Forester Office

For anyone in Wisconsin with a connection to our state's incredible forestlands, understanding how to properly manage and care for these invaluable resources is key. In Richland Center, the Forester Office serves as a pivotal hub for information, guidance, and direct assistance, particularly for private woodland owners. This office is staffed by dedicated professionals from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) whose primary mission is to foster sustainable forestry practices across the region.

Unlike a traditional "campground," the Forester Office in Richland Center isn't a place for leisure camping. Instead, it's a vital resource for those who own, manage, or simply appreciate Wisconsin's diverse woodlands. Think of it as a comprehensive support system for ensuring the health, productivity, and longevity of our forests, whether they are small family plots or larger timberlands. Their work is fundamental to preserving the natural beauty and ecological balance that makes Wisconsin such a special place to live and explore.

The experts at the Forester Office are committed to helping landowners navigate the complexities of forest management, offering tailored advice that considers individual objectives—be it timber production, wildlife habitat enhancement, recreational opportunities, or simply enjoying the serenity of a well-managed forest. They are passionate about promoting the long-term health of our forest ecosystems, providing practical solutions and connecting landowners with the necessary tools and programs to achieve their goals. This commitment ensures that Wisconsin’s forests continue to thrive for generations to come, providing ecological, economic, and social benefits for all residents.

The Forester Office for Richland County is conveniently located at 26136 Executive Ln # C, Richland Center, WI 53581, USA. This accessible location in Richland Center positions it centrally within the county, making it a practical resource for woodland owners and interested parties throughout the surrounding communities. Richland Center itself is a vibrant community in the heart of Wisconsin's picturesque Driftless Area, a region renowned for its unique geological formations, unglaciated landscape, and rich biodiversity.

Being situated within Richland Center means the Forester Office is easily reachable by local residents and those from neighboring towns and rural areas. While public transportation options might be limited in rural Wisconsin, the office's location on Executive Lane ensures straightforward access for those traveling by car. This ease of access is crucial for landowners who often need to visit the office for consultations, to pick up permits, or to discuss management plans for their properties. The surrounding area offers a scenic backdrop, embodying the very natural resources that the Forester Office works diligently to protect and enhance. Its presence underscores the local commitment to sustainable land stewardship and conservation in this beautiful part of the state.

• General Forest Management Information: Provides advice through office visits, phone calls, and property walk-throughs on a broad range of multi-resource topics, including timber production, forest health, wildlife management opportunities, protecting endangered or threatened resources, erosion control, and recreational opportunities.
• Forest Management Plan Preparation: Assists in preparing brief to detailed written forest management plans tailored to meet landowners' specific objectives.
• Forest Tax Law Administration: Administers important forest tax law programs like the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL), helping landowners understand and utilize these beneficial programs for reduced property taxes in exchange for sustainable management.
• Forest Protection Measures: Offers guidance and information on measures for protecting forests from threats such as fire, invasive insects (like the Emerald Ash Borer), and diseases.
• Tree and Shrub Planting Advice: Provides expert advice to landowners about tree and shrub planting projects, including proper species selection and planting techniques.
• Tree Seedling Coordination: Coordinates tree and shrub shipments from state nurseries and facilitates the use of county tree planting machines for efficient reforestation efforts.
• Immature Forest Improvement: Demonstrates methods to improve the growth and value of immature forests, ensuring future timber quality and ecosystem health.
• Timber Sale Advice and Assistance: Offers guidance on timber sale processes, including harvest methods, providing names of commercial timber buyers or consulting foresters, and advising on best management practices to prevent soil erosion during harvests. Note: DNR foresters establish sales only if private consulting or industrial foresters decline to provide the service and are restricted from actually selling timber or acting as the owner's agent.
• Cost-Sharing Programs: Provides technical and administrative assistance for various cost-sharing programs that can help offset the expense of implementing forest management practices.
• Educational Outreach: Educates the public through conferences, school programs, public speaking engagements, and news releases, promoting awareness and understanding of sustainable forestry.
• Cooperating Forester Program Promotion: Refers landowners to private or industrial foresters when they require services that the state does not directly provide, fostering a network of professional support.

• Expert Guidance: Staffed by highly knowledgeable and experienced DNR foresters who offer professional planning and technical advice.
• Property Walk-Throughs: Offers free property visits where a local forester will walk your woods, listen to your values, and answer your questions, providing a personalized assessment.
• Comprehensive Resource: A single point of contact for a wide array of forestry-related inquiries, from tree planting to timber harvesting.
• Support for Sustainable Practices: Dedicated to promoting sustainable forestry, which ensures the long-term health and productivity of Wisconsin's woodlands.
• Access to Financial Incentives: Assists landowners in understanding and enrolling in programs like the Managed Forest Law (MFL), which offers property tax benefits.
• Local Focus: Foresters assigned to Richland County, such as Juli Van Cleve and Kailey Evenson, are passionate about the unique landscape of the Driftless Area and committed to helping local landowners achieve their forestry goals.
• Community Engagement: Actively involved in educating the public and fostering relationships with woodland owners and partners.
• Emphasis on Landowner Objectives: Tailors advice and management plans to align with the specific goals and values of individual landowners.
• Connection to Broader Network: Facilitates connections to other professional service providers, ensuring landowners receive comprehensive support even for services not directly provided by the DNR.

Address: 26136 Executive Ln # C, Richland Center, WI 53581, USA

Phone: (608) 647-4566 (This is for the DNR office at this address, which includes foresters Juli Van Cleve and Todd Kenefick. Another forester, Kailey Evenson, is also listed at this address with a request for property visit option online.)

City Forester for Richland Center (Tess Barr-Hamblin) also available at (608) 604-5546, though this is a municipal position and separate from the DNR Forester Office.

For anyone in Wisconsin, particularly those residing in or near Richland County who own forested land, the Forester Office in Richland Center is an indispensable local asset. It's not a recreational spot, but a cornerstone for responsible land stewardship, offering a unique blend of expertise, resources, and personalized support that directly benefits the local community and the environment.

The primary reason this office is so suitable for locals is its direct and localized support. Having a dedicated team of DNR foresters right here in Richland Center means landowners don't have to travel far for expert advice. These foresters, like Juli Van Cleve and Kailey Evenson, have a deep understanding of the specific ecological conditions and challenges within the Driftless Area. Their passion for the unique landscape translates into highly relevant and effective guidance for local woodland owners. They understand the local timber markets, the prevalent insect and disease threats, and the specific programs available to Wisconsin residents, such as the Managed Forest Law, which can offer significant financial advantages.

Furthermore, the offer of free property walk-throughs is an invaluable service. This hands-on approach allows foresters to assess individual properties, discuss landowner objectives on-site, and provide practical recommendations tailored to specific needs. This level of personalized engagement is crucial for promoting sustainable practices and helping individuals realize the full potential of their woodland. Whether you're looking to enhance wildlife habitat, grow quality timber, or simply preserve the natural beauty of your property, the local forester can provide actionable steps.

Beyond individual landowner assistance, the Forester Office contributes significantly to the broader health of Wisconsin's forests, which in turn benefits all residents through improved air and water quality, increased biodiversity, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. By fostering responsible forest management, the office helps ensure that Wisconsin's cherished natural heritage remains vibrant for future generations. For anyone in Richland County looking to make the most of their woodland, the Forester Office stands as a trusted partner, ready to provide the knowledge and support needed to thrive.

Forester Office

26136 Executive Ln # C, Richland Center, WI 53581, USA