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Wisconsin's Private Forest Landowner Programs & Incentives
Carol Nielson, Private Forestry Specialist & Kathy Nelson, Forest Tax Section Chief, Wisconsin DNR, Madison, WI. Mike Finlay, Forester, Wisconsin DNR, Richland Center, WI

Family forests make up 60% of Wisconsin forest resources, providing tremendous benefits to the citizens of Wisconsin and the forest products industries. Continued management of these forests is critical to the future well being of Wisconsin's environment and economy. Wisconsin has a long history of programs to encourage the long term protection and management of these forests. This panel will discuss the key elements of Wisconsin's Private Forestry program including advice, assistance, cost sharing and property tax assistance.

Carol Nielsen has worked for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for 23 years in a variety of positions and locations, including the private lands forester in Sawyer and Iowa Counties, the Forest Tax Program Manager, and the Private Forestry Specialist (her current position) in Madison. Carol is married (to a forester) and has two children, a son (20 years old) and a daughter (18 years old). Carol and her husband own 240 acres in Southwest Wisconsin (Richland County) where they implement the practices they encourage others to do. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and photography.

Kathy Nelson is the Forest Tax Section Chief for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. She has worked as a forester with the department for over 24 years, serving in St Croix County as the private lands forester, in LaCrosse as the Area Forestry Leader, and currently as the Chief of the Forest Tax Section.

Mike Finlay is a Private Lands Forester for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. He works in Richland County, where he provides private landowners assistance in carrying out tree plantings, timber harvests, and timber stand improvement practices. He enjoys working with landowners who are enthusiastic about managing their land and like to take on new projects. Mike's wife Betsy is finishing graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, and when Mike is not with her you can find him fishing on the Wisconsin River.

To view the powerpoint for this session, click here.