The view of a forest.

Welcome to

Wisconsin Council on Forestry

Welcome to the Wisconsin Council on Forestry. This site serves as a gateway to information about Wisconsin forestry and the work of the Council. Appointed by the Governor, the Wisconsin Council on Forestry is a diverse group of forestry community leaders who support Wisconsin's efforts to achieve sustainable forestry. The Council was created by State Statute 26.02 in July 2002 to advise the Governor, legislature, Department of Natural Resources and other state agencies on a host of forestry issues in the state. For more details, visit the about the Council page​ or subscribe to GovDelivery email updates.

A council member in a forest assessing a large tree.

Strategic Goals

The Council's top strategic goals to achieve its mission.

Recently cut logs stacked along a forest path.

Forest Industry

Ongoing efforts led by the Council to support, develop and diversify Wisconsin's forest products industry.
A council member speaking during an assembly at the Wisconsin Capitol.

Forestry Funding

Forestry program funding and budgetary needs supported by the Council.

The cover of a biennial report, consisting of three forest photos.

Biennial Reports

The Council's reports on various Wisconsin forestry topics and the Council's activities.​

Council News and Updates


WI Council of Forestry Welcomes Special Guests

May 2024

The Council of Forestry was very excited to welcome two special guests at our May 29, 2024 meeting at the State Forestry Headquarters in Rhinelander. Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski and USDA Regional Forester Mr. Tony Dixon were able to spend the day with us. 

Secretary Godlewski has a keen interest in WI forestry and engagement in the Council’s industry initiatives. She is currently the Chair of the Wisconsin Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) which manages 78,000 acres of School Trust Lands. BCPL engages in a range of forest land management activities that include sustainable forestry, and land transactions to enhance public access, timber revenue potential and public access. Secretary Godlewski expressed strong support for the work of the Council and a commitment to remain connected to our work.

Mr. Tony Dixon is the recently appointed Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service’s Eastern Region. As Regional Forester, he will oversee management of more than 12 million acres of the National Forest System lands in the Northeast and Midwest including 17 national forests and one national tallgrass prairie. The Eastern Region contains 20 states and tribal nations. Mr. Dixon expressed interest in maintaining strong ties with state and private landowners and the many other partners throughout the Northeast and Midwest.


May meeting photo.jpg

Left to Right: Heather Berklund (Chief State Forester), Sarah Godlewski (WI Sec. of State), Jennifer Youngblood (USDA Forest Service, Forest Supervisor - Chequamegon-Nicolet), Tony Dixon (USDA Forest Service Eastern Region), Matt Dallman (COF Vice-Chair), Tom Hittle (COF Chair), Jim Copeland (USDA Forest Service Deputy Regional Forester -Eastern Region)

Upcoming Meetings and Events


Upcoming meeting: Tuesday, Sept 17, 9:00 a.m.​ and Wednesday, Sept 18, 8:00 a.m.
Location: Rhinelander DNR Service Center, 107 Sutliff Ave, Rhinelander, WI

See Meeting Materials page​ for the agenda.

See Meeting Calendar page for all future meetings.