For the Antigo Times

MADISON – A list featuring 128 land parcels under department review in the third year of Department of Natural Resources land sale efforts is now available for review online.

Parcels currently under review are located in 37 counties and total approximately 5,300 acres – for more information visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords “land sales.”

In June 2014, the Natural Resources Board approved the sale of 22 parcels (totaling 1,407 acres), as a part of the first phase of DNR land sales. In February 2016, the board approved the sale of an additional 81 parcels (totaling 5,633 acres) as part of the second phase of land sales.

A review process conducted by DNR field staff will consider each parcel’s recreational utility, natural resources values and how the parcel fits within the department’s overall portfolio of real estate holdings. The department owns more the 1.5 million acres of land – sales and exchanges are part of the department’s routine management of its land holdings.

The importance of on-the-ground parcel review was identified during the land sale process to determine if any exceptional natural resource or recreational value is present. These field reviews will take place over the next two months, and final department recommendations will be presented to the Natural Resources Board September 28, 2016. DNR staff hopes to gain approval to sell approximately 3,000 remaining acres required under Act 20 and market parcels for sale in 2016 and 2017.

Wisconsin Act 20

Wisconsin Act 20 requires at least 10,000 department-owned acres located outside of project boundaries to be made available for sale by June 30, 2017, and net proceeds will be used to repay outstanding public debt related to the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.

The sale of department-owned lands under Act 20, passed into law in June 2013, will help resolve key boundary and access issues, realign land ownership with conservation partners and private citizens for more efficient management, and allow the department to work closely with partner and stakeholder organizations to meet common property and conservation goals.

The department’s land sale policy was shaped by public comments received at five informational meetings held throughout the state in October 2013 and by comments received through the public policy page on the department website. The Natural Resources Board approved the final policy in December 2013.

To view a list of lands currently being reviewed by field staff for possible sale, visit dnr.wi.gov, search keywords “land sales,” and click on the button labeled “parcels for review and sale.”