Land, Water & Forest Resources Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the September 9, 2026 Meeting of the Sawyer County Land, Water & Forest Resources Committee of the Sawyer County Board of Supervisors Board Room, Sawyer County Voting Committee Members (X) Present: Others Present: Steve Kariainen Mike Markgren Brian DeVries Randy Neumann Liz Klein Tim Davison Kay Wilson Jay Kozlowski Adam LaSalle Marshal Savitski Greg Peterson James Doss Steve Longtine Rachel Thompson Brody Fischer Allison Jonjak Call to Order – Chair Kariainen called the meeting to order at 8:30 am. Certification of Compliance with the open meeting law was met. Roll Call was taken; a quorum was met; the agenda was set. Public Comments – Linda Zillmer Minutes from the previous meeting dated: August 12, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Longtine Second by: Mr. Neumann Motion carried without negative vote. Events— No applications received Register of Deeds Update-- A written report for August was provided; Ms. Thompson reviewed revenues and activity from recorded documents, transfers, Laredo, Tapestry and Vital Records Land Records and County Surveyor Department Report – Land Records— Mr. DeVries gave a written update on department activity and stated the need for a third Land Records employee. Surveyor—A written surveyor report was provided. Forestry – County Forestry Report— Mr. Peterson reported that 17 sales were active in August There is approximately $4.5M in sold-uncut timber on file at the time of the report. DNR Report—Mr. Fischer reported on August DNR activity, which focused on timber sale preparation and timber breaks for prescribed burns in 2027. Annual partnership meeting with SC Forestry on September 14th. Drought conditions have increased fire risk; Mr. Fischer emphasized the importance of obtaining burn permits and checking fire restrictions before burning. USFS Report—Mr. LaSalle gave a USFS report on timber sale activity in the Great Divide District, an Aspen-Fir regeneration project in the Medford District, and two recent human-caused fires. Recreational Trails Report—Mr. Davison reported on addition funding received for maintenance on the new routes on LCO; of 47 miles, only 17 miles are funded. The Alliance would like to see more uniform ATV/UTV routes in the county Ordinance. Zoning/Conservation Department – Mr. Kozlowski reviewed a written Conservation report and reported that there will be a full-day LWFRC fall tour on September 16. Mr. Doss from USDA APHIS presented the annual Wildlife Damage documents to the committee for discussion and action. Motion to approve the 2027 Budget/Financial Plan as presented by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Mr. Longtine Motion carried without negative vote. Motion to set the deadline for 2026 claims as December 20, 2026 by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. Motion to set the crop price for corn at $3.92/BU and soybeans at $10.96/BU by: Mr. Longtine Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. Motion to approve the 2027 Deer Donation Program Agreement by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Mr. Savitski Motion carried without negative vote. Board Appointed Committee Updates – None Correspondence, Reports from Conferences and Meetings – None Future Agenda Items – GIS Land Records re: changes to acreages Adjournment – 9:03 am Next Meeting: October 7, 2026 Time: 8:30am Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk