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.
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)