[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6147793,"mediaKeyId","5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2","parentId",5519739,"title","County evaluates boat-landing dredging; attorney opinion blocks charging launch fees at site","audioSeconds",220,"startMs",2274000,"endMs",2494000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2&start=2274&end=2494","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2/thumbnail_2274000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6147793/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/County-evaluates-boat-landing-dredging-attorney-opinion-blocks-charging-launch-fees-at-site","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147793-5311c862fb1a0ef624c8c34ab5082d59/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440668&Signature=iK2br~SU8nDuEfwzAUb6O9tnqnNqm2lgr~9acQSRsGC9e6UqnyM56nlM9x01ke4In319YQuCOcRDl-zVW7PNYG2eReHSG-iaMN5pQDicSL9y9yHgpKEKdLk545DWd0uEcTfgTACZ5u0l1qqkQ2NM9x1UIsAjlZvSfc86SbBQqniq~5iuON8ehMZvnAp-VE3iLumcTLn162Sm~6Yasz6kUgcbeuvo-ACFzwN8gUyy-JJnmx0W9udgKfVkqWZIm2mvjMF532KI1saoIwLtl6crvEyn7Gw7SttWrH2MxS6CB1fa6lSRy7krvU1tiWWVOHb2aT2MA4GjBwpm~cgKISlZ~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Ashland County, WI","date","2025-08-01T00:35:50.613Z","article","County staff updated the committee on plans to dredge a small boat landing area and on the legal and logistical questions around dewatering material and collecting fees. Staff said they had queried a harbormaster and Coral Beach to learn how to move dredged material from a barge to a parking lot for dewatering and that the sampling committee may require lake-bottom testing if contamination is a concern.

On user fees, staff said the county cannot charge a launch fee at the landing because, when the county acquired property for the landing about 20–25 years ago, a condition of transfer preserved free use for residents of the town of Sanborn. \"The county agreed they would never charge a resident of the town of Sanborn to use that landing. And the state attorney general has decided and opined that if you don't charge 1 user group, you can't charge any user,\" the presenter said. That condition would prevent the county from imposing a launch fee on other users without risk of losing access or creating legal exposure.

Staff said they are pursuing a secure donation box and have been discussing dewatering logistics, including possible sample analysis for contaminants if required. The presenter noted heavy use at the landing and said the county is working with town and DNR contacts on dredging logistics; no dredging contract was approved at the meeting.

Why it matters: Dredging and maintenance affect boating safety and access, while fee restrictions limit revenue options for maintenance. The committee will need to consider legal constraints and logistically feasible dewatering locations before proceeding with dredging work.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Forestry & Recreation 6/4/25 #2","oneSentenceSummary","Staff briefed the committee on dredging and dewatering questions for a county boat landing and said an earlier property transfer agreement prevents charging a launch fee for users of that landing; a donation box is planned.","taxTitle","Ashland County, Wisconsin","taxId",72843,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147798,"Committee accepts high bids for multiple timber sales; one parcel drew no bids",159,1594000,1753000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2&start=1594&end=1753","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2/thumbnail_1594000.jpg","/articles/6147798/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Committee-accepts-high-bids-for-multiple-timber-sales-one-parcel-drew-no-bids","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147798-399256021e39b0b587fad927af749692/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440668&Signature=nNmjsDhevvLZwnW5GkGvulnn65dp-FfG~i2vz0yoHM0AgiV2C9bBX8oGevwynfLDZ4QGePeQpgeBJGPZ3VwBQO~IOkD4Wx4-how~ssxPOF0rmqbUBuhPhsjNani5VMDjYC6GLnE9uE0gHNKTdySGoXIkRTe9LUhIdqRKmZ12msQlHSLodhC5wr9jbvy2GwlmIc4sH2-tVSM19XPO~fzb~vVbyEFZx~lCNeN8ivfs49ST6J8iDvfrZ4qeq3lrAgED2V9jUOHcR8YTSluj87nqN03VSvIOjM4eDaGMWSxoWKfGXJcIDrKGImJIUA0KAiXHa1eoCCjKHkEbXD-cp8elAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Committee staff reported the results of recent timber-sale openings and asked the committee to award four contracts while rebidding a 75-acre parcel that drew no bids. The presenter said some sales attracted more bidders than in recent years and noted mixed-quality bids in a busy buyer market.

One parcel (sale 4-25, a 75-acre block) had no bids; staff reported plans to rebid the parcel in the fall. \"The 75 acres... it's kinda it's in a distant corner of the county forest... the big thing that, dissuaded, I think, the sale is the volume of balsam pulp on it,\" the forestry presenter said, noting balsam pulp currently has low market value. Staff said parcels are typically offered at least twice before being sold over the counter.

Committee members also approved an extension of contract term length to four years for current timber contracts (up from two years) and accepted the high bids presented. A roll-call check recorded at least two named yes votes during the vote (Gary Anderson and William Messinger); staff said a formal roll-call was completed.

Why it matters: Timber-sale revenue is a recurring county funding source and sale outcomes affect local loggers, mills, and contract planning. Staff said market conditions vary by species and location and that pulp markets (especially for balsam) are limiting for some sales.

Follow-up: The no-bid sale will be rebid in the fall; staff may combine unsold parcels with other sales next year if rebids do not attract bidders. No new policy changes were enacted beyond awarding the presented contracts and adjusting the contract length.","The committee opened timber-sale bids, accepted high bids for four county sales, and plans to re-bid a 75-acre parcel that received no bids; the committee also revised contract term length to four years for awarded sales.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147804,"Trail clubs warn bridge loss and outdated landowner leases threaten snowmobile network",299,572000,871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2&start=572&end=871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2/thumbnail_572000.jpg","/articles/6147804/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Trail-clubs-warn-bridge-loss-and-outdated-landowner-leases-threaten-snowmobile-network","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147804-16a7b97c8d158e308663b5a8c296cb89/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440668&Signature=ITgNmKcDvfuXv92wQX0ePjhaqUIIap3s0XIVB5IoMidLjd7OJ~otX98eUPp28MDvsEaHydFjfI~ip7DGGbXjkU9gOVebcK0-B9lccarig7gMSVNMMbhlCIKpVu9SfIKw6b6KnqSwEEGd2QGCH~p0j1~t4KVPlBnwttVyZf808wUK2Ec9fbGzrN5iqkX53EkJivlTyNhDxk2mWGqAHCzhG2g6v~f4eFT5NMVwbKnLlXDop10x9U1rQaw071IFKkm-bHON-g4ZTFLKsFQuB20Rp7EwaqvjmQn2V-H8q4yonLZ4wTH9gocb6jgy3D7qT-5XLnvM7DCda62~kEWLUyaqRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Club representatives told the committee that several bridges and stretches of snowmobile trail need repair or relocation and that many landowner-usage agreements are out of date. \"That bridge has to be removed,\" said John Westfall (club representative) when describing a bridge over Dragon Creek where a landowner refused to renew a 20-year voluntary lease.

The loss of that bridge would cut a significant part of the trail system, and club officers said rerouting the trail or relocating the bridge would be costly. Westfall told the committee the county could lose about 5 to 8 miles of trail routing in the area if the bridge cannot be reused, and that grooming costs related to lost miles would be \"anywhere from 15 to $2,000 every time we groom that we're gonna lose out on money.\" The clubs also described a broader problem: many landowner-usage agreements trace back decades and are not current. \"None of the landowner usage agreements are up to date. That's 1 of the biggest issues in this county,\" Westfall said.

Other site-specific needs and cost estimates provided by club representatives included a rough $9,000 estimate to rebuild approaches and culverts for steep approaches at Peaksville Road, an estimated $2,700 to fill sections near 351 and Gordon Lake Road, and unpriced estimates for other washed-out sections and cemetery-area work. Club leaders asked the county to help with culverts, fill, and equipment; volunteers alone said they cannot cover all costs.

Grants and cooperation: Committee members and county staff noted a county grant writer could support clubs seeking outside funding. One county staff member said she had researched grant opportunities and offered to help with writing and training for local clubs.

Outcome and next steps: The committee accepted the report and approved the alliance's informational request. Clubs will continue to pursue county and DNR assistance for bridge replacement, landowner agreements, and trail repairs. The alliance also said it opted out of Tri County corridor dirt work and grooming this season after concluding the work caused financial loss.","Trail reports described multiple bridge replacements, a revoked access lease that will remove a key bridge, numerous out-of-date landowner agreements, and several costly trail repairs; clubs sought county help and grant-writing assistance.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147808,"County forest liaison hired; forestry staff reports moderate fire season and staffing changes",164,288000,452000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2&start=288&end=452","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2/thumbnail_288000.jpg","/articles/6147808/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/County-forest-liaison-hired-forestry-staff-reports-moderate-fire-season-and-staffing-changes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147808-d56f66fb6a824875ca27d0b461ae984a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440668&Signature=VQzdGKYSxSbh4Jl-F2ep1vZwIYb1VAa6pAESaF9jf3xZd~Q79fgNHOTqAeWSBtqSnEnDUrrgg7sXELhKxYUzBjxRbcuB9sRCtWyUgDWrcH3oAvNqRelTxS05~CcqFo-Rqzg1BkI98D0g27fJx91m3gZtBVgTbjd5bFa2R3ARQ3t0HWVW7IzRajOs2~1Kh7KGN0nbw84X85vIbWK5f9YjqWViT7PvwsgkQ9~34obNViCpJtj46i2VL49~s5~DQNo7ZM9zc-4eVsaox62q~3J5Voq72-DHBQAhLv32SKf-YYxybVN2pncIRgQYMhChiaNx97W61DZAQgSFofFpUizTIQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The county forestry update included a status report on fire season and the announcement of a newly hired county forest liaison. \"My name is Roy Zubrod. I was born and raised in Hubert. I worked for the DNR previously... I was recently rehired,\" Roy Zubrod said when introduced to the committee.

Ryan Beasley, identified in the meeting as the team leader for Ashland and Iron counties, reported that county-hour commitments had risen to about 87–88% and that fire staffing had reduced operational capacity earlier in the season. \"We had about 90 hours left to commit to the Ashland County Forest before the end of the month,\" Beasley said, describing an active spring with a few red-flag days but limited acreage burned locally.

Why it matters: The liaison hire restores a dedicated staff contact for county-forest coordination and grants work. Committee members said having a full-time liaison will help develop an actionable work plan with county staff for the coming months.

Follow-ups and implementation: Forestry staff said they will meet with county staff to finalize a work plan and that smaller staffing rosters over the summer will affect capacity. No formal policy changes or contracts were approved during the update; the item was an informational report and received committee acceptance.","The Ashland County forestry update reported an 87–88% completion of county-hour commitments, an average northern Wisconsin fire season, and the rehiring of a county forest liaison, Roy Zubrod.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6147811,"Committee votes to add comprehensive-plan item to future agendas",344,0,344000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2&start=0&end=344","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5519739-ccbb28d32f4a25b58909aaa6b87d2ae2/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6147811/Ashland-County/Wisconsin/Committee-votes-to-add-comprehensive-plan-item-to-future-agendas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6147811-812054cac90c36dd118a05009d43b440/orig.mp4?Expires=1770440668&Signature=J1D2qDaLpzwP214aqY8-ZTpd4WsamnXZuwPkFEgNqn4pYbReJ~0v46C3bIm66iLWIHQKDQVxRj-rNr1HDYSclR3Ob3BvgSMkdFjZ~zoA7IMCCDE1JSygbdeDx1mlqnTu-q3GnlOR7ht5J8Tz6~~zrvPeF25wkpO2d3E8hXzxSBr0Mpd13CfIZ~ryCjpUBcjXi2uUeKHTWadqeHX6M53PJAGHvT1u7zq~i5lSgnxnhHgln-mDZ6xNdSaLEuoM4P~xe4u8uKlyQGifShwfLdPbYMODpmwe6s5eItbUQxy8rIkvGNO6NhDcZO~AQWmkZ8UJBug~0wp7vqS6le2fvY7jOQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee voted to add discussion of the county comprehensive plan to its remaining 2025 agendas after members were told the plan must be completed before 2026 and is routinely required for grant applications. \"It's required by law,\" said George (staff member) during the discussion. The motion to add the item and allow public comment on it carried without opposition.

Committee members said the intent is to make the process broad and to ask townships to place the topic on their agendas so municipalities can consider their own comprehensive plans and return comments to the county. \"We'll be asking them to do the same thing. Put it on your agendas, allow for public comment,\" said George (staff member). Committee members and staff described this as a way to collect public input in regular meeting minutes.

Why it matters: Several members said grant reviewers frequently request a jurisdiction's comprehensive plan when evaluating applications, and having a current plan can affect eligibility and competitiveness for funding. Members noted towns may not have copies or current versions of their plans, so coordinating content between the county and municipalities could streamline grant work.

Committee direction and next steps: The committee approved the request to place the item on future agendas for the rest of the year and asked staff to coordinate with town clerks and trustees to encourage discussion at municipal meetings. Members discussed a target of completing the county plan in 2026; one speaker said the plan must be submitted in 2026 but the specific deadline within that year was \"not specified.\" No ordinance, statute citation, or formal deadline was provided during the meeting.

Process note: Remarks about towns and grant use occurred during the committee discussion portion of the meeting; subsequent public-comment procedures were not used to create or change the committee's formal motion.","The Ashland County committee agreed to add discussion of the county comprehensive plan to remaining meeting agendas after members were told the plan is required for grant applications and must be completed before 2026.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County evaluates boat-landing dredging; attorney opinion blocks charging launch fees at site

Committee accepts high bids for multiple timber sales; one parcel drew no bids

Trail clubs warn bridge loss and outdated landowner leases threaten snowmobile network

County forest liaison hired; forestry staff reports moderate fire season and staffing changes

Committee votes to add comprehensive-plan item to future agendas