon entering the Town Hall you will be given a form to fill out with a question or comment.  Audience members will be allowed one question.  If time permits, we will take more questions or comments at random.  Please be patient and understanding with your questions.  We do not want this to be a complaint session.  We want good solid suggestions to help form the future of the Managed Forest Law.  With the right improvements, the managed Forest Law can truly benefit our rural communities and forest industry as well as provide a fair property tax for woodland owners.

We will update the Power Page in the near future.  We plan to add a list of Woodland Assistants.  These are woodland owners who have experience with forest management and are willing to talk to property owners seeking advice.      If you have a forestry professional you would like to recommend, give me a call. Hope to see you Saturday Feb 16^th at the Deerfield Town Hall half way between Wautoma and Hancock on County C.

Thank You for your support!

                        Martin P. Pionke

TREASURER’S REPORT by Gene Reis:

As of February 2nd, the bank balance was $875.22.  WFF, Inc has decided to place our dues on an annual basis. So dues paid by Dec 31^st, which are deductible, will be for the following year.   For those of you who have paid during the last 6 months of 2007, you will be given credit for all of 2008. 

Note: From Clyde Samsel.  The Wisconsin Healthy Forest Program is being sponsored by our parent organization WFF, Inc.  You can find information on this project at             www.wisconsinfamilyforests.org.    The program’s research showed that many woodland owners seek advice on things they might do in their woodlands.  But they do not want to talk to any one who has a vested interest in some agency such as government, industry, sales etc.  They wanted to talk to someone they can trust.  

 A perfect example of such a person is Gene Reis.  I go to him when I have questions about controlling invasive species such as buck thorn, spotted knap weed and garlic mustard.  He also does an excellent job in managing his woods.  We will add people like Gene Reis to our Power Page.    If you have other woodland owners with special expertise or who are willing to conduct a woodland tour, let Martin Pionke know.        

Events

Garlic Mustard day will be scheduled in early May on the Bohn Lake Property near the Deerfield Town Hall.  The Waushara Cty Ice Age Chapter and IA Foundation has established trail on that property and we believe we can prevent the spread of garlic mustard with help from our members.   

Game of Logging Schedule. Sponsored by:

Wisconsin Family Forests Deerfield/Oasis Alliance and the Aldo Leopold Foundation Woodland School.

 Mastering the basics of chainsaw safety is essential for woodland owners who want to be more active on their land. The “Game of Logging” is a four-level series designed to increase safety and efficiency of chainsaw use. Take the Level I course as an introduction to sawing and felling, or take the whole series to move toward mastering your chainsaw skills. Hands-on training in each session will give participants the opportunity to fell one or more trees with supervision.

Location: Samsel Sawmill, Hancock, WI
Level I: Saturday,   April 12,                                  Level II: Sunday,   April 13,                                   Level IV: Saturday, April 5                                         

Web Site:   www.samselsawmill.com                          Location: Aldo Leopold Legacy Center, Baraboo, WI
Level I: Saturday, March 15
Level II: Sunday, March 16                                  Level III: Saturday, May 10  

Instructor: Ken Lallemont, Timber Resources
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (lunch provided)
Cost: $60 per session
Class Limit: 15 per session
Contact for reservations:  Jeannine Richards

P.O. Box 77

Baraboo, Wi 53913

Phone 608 355 0279 ext 25

Cell:   608 393 7352 

Web site:  www.aldoleopold.org/woodlandschool

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