Land, Water & Forest Resources Committee — Minutes

Minutes of the October 7, 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 Chase Propson Kay Wilson Jay Kozlowski Chris Gregory Marshal Savitski- Absent Greg Peterson Jayne Schroeder Steve Longtine Rachel Thompson Truit Campbell Allison Jonjak- Excused Craig Morris 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: September 9, 2026 Motion to approve made by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Mr. Longtine Motion carried without negative vote. Events— No applications received Register of Deeds Update-- A written report for September was provided; Ms. Thompson reviewed September revenues and activity from recorded documents, transfers, Laredo, Tapestry and Vital Records. Land Records and County Surveyor Department Report – Real Property Lister Report- Mr. DeVries reported that 57 plats were created in September. GIS Acreages Discussion—A taxpayer expressed concerns about an increased property revaluation that showed an increase in acreage due to updated GIS information provided to the assessor. Atty. Roeker spoke regarding the County’s statutory obligation to publish GIS information and modify acreages; under those statutes no affirmative notice is required to property owners. However, Ms. Roeker proposed writing an Ordinance to direct staff to notify owners of changes in acreage and suggested a threshold could be set if the County wishes to take that step. The County Administrator will continue to work with legal to make a recommendation to the Committee. Mr. DeVries gave a background on how existing acreages were calculated prior to computers and spoke regarding the WI Land Information Program directive to modernize and create accurate records using current technology and make that information public. He stated that GIS mapping data does not change recorded deeds or Certified Maps of Survey. Surveyor—A written surveyor report was provided. Forestry – County Forestry Report— Mr. Peterson reported that 16 sales were active in September. There is approximately $4.3M in sold-uncut timber on file at the time of the report. Timber sales were $179,646 in September, $1.8M year to date. No new cases of oak wilt have been detected. Two ATV Trail grants were received; they were harder to obtain this year. DNR Report—Mr. Morris reported on September site prep and fire break construction. The county is in extreme drought and care should be exercised when burning due to falling leaves. USFS Report—No report Recreational Trails Report—Ms. Schroeder reported a 23% increase in ATV/UTV traffic during fall color rides. Volunteers have been brushing and performing maintenance on trails. Zoning/Conservation Department – Mr. Kozlowski provided a written report with highlights from the LWFRC tour and progress on Strategic Plan goals. This year’s Poster and Speaking contest theme is From Source to Sea and the grand prize is a boat. Resolution #2026____ to Remove Restrictions on Bass Lake Parcels was requested by the Town of Bass Lake. Mr. Markgren reviewed the history of the restrictions and stated the Town Board had approved removing them. Motion to approve Resolution #2026-____to Remove Restrictions on Bass Lake Parcels by: Mr. Neumann Second by: Mr. Longtine Motion carried without negative vote. Board Appointed Committee Updates – None Correspondence, Reports from Conferences and Meetings – None Future Agenda Items – None Adjournment – 9:11 am Next Meeting: November 4, 2026 Time: 8:30am Location: Board Room Minutes recorded by Liz Klein, County Clerk