Forestry & Recreation

The Ashland County Forestry and Recreation Department is located in Butternut, Wisconsin. The primary role of the department is the management of the 40,083 acre County Forest. In addition to the management of the County Forest the department also oversees the snowmobile program, ATV program as well as several boat landings and other County properties.

The County Forest is located in the south eastern portion of Ashland County in the Towns of Agenda, Peeksville, Jacobs and Morse. The forest is predominately comprised of northern hardwoods (45%), Aspen (18%) and white cedar (13%). The forest is managed to produce a continual supply of quality timber to the local economy as well as to provide recreational opportunities to a variety interests.

Average annual timber harvests occur on +/-1,400 acres and generate revenues that average $450,000.00 and have been as high as $1,000,000.00. 10% of this revenue is returned to the Towns which contain County Forest acreage.

Many forms of recreation such as, hunting, fishing and camping occur on the County Forest. A system of hunter walking trails is maintained specifically for non-motorized hunting and hiking.

Recreation maps for the County Forest and surrounding areas are available at numerous locations throughout Ashland County or by contacting the Forestry Department.

The department is overseen by the Forestry and Recreation Committee.

 

Helpful Links:

Wisconsin County Forest Association WCFA
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources DNR

Ashland County Forest Annual Work Plan

The Ashland County Forest work plan gives direction and meaning to the proposed County Forest Budget. The plan further defines and supplements the Comprehensive Fifteen Year Plan and emphasizes the current needs of the County Forest and Recreation System.

Forms & Permits

Firewood, Balsam Bough and Christmas Tree Permits can be obtained by contacting the forestry office at 715-769-3777, or by stopping by our office from 8:00 am till Noon, Monday-Friday. 

Recreational Use Ordinance

Please read and follow our outdoor recreation ordinances. These ordinances are strictly enforced by our Recreation Officer.

Hunter Walking Trails

Ashland County Forestry provides a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. One of the most used recreational aspects of the county forest are the 6 Hunter Walking Trails that are walking only access trails. These trails encompass about 20 miles of trail and 11 acres of wildlife openings.  These trails are maintained by annual mowing and are tilled and reseeded every 4-6 years. 

Timber Sales Bid Results

The Forestry Department has timber sales available for bid twice a year. Once in spring (May or June) and then again in December. If you want further information about up coming timber sale bid prospects, contact our office during our regular office hours.