Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance updates trail maintenance and forestry revenue initiatives

April 13, 2025 | Sawyer County, Wisconsin

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Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance updates trail maintenance and forestry revenue initiatives

This article was created by AI using a video recording of the meeting. It summarizes the key points discussed, but for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Link to Full Meeting

The Sawyer County government meeting held on April 13, 2025, focused on updates regarding forestry, recreational trails, and conservation efforts in the region. Key discussions included trail maintenance, timber sales, and environmental initiatives.

Kim Davidson, coordinator for the Sawyer County Snowmobile Alliance, reported on the status of local snowmobile trails. Grading has begun in the southern part of the county, where warmer temperatures have resulted in less snow. Davidson noted that trail conditions are generally good, with minimal damage from previous weather events. However, concerns were raised about unauthorized use of snowmobile trails in federal forests, prompting plans to relocate gates to protect these areas.

Greg, a representative from the forestry department, provided an overview of timber sales and revenue. As of March, there were 12 active timber sales, with a total sale value of nearly $4 million. The county has generated over $650,000 in revenue year-to-date. A spring timber sale bid prospectus has been released, offering 22 tracks totaling 1,600 acres, with bids due on April 29. Additionally, discussions are ongoing regarding the Seeley Trails proposal, with a revised plan expected to be presented in May.

The meeting also addressed the 2025 recreational trails aid resolution, which was approved unanimously. This annual resolution is necessary for applying for snowmobile and ATV grants.

In terms of conservation, updates included the scheduling of annual non-metallic mining inspections and ongoing monitoring of local dams due to melting snow conditions. The county is also in the final stages of a process to increase water levels at the Billy Boye flowage, pending legal review of easement rights.

Lastly, a carbon credit update was provided, indicating that the county is nearing the completion of a project that could generate revenue through carbon credits. The project is currently at step nine of a twelve-step process, with expectations for credits to be issued by the third quarter of the year.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the county's commitment to maintaining its natural resources while addressing the challenges posed by environmental changes and recreational use.

Converted from Land, Water and Forest Resources 2025 04 09 meeting on April 13, 2025
Link to Full Meeting

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