One of the many significant recommendations that came at the conclusion of the 1953 Silver Anniversary Forestry Conference in Milwaukee stated that there should be an organization of woodland owners interested in pursuing common goals and objectives associated with their ownership of forestland.

 

Thus was planted a seed that was to lie dormant for two decades plus.

 

But for some forestland owners in attendance at the Silver Anniversary  Conference, the recommendation was a call to action—though at a low profile.  Discussions on how such an organization could be started were found on meeting agendas of such groups as the Wisconsin-Michigan Society of American Foresters, the Forestry Advisory Committee to the Natural Resources Board, both the Farm Bureau and Farmers Union, the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Wisconsin and the Wisconsin Conservation Department and its successor, the Department of Natural Resources.

 

The right set of circumstances to start a woodland owners organization just never seemed to take place.  Technical forestry assistance provided to private woodland owners during the 1960s and early 1970s consisted mostly of protection from fire and grazing, reforestation and very modest efforts at management.

 

Marketing and utilization, taxation, capital gains, land use regulations, legislation, pesticides and national and international forestry had not become buzz words in the forestry community or the concerns of the private woodland owner.  But gradually, things began to change and woodland owners with a serious commitment to the practice of forestry and good land stewardship became concerned, puzzled and confused with the many options available on how to use and manage their land and not be overwhelmed by restrictions, legislation or tax policies that would destroy the incentives of forest management.

 

The 1968 statewide forest survey conducted jointly by the US FOREST Service and the DNR Bureau of Forestry indicated a fragmentation of forestland was taking place.  Tracts of forestland were being sold in smaller blocks and the 76,000 owners of forestland identified in the 1959 survey had become more than twice that number.

 

The many new owners of forestland were varied in background, occupation and most were absentee owners, living in an urban environment and owning land in a rural environment.  No longer were farmers and the forest industry the major owners of Wisconsin’s forestland.

 

These new landowners were anxious to learn how to manage and use their lands for the many purposes possible – timber, wildlife, recreation, aesthetics and as one landowner remarked, “just to help hold the world together”.

 

In 1976, the DNR Bureau of Forestry sensed that the time was right to try to get some sort of an organization started which would address the needs and concerns of the private forestland owners.  The Bureau applied to the US Forest Service for series of grants – one of which was for funding to assist in the formation and operation of a Wisconsin Forestry Association.  The grant stated that this association would consist of private forestland owners who had common goals and objectives and would provide a unified voice in matters that influenced forest ownership in such areas as legislation, taxation, and overall resource management.

 

The grant, totaling $45,000, was approved by the US Forest Service, The Department of Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry was the prime grantee.  The grant was for an initial 18 months.

 

The Bureau of Forestry then entered into a memorandum of understanding with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to “conduct a program for the purpose of forming a statewide forest landowners association to improve the management and development of privately owned forestland thus insuring a greater production of all forest benefits for present and future owners and other citizens.

 

The UW Department of Forestry and the DNR Bureau of Forestry began a period of joint planning and coordination as required in the memorandum to develop the structure of the organization and the interim board to direct the association.  In its capacity as subcontractor, the UW Department of Forestry became the official hiring agency for professional personnel to work for the association.  Accordingly, a job description was prepared and announced, applications received, interviews conducted and Floyd Hovarter was selected to coordinate and conduct the daily affairs of the new association as the acting executive director.  A letter of understanding between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Hovarter was signed on June 1, 1979.

 

Thus, some twenty-six years after the Milwaukee Forestry Conference with the recommendation that a forestry association be formed, the state was set for such an organization to begin in Wisconsin.

 

If a slow, cautious approach to such an effort assures success, the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association should have a long and successful life.

 

 

A Wisconsin forestry “first” occurred on Thursday, June 7, 1979 in Madison when ten of thirteen invited woodland owners and agency representatives met at the University of Wisconsin Department of Forestry to organize a nonprofit forestry association.  Those in attendance included:  Frederick Braun, Antigo; Gordon Cunningham, Madison;  Albert Deppeler, Monroe;  Frank Fixmer, Mosinee;  Hiram Hallock, New Glarus;  Gustav Hirsch, Brookfield;  Reinhart Krause, Algoma;  Edward Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk;  A. H.  Wakeman, Lake Mills, and Richard Wallace, Kaukauna.   Those unable to attend due to illness or business commitments were:  David Ladd, Dodgeville; Ernest Brickner, Whitehall and Thomas Rausch, Madison.

 

The group agreed to a tentative constitution, by-laws, an association name and other organizational matters.  Floyd Hovarter, Ashland, was appointed Acting Executive Director.

 

The second meeting of the 13-member interim board was held July 23, 1979 at the UW Department of Forestry.  The board set the dues at $10 with full voting privileges, $10 for associate (non-voting) membership and $50 for contributing membership with voting privileges for Wisconsin woodland owners and as non-voting for no-woodland owners.

 

The interim board selected its first officers of the new association.  Elected were:  Ernest Brickner, President, A.H. Wakeman, Vice-President, Robert Rusch, Secretary and Frederick Braun, Treasurer.

 

The board’s third meeting was held in Stevens Point on October 11, 1979.  Noteworthy actions taken included approval of the constitution and by-laws by the Board, selecting August 22 and 23, 1980 as the date of WWOA’s First annual meeting at a site to be determined later, establishing committees to deal with finance, membership, forest practices, taxation, legislation, education, publications and annual meetings.  Also discussed was the format of a newsletter and an association logo.

 

On August 30, 1979, the WWOA Articles of Incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State. WWOA’s initial effort regarding state forestry legislation was an appearance at a state Assembly hearing on October 19, 1979 in opposition to a bill to consider repeal of the Forest Crop Law.  The bill failed to pass.

 

WWOA Directors Hallock and Wakeman appeared with UW Extension Forester Cunningham on the state educational telephone network on November 15, 1979 to discuss WWOA, its goals and objectives and to seek members.

 

WWOA’s first newsletter was published in November of 1979 – an informative four pager with no advertising.  The Board soon after approved the WWOA logo – a maple tree within the outline of the state.

 

Charter member William Heikkenen and his brother Carl of Brantwood in Price County were selected as 1979 Tree Farmers of the Year by the Wisconsin Tree Farm Committee in ceremonies in LaCrosse.

 

Further evidence that WWOA was moving forward was the granting of a certificate of exempt status from state sales taxes by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue on January 9, 1980.

 

The WWOA Education committee scheduled the first cooperative forest landowners meetings in February and March of 1980 in Janesville, Stevens Point and Chicago.  Woodland owners were invited to spend the day learning how to better manage their woods and to join their friends in WWOA.

 

A membership brochure and portable display telling the WWOA story were designed and prepared.  The initial membership mailing to forest owners statewide was sent out to 3,300 known woodland owners.

 

The highlight of the year was the first annual meeting held on August 22 and 23, 1980 at the YMCA in Port Edwards, with 158 members in attendance.  At the Friday business meeting, it was announced that WWOA membership was currently 804.  A banquet was held Friday night and a field trip in the Port Edwards area on Saturday concluded the program.

 

In keeping with the association by-laws, the first permanent 11-member Board of Directors was elected by the members and announced at the business meeting.  Elected for three-year terms were:  Frederick Braun, Ernest Brickner, Frank Fixmer and Hiram Hallock.  Elected for two-year terms were:  A. H. Wakeman, Robert Rusch, Edward Steigerwaldt and William Heikkenen.  Elected for one-year terms were:  David Ladd, Jack Densmore and Christy Hauge.

 

Because of a business commitment and a University prohibition against serving on such boards, David Ladd and Christy Hauge resigned their directorships and were replaced by Milo Tappon and Floyd Havarter by board action.  Christy Hauge was then appointed to serve as Extension liaison from County based faculty and to be cosigner of all checks issued by the WWOA treasurer.

 

The board requested University of Wisconsin Extension to appoint Gordon Cunningham and the DNR to appoint Thomas Rausch as liaison to the board and association from each agency.  These assignments were approved by each agency and the WWOA board was now ready to focus attention on moving WWOA forward.

 

Marquette County WWOA members Jack and Mickey Whirry, Montello, were named 1980 Wisconsin Tree Farmers of the Year.

 

WWOA has an exciting and successful first year.  Under the enthusiastic and able leadership of it 11-member Board of Directors and the generous contribution of time and talent of the members, WWOA was well on its way to achieving the goals and objectives indicated to the US Forest Service in the grant application that funded the start of WWOA.

 

The newly elected officers for 1980-81 were: A.H. Wakemen, Lake Mills, President;  Robert Rusch, Rib Lake, Secretary and Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer.

 

The Board established the following standing committees:  Membership, Taxation, Legislation, Forest Practices, Annual Meeting and Newsletter.

 

WWOA membership was reported at 725.

 

With the resignation of Acting Executive Director Hovarter on August 31, 1980, all staff work was handled by volunteers.  President Wakemen, commuting from his home in Lake Mills, was especially helpful in organizing records and supervising the day-to-day operations of the association.

 

A quarterly newsletter with the title:Woodland Management” was established.  Jack Densmore, chair of the Newsletter Committee, contracted with Martin Bowerman Associates to act as editor and publisher.  Advertising was sold to offset some of the cost and permitted the newsletter to increase from 10 to 14 pages.

 

Bill Seybold, Jefferson, was appointed acting Executive Director by President Wakeman to serve WWOA with expenses paid only to keep the association operational.

 

A special WWOA-sponsored field day was held in Dunn County on March 28, 1981 to help woodland owners deal with wind-damaged timber resulting from the July, 1980 storms in west central Wisconsin.

 

The 1981 WWOA annual meeting was held in Dodgeville with headquarters at Thym’s Restaurant.  The theme of the meeting was “Multiple Use and the Small Woodland Owner.”  One hundred fifty members attended.  A field trip included visits to the Walnut Hollow Woodcraft Outlet, North Central Hardwoods sawmill at Muscoda, the tree farm of WWOA member David Ladd and the Blackhawk Lake Recreation Area.

 

 

WWOA membership was reported at 863. 

 

WWOA’s newsletter continued to be published on a quarterly basis and board approval was given to increase the number of pages over the present 14.

 

WWOA cooperated with UW Extension and the DNR in sponsoring 15 forestry field days with attendance of 820 landowners according to UW Extension Forester Cunningham.

 

Betty Densmore was hired on a part-time basis to handle membership records, billings and mailings.

 

WWOA joined the Wisconsin State Tree Farm Committee and the Wisconsin Association of Conservation Districts in co-sponsoring the annual Tree Farmer of the Year Award.

 

WWOA charter members Jack and Mickey Whirry, Montello, were recognized as the winners of the North Central Region (12 states) Tree Farmer Award and will be considered for national recognition.

 

WWOA member Hiram Hallock, New Glarus, was appointed to represent WWOA on the Governor’s Forest Productivity Council, a task force to make recommendations to improve forest management and productivity in the state.

 

WWOA sponsored two scholarships for high school students at the DNR Natural Resources workshop at Poynette.

 

John Klus, WWOA member from Armstrong Creek, was selected Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year for 1982.

 

The 1982 annual meeting was held at Phil’s Lake Nokomis Resort, Tomahawk, September 25 and 25, 1982.  The theme of the meeting was “Management of Northern Woodlands”.  President Edward Steigerwaldt chaired the meeting attended by 160 WWOA members.  A field trip to the 800-acre Steigerwaldt Tree Farm highlighted the session on a cold and damp day.

 

Newly elected officers for 1982-83 were:  Jack Densmore, Madison, President;  William Heikkenen, Brantwood, Vice-President;  David Johnson, Coloma, Secretary and Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer.

 

 

WWOA membership climbed to 1, 035.

 

The WWOA Board added a committee to deal with scholarships.

 

Members Maury White and Jack Densmore co-chaired the Newsletter Committee.  Four issues of Woodland Management were published and distributed to the members with Martin Bowerman serving as editor and publisher.

 

A WWOA-sponsored timber sale contract was prepared by a special committee consisting of Jerry Lapidakis,  Maury White, Hiram Hallock and Bill Seybold.  Copies were furnished to all members.

 

Board members Hiram Hallock and Jack Densmore served on a statewide DNR – appointed committee to revise and consolidate the forest tax laws into a new law that was one of the recommendations of the Governor’s Forestry Conference in September of 1982.

 

Albert Deppeler, a charter WWOA member and member of the interim WWOA Board, from Monroe, was selected the Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year for 1983.

 

The 1983 WWOA annual meeting was held at the Red Carpet Inn, Pewaukee, September 23 and 24, 1983.  “Management of Southern Wisconsin Woodlands: was the theme and 200 enthusiastic members were in attendance.  A field trip to Thor Rybeck’s farm and the Nashotah County Park showcased the woodlands of this glaciated part of the state.

 

Newly elected officers for 1983-84 were: Milo Tappon, Menominee, President; William Seybold, Jefferson, Vice-President;  William Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk, Secretary and Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer.

 

WWOA membership reaches 1,200 level.

 

The WWOA board adds a Local Chapter Committee to its list of standing committees.

 

Three scholarships were provided for high school students at sessions at the MacKenzie Environmental Center at Poynette.  The awards were based on essays submitted by  students whose families were WWOA members.  Marcia Johnson. Coloma, headed up this activity for the board.

 

Under the leadership of the Newsletter Committee, Woodland Management changed to magazine format with the July, 1984 issue.  Serving on the committee were:  Jack Densmore, Gordon Cunningham, Marcia Johnson, Jeff Martin, Gene Roark and Robert Maeglin.

 

WWOA shared exhibit space with the Tree Farm Committee and Trees for Tomorrow at Farm Progress Days.

 

Bill Seybold and Tom Tausch appeared at legislative hearings on the Managed Forest Law on behalf of WWOA and responded to questions from the committee.

 

John and Rosemary Bazile, Tigerton, were selected as 1984 Wisconsin Tree Farmers of the Year.  The award was presented at the WWOA annual meeting banquet in Eau Claire.

 

The 1984 WWOA annual meeting was held at the Midway Motor Lodge, Eau Claire, on September 21 and 22, 1984.  The Theme was “Woodland Appraisal for Amateurs”.  Milo Tappon was program chair and was assisted by Bill Steigerwaldt, Bill Heikkenen, Chris Hauge and “Dutch” Wakeman.  The Saturday field trip involved a walking tour through the well-managed woods of Milo Tappon and Eugene Ruetz.  Members received practical hints in evaluating their woods as to volumes of timber growing, trail and road layout, log grading and maple syrup production.

 

Newly elected officers for 1984-85 were:  Maurice White, Madison, President;  Richard Hall, Oshkosh, Vice-President;  William Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk, Secretary and Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer.

 

 

WWOA membership remains at the 1,200 level.

 

The first state FFA Forestry Judging Contest was held on the UW-Madison campus in April.  The Merrill FFA team ranked first among the twenty teams participating, WWOA was a co-sponsor of the event.

 

WWOA shoulder patches became available in July.

 

The WWOA-endorsed Managed Forest Law replaced the Forest Crop and Woodland Tax Laws.

 

Milo Tappon represented WWOA at the 1984 Minnesota Landowner Conference taking with him membership applications and copies of Woodland Management.

 

WWOA Treasurer Fred Braun filed a statement on behalf of WWOA with the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee in opposition to federal tax proposals to eliminate capital gains on the sale or removal of timber and the expensing of management costs – both essential to private woodland owners.

 

Albert Deppeler, Monroe, Wisconsin’s 1983 Tree Farmer of the Year was runner-up for the 1985 national American Tree Farmer Award.

 

WWOA contributed $50 to the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame.

 

WWOA again participated in Farm Progress Days held in July.  President White announced that LaVern Dierschow, Friendship, had been selected to replace Bob Ellarson on the WWOA Board.  Ellarson resigned because of a commitment that would have him absent from the state for long periods of time.

 

WWOA again provided $500 for high school student scholarships at Trees for Tomorrow and the MacKenzie Environmental Center.

 

The annual meeting was held at the Holiday Inn, Oshkosh, September 21 and 11, 1985.  Attendance was recorded at over 300 members and guests.  The theme was “Opportunities and Problems In Your Woods”.  The meeting daters were changed to a Saturday and Sunday for the first time.  The Sunday field trip was highlighted by Soren Ericksson who demonstrated his world-renowned harvesting techniques and a visit to the Fred Grunwald woods which has been managed by the family for over 100 years.

 

At the business meeting, the members ratified board action creating a Life Member category with a $150 fee.  The first five life members were:  Chris Hauge, Clifford Kolberg, Marie Kolberg, Elvira Seno and A. H. Wakemen.

 

Newly elected officers for 1985-86 were:  Richard Hall, Oshkosh, President; Rachel Jordan, Dodgeville, Vice-President; Robert Maeglin, Madison, Secretary and LaVern Dierschow, Friendship, Treasurer.

 

 

WWOA membership dipped to 1,040.

 

Jack Densmore represented WWOA at the first meeting of the Governor’s Forest Productivity Council. Board member Maury White then appointed as permanent WWOA representative.

 

Jack and Betty Densmore prepared a list of “Activities of an Executive Director” from which a contract for an Executive Director could be written.  Rachel and Don Jordan prepared a contract which was reviewed and approved by the board.  The Jordans agreed to take the job for 1 to 1 ½ years.

 

The WWOA Board expressed their sincere thanks to Jack and Betty Densmore for their help and cooperation in handling the affairs of WWOA.

 

An Awards Committee was appointed to select WWOA members who have made exceptional contributions to the Association.

 

The IRS status of WWOA became “permanent” as a tax-exempt organization as long as WWOA doesn’t enter into any profit-making business, consulting or cooperative ventures.

 

Jim and Karen Joosten, Wisconsin Rapids, were selected as 1985 Wisconsin Tree Farmers of the Year.

 

With the July 1986 issue of Woodland Management the format was changed, a new cover and finer grade of paper made for a more quality appearance.

 

Board-approved copies of a “Policy for the Formation of Chapters within the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association” were available for distribution.  Two chapters are in the process of organizing; Barron county and the Southeast.

 

The 1986 WWOA annual meeting was held on the UW-Stevens Point campus, Stevens Point, on September 20 and 21, 1986.  Attendance was reported at 255 members.

 

At the business meeting, President White described the WWOA Action Plan prepared with the help of a consultant to clarify and identify specific goals, services, short and long- range objectives and priorities.

 

Members voted on raising WWOA dues from $10 to $25.  The increase passed without dissent.

 

WWOA By-laws were amended to provide for sending ballots to voting members (Article VI) and to reduce the needed signatures on WWOA checks from two to one (Article XIII).

 

The members also heard from Jack Bazile, the 1986 Regional Outstanding Tree

Farmer discuss “What our Woodlots Mean to Us”.

 

Fred Braun and Jack Densmore were the first recipients of WWOA Distinguished Service Awards.”They worked those extra hours, attended those extra meetings, wrote those extra articles, mailed newsletters, kept income ahead of outflow – all as volunteers to help WWOA through those early years.”

 

The Sunday rain scared no one away from the scheduled field trip.  The members watched the Nakeri timber harvester and the Farmi winch demonstrated.  Members could even purchase bluebird houses sold by UW-Stevens Point wildlife students.

 

Newly elected officers for 1986-87 were: Richard Hall, Oshkosh, reelected President; Rachel Jordan, Dodgeville, reelected Vice-President; Joe Tuss, Pardeeville, Secretary and LaVern Dierschow, Friendship, Treasurer.

 

 

WWOA membership was reported at 1,064 in early November 1986.

 

Michael Hildebrandt, Waunakee, was appointed by the board to serve a one-year term in place of Robert Maeglin who asked for a leave of absence.  Joe Tuss was appointed board secretary, replacing Robert Maeglin.

 

Bernard and Loretta Becker, Barron, were selected as Tree Farmer of the Year for 1986.  They were also President and Secretary, respectively, of the Barron County Woodland Owners Association (a WWOA chapter).

 

Volume 1, No. 1 of the WWOA ADVISORY BULLETIN was distributed in January of 1987.  It is to be published as needed to keep members current on late-breaking news concerning forestry interests.

 

LaVern Dierschow was appointed to the Wisconsin Forestry hall of Fame Committee to represent WWOA.

 

Life membership dues were raised from $150 to $250 as of July 1987.

 

WWOA finalized a contract with Grace White to edit and publish Woodland Management.

 

The 1987 WWOA annual meeting was held in Dodgeville on September 26 and 27, 1987.  The business meeting and exhibitors were at the high school gymnasium.  A near-record attendance of 300 was reported.  At the Saturday business session, Betty Hauge was introduced as the new WWOA Executive Director and members voted to change the by-laws to allow the treasurer to serve more than two terms.  At the evening banquet at the Don Q, A. H. “Dutch” Wakemen received WWOA’s Distinguished Service Award.

 

The 1987 Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year award was presented to WWOA member William “Sonny” Theiler, Jr. of Osseo.

 

The weather for the Sunday field trip was perfect after several years of less-than desirable field trip weather.

 Don and Rachel Jordan’s woods was the scene of the”Hows and Whys” of harvest tree selection,

harvesting with minimal damage to remaining timber and the effects of harvest on wildlife.  A popular

demonstration was trapping wild turkeys.  A net was spread over the feeding birds by firing small cannons

from a near-by blind.

 

Newly elected officers for 1987-88 were:  Rachel Jordan, Dodgeville, President; William Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk, Vice-President; Joe Tuss, Pardeeville, reelected Secretary and LaVern Dierschow, Friendship, Treasurer.

 

 

One of the first actions of the new WWOA board was to approve September 23 and 24, 1989 as the dates for the 1989 annual meeting.  The Holiday Inn, Fond du Lac is the meeting site.  Carol and Royal Carey will co-chair the meeting.

 

George Preisinger, Marshfield, assumed responsibility as Promotions Director, replacing Betty Hauge.

 

The WWOA board, in response to approval by the membership at the recent annual meeting in Dodgeville, established a $15 annual student membership.

 

Betty Hauge, Stevens Point, appointed as Executive Director of WWOA effective October 1, 1987 by board action on September 25, 1987.

 

WWOA’s office now officially located in Stevens Point with a new mailing address - Box 285.

 

As of October 1987, membership listed at 1, 031.

 

WWOA member and past director Bob Rusch, Rib Lake, represented WWOA members’ interests with the Attorney General over ceded territory forestry issues.

 

WWOA board authorizes a member survey to get information to assist in better serving existing, past and prospective forestland owners.  The survey would be included in a future issue of Woodland Management.

 

The board approved the wording of a proposed by-law change to improve the process used to fill a vacancy on the board.

 

The Biddick Foundation presented WWOA a grant for $1,250 to underwrite the cost of sending Woodland management to all state Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters for one year.

 

The board approved four scholarships for use by teachers or others to:  Central Wisconsin Environmental Center, MacKenzie Environmental Center, Nicolet College Foundation and Trees for Tomorrow.

 

WWOA enters into a contract with Jordan Timberland partnership to assume responsibility as Advertising Manager for WWOA publication, Woodland Management to December 1988.

 

WWOA nominated John Saemann, WWOA member and retired Marinette County forest administrator for 1988 Forestry Hall of Fame consideration.

 

Publications chair and Woodland Management editor Grace White prepared and printed the Woodland Management Index covering all subjects from all previous issues.  The index is available for $3.00.

 

WWOA Legislative Committee was active on bills to modify the Managed Forest Law, capital gains taxation, state nursery program audit, certification of foresters and loggers and changes in the DNR program of service to private woodland owners.

 

A sure sign of WWOA moving to prime time came with board approval to purchase of office copier machine for the Executive Director’s office.  Funds contributed by members over and above their dues used to help pay for the machine.

 

WWOA had a display for the first time at the Lake States Logging Congress in Green Bay during September 1988 staffed by the Executive Director.

 

WWOA Board approved the Southeastern Wisconsin chapter.  Leadership provided by WWOA member Jerry Daleiden.

 

Some 447 WWOA members responded to the member survey.  An analysis of responses should help the WWOA board plan future policies and programs.

 

The 1988 WWOA annual meeting was held at the Holiday Inn, Rhinelander on September 24 and 25, 1988.   “Managing and Harvesting in our Woodlands” was the theme with 303 members in attendance for the business meeting on Saturday and for the Sunday field trip to view some old and new methods of harvesting trees.

 

Three by-law changes were approved by the members:  one provided for billing membership dues annually on the month that the membership originated, a second that sets the term of office for an appointed board member to match the term of the resigned board member and the third one which designates the principal office of WWOA at Stevens Point.

 

Three position statements were also approved by the members; one to support legislation to restore the 60% long-term capital gains provision eliminated in the 1986 Tax Reform Act, a second to support the continuation of the state-run tree nursery program as presently functioning and a third to thank Governor Tommy Thompson for banning open burning, campfires and fireworks during the summer of 1988 drought.

 

WWOA member Dick Hall, Oshkosh received the 1988 Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year Award.

 

Hiram Hallock, New Glarus, received WWOA’s Distinguished Service Award for his long and faithful service to our organization.

 

Newly elected officers for 1988-89 were:  LaVern Dierschow, Friendship, President;  William Seybold, Jefferson, Vice-President;  Richard Hall, Oshkosh, Secretary and Clyde Samsel, Hancock, Treasurer.

 

 

WWOA membership totaled 1,081 as of November 1988.  Seventy-four new members joined.

 

The WWOA Board approved “Family” membership at $40 to allow two votes and one copy of Woodland Management.  This change to be ratified at the 1989 annual meeting.

 

The WWOA Board set the dates for the 1989 annual meeting for September 23 and 24, 1989 and the site will be the Holiday Inn, Fond du Lac.  The meeting will be planned as the tenth anniversary celebration with the theme “Multiple Benefits from Forest Land”.

 

Attendance at the 1988 annual meeting was 303.

 

Board approved continuing $125 scholarships to Central Wisconsin Environmental Center, MacKanzie Environmental Center and Trees for Tomorrow.  Also approved was a $225 donation to Project Learning Tree.

 

WWOA had its display at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in Oshkosh in December.

 

WWOA President Dierschow appointed a WWOA History Committee to prepare a ten-year history for the 1989 annual meeting.  Appointed were:  Jack Densmore and A. H. Wakeman.

 

Videotapes on various forestry practices have been purchased by WWOA and now can be rented for $7.00 per tape.  Each tape covers several subjects and is available from WWOA’s Stevens Point office.

 

Bob Crane, WWOA member from Ladysmith named new Hunt-Lease Coordinator.  Crane, a graduate forester from UW-Stevens Point now responsible for all hunt-lease activities.

 

WWOA Legislative Committee responded to an Assembly hearing on beaver problems in central and northeastern Wisconsin counties by supporting efforts to reduce populations of beaver and the damage they cause to timber stands by flooding.

 

WWOA Marketing Committee initiated effort with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to distribute forms for filing a complaint against loggers for breach of contract or unethical practices.

 

WWOA President communicated with UW-Madison Chancellor Donna Shalala urging the vacant position of forest pathologist be filled because of the importance of this work to the state forestry program.

 

Heather Boulding, Madison, replaced Grace White as editor and publisher of Woodland Management.  Grace White to stay as Chair of the Publications Committee.

 

WWOA Legislative Committee represented at the hearing on the Lower Wisconsin River bill to voice objections to several restrictive parts of the bill to woodland owners.

 

WWOA entered into a contract extension with Executive Director Hauge for $600 per month.

 

Responsibility as Advertising Manager assumed by Executive Director Betty Hauge in June 1989.

 

The Central Sands Chapter of WWOA held its organization meeting with 36 members enrolled.

 

WWOA co-sponsored publication of ”Forester-Logger-Landowner-Working Together in Your Woodlot”.  The publication deals with the responsibilities and activities of the three people involved in most forest management activities.

 

 

WWOA membership was 1,267 in 1989 with thirty-seven new members.

 

Betty Hauge continues to serve as WWOA Executive Director and as Advertising Manager for Woodland Management magazine.

 

WWOA publicly opposes legalization for public entry to Managed Forest Law land.

 

WWOA agrees to draft and sponsor a bill to require certification of professional foresters.

 

The Board of Directors accepts new chapter guidelines.

 

WWOA officially endorses Forest Practice Guidelines for Wisconsin prepared by DNR Bureau of Forestry and the Wisconsin Paper Council.  These are voluntary guidelines for forest management.

 

A ten-year history of WWOA is produced for the annual meeting.  All ten past presidents of WWOA are honored at the 10th Annual Meeting.

 

Marcia Frost Vahradian is elected President of WWOA at the 1989 Fond du Lac annual meeting with 250 in attendance.

 

Two new chapters were approved.  They are the Central Sands and West Central Chapters.

 

The Lower Wisconsin Scenic River Bill is passed which prohibits clear cutting along the river or within sight of the river with no harvesting allowed during foliage.

 

Tom Rausch, DNR Forester, retires and receives the WWOA Distinguished Service Award for his efforts to establish WWOA.  Richard Hall, Past President of WWOA, is named Tree Farmer of the year by the State Tree Farm Committee.

 

 

WWOA now has 1,479 members as of April 30, 1991 with a 15% gain over 1989. In 1979 the number was 971.  They came from 18 states, Canada and Norway.

 

The Hunt/Lease Program sponsored by WWOA is dropped since it served only a few WWOA members.

 

DNR establishes new rules for private forestry assistance that limit timber sales assistance to 20 acres of mature timber and 40 acres of pole timber.

 

Jeanne Dorch is named Editor/Publisher of Woodland Management.

 

The North Central Chapter is formed in February 7, 1990 and the Bad Ax Chapter on April 21st.

 

The annual meeting was held in Rice Lake, U.W. Barron Campus, September 22, 1990.

 

WWOA Chapters now number eight; Barron County, West Central, Chippewa Valley, Bad Ax, Penokee, North Central, Central Sands and South Eastern.

 

Revised Chapter guidelines go into effect August 1, 1990.

 

WWOA joins the Lakes States Resources Alliance to work for better National Forest use and planning.

 

A new Chapter Committee is formed.  A new table display is donated to WWOA by Golden Sands RC&D.

 

Woodland Management magazine increases to 36 pages with the spring 1991 issue by board action.

 

WWOA’s membership is 1,659 members as of September 1991,

 

Jack Edson receives the Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year Award at the September annual meeting.

 

Betty Hauge retires as WWOA Executive Director in October 1991 and is replaced by Robert Englehard retired UWSP forestry professor.

 

WWOA receives $12,230 from the Forest Stewardship Program to complete multi-resource management plans.

 

WWOA 1991 annual meeting was held at the Holiday Inn SE in Madison on September 20-22nd.  The meeting theme was “Managing Woodlands: Success and Setbacks”.  Norma Belliveau is elected President.

 

DNR changes MFL rules to allow certain types of recreational leases effective November 1, 1992.

 

ASCS agrees to cost-share on tree shelters.

 

A questionnaire completed by attendees at WWOA’s annual meeting found 37% had planted trees in the last ten years compared to 21% 11-20 years ago.  Thirty eight percent planted wildlife shrubs.  Forty-one percent did timber stand improvement.  Seventy-two percent felt WWOA needs to get more involved in private property rights issues.

 

Nine chapters now exist with the addition of the Wolf River Chapter.

 

WWOA 1992 annual meeting is held at the Holiday Inn, Eau Claire, August 21-23 with 250 in attendance.  Theme is Wisconsin’s Woodland Heritage.

 

Jack Edson is named the 1993 Regional Tree Farmer of the year.

 

Woodland Management magazine receives the outstanding Forestry Magazine Award from the National Woodland Owners Association.

 

Front and back of the Woodland Management magazine goes to color green with the 1992 summer issue.

 

WWOA joins the Wisconsin Agribusiness Council opposing a proposal to revamp the State Board of Agriculture.

 

The Winnebago Chapter is accepted on probationary status February 1, 1994.

 

The WWOA Board explores creation of a Foundation for the purpose of accepting gifts of money and property.

 

Act 131 is signed which allows landowners to convert forest cropland contracts to Managed Forest Law (MFL) contracts.

 

WWOA endorses the National Woodland Owners Association woodland responsibility code.

 

Federal courts reject a court case against the Nicolet and Chequamegan National Forest brought by the John Muir Chapter of the Sierra Club on theories of conservation biology.

 

The 1993 annual meeting is held in Rhinelander, September 25-26 at the Holiday Inn.  Theme for the conference is “Woodland Owners-Rights and Regulations”.  Clyde Samsel is elected WWOA President.

 

WWOA membership climbs to 1, 905 as of March 8, 1995.

 

President Samsel sets a goal to reach 3,000.  The 1994 annual meeting is held at the Downtowner Hotel, Green Bay, September 23-25.  The theme was “New Challenges/New Directions”.

 

On June 17, 1995 the Elvira Seno and Les Seno Woodland Management Center is dedicated.  WWOA’s newly established Foundation would manage the 131-acre property located in Kenosha and Walworth counties.  The WWOA Foundation is ratified by the WWOA Board June 6, 1995.

 

Nancy Bozek is introduced as the new WWOA Executive Secretary on June  6, 1995.

 

WWOA adopts a standard that a voting member of WWOA must own a minimum 10 acres of woodland.  Present members with less are grandfathered in.

 

WWOA has 2,042 members as of January 1996.

 

Joe and Norma Belliveau are named Wisconsin Outstanding Tree Farmers for 1995.

 

WWOA Chapters increase to 12 with addition of Newfo and Winnebagoland Chapters.

 

The 1995 annual meeting is held at the Holiday Inn, Stevens Point on September 22-24.  Silent auction proceeds from the 1995 annual meeting go to purchase a new computer.  Ann Hockerman is elected President.

 

WWOA moves in the fall of 1996 from the UWSP CNR building to its new office in the wood lab.

 

 Gene Roark, Bob Olson, Rachel Jordan, Royal Carey and Jack Edson, WWOA members attend Seventh America’s Forestry Council in Washington DC in February 1996.

 

A new WWOA Science Committee is formed.

 

WWOA’s membership stands at 2,092 in December 1996.

 

Membership dues are increased from $25 to $35 beginning in 1997-the first increase in ten years.  Life membership is raised from $250 to $350.

Guidelines are adopted for Board of Director absences.  After two absences, the Board of Directors would review a board member’s commitment to serving as a director.

 

WWOA’s legislative Committee votes to not support privatization of the DNR nurseries as proposed in AB375.

 

Jack Edson represents WWOA at the 7th American Forest Congress.

 

WWOA’s constitution is eliminated effective January 1, 1997.

 

WWOA Board notes increased interest to donating land to WWOA.

 

The 1996 annual meeting was held September 27-29 at the Ramada Inn, Madison.  Attendance was 200.

 

WWOA’s membership dips to 1490 June 4, 1998.

 

The 1997 annual meeting was held Holiday Inn, Stevens Point on September 19-21. Jack Edson is elected President.

 

Tim Eisele becomes the new editor of Woodland Management magazine with the fall issue in 1998.

 

WWOA codifies policy and procedures for the operation of Chapters and requirement for voting membership to own 10 or more acres.

 

Chapter Council Presidents hold their meeting August 1998 where Chapter goals are discussed.

 

WWOA supports the Forest Appreciation Week writing and poster contest for 4th and 5th graders.  More than 3,000 students participated.

 

Rachel Jordan, WWOA  Foundation President since 1998, steps down.  Mike Hildebrandt is elected to replace her.

 

The Foundation Board approves strategic and site plans for the Seno Woodland Management Center, July 1, 1998.

 

150,000 acres of woodland are flattened by a storm in several western counties June 17, 1998.

 

 

WWOA membership rises to 2031 as of December 4, 1998.

 

WWOA’s annual meeting is in Platteville at the Governor Dodge Motor Inn, September 25-27.

 

First President of WWOA, A. H. Wakeman, passes away October 15, 1998.

 

WWOA notes that four forest cooperatives are operating in Wisconsin.

 

Asian Long-Horned Beetle is identified as a threat to Wisconsin woodland and urban trees.

 

95% of WWOA readers surveyed read every issue of Woodland Management magazine.

 

At the June 1998 meeting the Board authorized silent auction and quilt raffle proceeds to be used to update the WWOA brochure and create a website.

 

Dale and Fay Lightfuss are named 1999 Wisconsin Tree Farmer of the Year.

 

WWOA’s membership is 2135 as of December 31, 1999.

 

WWOA’s 20th anniversary is celebrated September 10-12, 1999 in Oshkosh at the Oshkosh Park Plaza.  Virgil Kopitske is elected President.

WWOA, University Extension and DNR partner in producing a Wisconsin Woodland Leaders Institute and Master Woodland Management Program.

 

Mandatory BMPS for non-point sources of pollution are proposed by EPA.  WWOA joins others in opposition.

 

The WWOA Board supports efforts to hire five new DNR foresters and provide $150,000 for consulting foresters to write forest management plans.

 

The WWOA Board approves the Phoenix Falls Chapter in Northeast Wisconsin.

 

WWOA membership stands at 2,167 as of December 5, 2000.

 

The 2000 annual conference is held in Menomonie, U. W. Stout.  Sustainable forestry was the key address by Fred Souba, Consolidated Papers.

 

WWOA’s website www.wisconsinwoodlands.orgbecomes operational in 2000.

 

The WWOA Board becomes active in MFL proposed changes offered by Senator Shibilski that would reduce the percent of productive forestland needed to enter the program to 65%.

 

Gene Francisco is named by George Meyer, Secretary of DNR as Director of the Division of Forestry.

 

WWOA’s membership stands at 2,193 as of December 6, 2001.

 

The 2001 annual conference is held in Mosinee, October 5-7 at Stoney Creek Inn.  Forest certification is introduced to the attendees.  Marvin Meier is elected President.

 

On August 7, 2001 the WWOA Board officially opposes creation of a separate Department of Forestry. 

 

WWOA Foundation Board is increased to seven members.

 

DNR proceeds with recruitment to hire 23 new foresters approved in the state budget.

 

Land use assessment is studied by the Legislative Committee for its impact on forestland management.

 

WWOA contracts with Trails Media Group with assistance from DNR to publish a book on Wisconsin Forest history.

 

Managed Forest Law (MFL) applications double from 2000 to 4000.

 

WWOA receive a Wisconsin Environmental Education Board (WEEB) grant to design a new brochure and upgrade WWOA’s website and exhibits.

 

WWOA Board donates 50% of silent auction funds to the WWOA Foundation and 50% to other educational programs.

 

WWOA membership reaches 2,214 as of December 4, 2002. 

 

Woodland Management magazine is increased by four pages to 44 pages and goes color for the first time with the fall 2003 issue.

 

The WWOA Board launches a new membership drive “Each One – Reach One” aimed at encouraging each WWOA member to refer a new member to WWOA through the new WWOA brochure.

 

WWOA continues work with the Assembly Forestry Committee on legislative revision of the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program.

 

The WWOA Board weights in on retaining funding for the Forestland Enhancement Program funded by the Forest Service through the Division of Forestry. Over $500,000 is available for cost sharing on forestry practices.

 

MFL applications reach 4,100 in 2003.  The backlog of mandatory practices reaches 8,000 statewide.

 

The 2002 annual meeting hosts 200 members in Janesville.  Topics included smart growth and use-value assessment.

 

WWOA now has 13 chapters, they are the Bad Ax, Blackhawk, Central Sands, Chippewa Valley, Kettle Moraine, Newfo, North Central, Northwest, Penokee, Phoenix Falls, West Central, Winnebagoland and Wolf River Chapters.

 

DNR announces it let bids for forest certification on state forests and for assessments of certification methods for county forests and MFL land.

 

The Governor’s Forestry Council is enacted into law.  WWOA gets a designated seat on the council.  The Governor appointed Bill Horvath to represent WWOA.

 

WWOA adopts a strategic plan to lead it into the future.

 

WWOA membership reaches 2,330 on December 9, 2003 that includes over 200 new members.

 

WWOA organizes “Open Woods” event in each county on May 15, 2004.  Forty-eight counties participated.

 

WWOA plays major role in changes to the Managed Forest Law Program (MFL) that was enacted into law.  They include changes in tax rates and penalties.  Closed area goes from 80 to 160 acres. 

 

WWOA partners with the Wisconsin Wetland Association on a workshop about wooded wetlands in January of 2004 and with DNR on a Firewise Educational Workshop in April 2004.

 

U.W. Extension Woodland Leaders Institute and Master Woodland Steward programs are conducted.

.

The WWOA 2003 annual meeting is held September 18-21 at Telemark Lodge, Cable.  New State Forester, and DNR Forestry Division Director, Paul Delong, is the featured speaker.  Al Barden is elected President.

 

DNR releases draft State Forest Management plan.  WWOA board elects to send in individual comments.

 

WWOA participated in a review of NR115 Shoreline Zoning that allows allowable forestry activities adjacent to bodies of water.

 

2004 is proclaimed the Year of Forestry by the Governor celebrating 100 years of forestry in Wisconsin when the first State Forester was hired.

 

2004 marks the 25-year of WWOA.  The WWOA board plans a series of events.  WWOA partners with DNR to produce “100 Years of Wisconsin Forestry 1904-2004” that chronicles the history of forestry in Wisconsin.  It will be made available at the 2004 annual meeting.

 

The WWOA Board adopts a policy for accepting gifts, memorials and bequests.

 

The Black River Chapter is formed for members in Clark and Taylor Counties bringing the total to 14.

 

The WWOA Board agrees to update WWOA’s strategic plan.  Chapters and individual members will provide imput.

 

WWOA and it Chapters participated in and exhibited at the Winter Landowners Conference Series, Farm Technology Days, State Fair, Ducks Unlimited Great Outdoor Festival and Wisconsin Forest Productivity Council Workshops.

 

 

The 25th annual meeting is held at the Holiday Inn, Stevens Point, September 10-12.  Keynote speaker is Dr. Patrick Moore of Canada who presents his idea of stewardship of the land and the global importance of growing trees for a sustainable future.  Technical sessions are held on GPS and forest certification.

 Appendix A

 

Ernest Brickner, Whitehall, President

A.H. Wakeman, Lake Mills, Vice-President

Robert Rusch, Rib Lake, Secretary

Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer

Gordon Cunningham, Madison

Albert Deppeler, Monroe

Frank Fixmer, Mosinee

Hiram Hallock, New Glarus

Gustav Hirsch, Milwaukee

Reinhardt Krause, Algoma

David Ladd, Dodgeville

Thomas Rausch, Madison

Edward Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk

Richard Wallace, Kaukauna

Floyd Hovarter, Acting Executive Director

 

A.    H. Wakeman, Lake Mills, President

Edward Steigerwaldt, Tomahawk, Vice-President

Robert Rusch, Rib Lake, Secretary

Frederick Braun, Antigo, Treasurer

Ernest Brickner, Whitehall

Jack Densmore, Madison

Frank Fixmer, Mosinee

Hiram Hallock, New Glarus

William Heikkenen, Brantwood

Floyd Hovarter, Ashland

Milo Tappon, Menominee

Gordon Cunningham, Madison, Liaison UW-Extension

Thomas Rausch, Madison, Liaison DNR Bureau of Forestry

  

1979-80     -  Ernest Brickner                      1991-92  -  Norma Belliveau               1979-80 - Floyd Hovarter

1979-81     -  A.H. Wakeman                      1992-93  -  Norma Belliveau               1980-82 - Bill Seybold Sr.

1981-82  -  Edward Steigerwaldt             1993-94  -  Clyde Samsel                    1987-88 - Rachel Jordan

1982-83  -  Jack Densmore                       1994-95  -  Clyde Samsel                    1988-91 - Betty Hauge

1983-84  -  Milo Tappon                           1995-96  -  Ann Hockerman               1991-95 - Robert Englehard

1984-85  -  Maurice White                        1996-97  -  Ann Hockerman               1995-Present-Nancy Bozek

1985-86     -  Richard Hall                           1997-98  -  Jack Edson

1986-87     -  Richard Hall                           1998-99  -  Jack Edson

1987-88     -  Rachel Jordan                         1999-2000-Virgil Kopitske

1988-89     -  LaVern Dierschow                 2000-01  -  Virgil Kopitske

1989-90     -  Marcia Frost Vahradian         2001-02  -  Marvin Meier

1990-91  -  Marcia Frost Vahradian          2002-03  -  Marvin Meier

2003-04     -  Al Barden

1985-86     -  Fred Braun and Jack Densmore

1986-87     -  A. H. Wakeman

1987-88     -  Hiram Hallock

1988-89     -  Rachel Jordan and Tom Rausch

1989-90     -  Gordon Cunningham and Grace White

1990-91     -  Chris Hauge and Bill Seybold

1991-92     -  Dick Hall and Betty Hauge

1992-93     -  LaVern Dierschow and Maurice White

1993-94     -  Jack Bazile

1994-95     -  Betty Densmore and Marcia Frost Vahradian

1995-96     -  Clyde Samsel

1996-97     -  Norma Belliveau

1997-98     -  Jack Edson, A. Jeff Martin and Walter Naab

1998-99     -  Michael Hildebrandt and Jerry Lapidakis

1999-00  -  Helen and Ed Moberg

2000-01     -  Tim Eisele and Ann Hockerman

2001-02     -  Dale Lightfuss and Everett Queckboerner

2002-03     -  David Downs and Eugene Roark

 

                                         

1993  -  Milt Reinke  - Germany trip

1995  -  Robert Rusch – It’s the Law column

2003  -  Gene Francisco – work as Wisconsin Chief State Forester

              Richard Warosh – computer work on WWOA database and website

1980    -  Port Edwards, YMCA

1981    -  Dodgeville, Thym’s Restaurant

1982    -  Tomahawk, Phil’s Lake Nokomis Resort

1983    -  Pewaukee, Red Carpet Inn

1984    -  Eau Claire, Midway Motor Lodge

1985    -  Oshkosh, Holiday Inn

1986    -  Stevens Point, UW-Stevens Point

1987    -  Dodgeville, High School, DonQ Inn

1988    -  Rhinelander, Holiday Inn

1989    -  Fond du Lac, Holiday Inn

1990    -  Rice Lake, U.W. Barron Campus

1991    -  Madison, Holiday Inn. SE

1992    -  Eau Claire, Holiday Inn

1993    -  Rhinelander, Holiday Inn

1994    -  Downtowner, Green Bay

1995    -  Stevens Point, Holiday Inn

1996    -  Madison, Ramada Inn

1997    -  Stevens Point, Holiday Inn

1998    -  Platteville, Governor Dodge Motor Inn

1999    -  Oshkosh, Park Plaza

2000    -  Menomonie, U.W. Stout

2001    -  Mosinee, Stoney Creek Inn

2002    – Janesville, Holiday Inn

2003    -  Cable, Telemark Lodge

2004    -  Stevens Point, Holiday Inn