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National Forest Reports Increasing Timber Sales

Hilary Markin-Chequamegon-Nicolet NF

Officials say for the fifth year in a row the amount of timber sold from the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has increased.

With a month left in the federal fiscal year, the Forest has sold 118.4 million board feet of timber and anticipates selling an additional 4.7 million more by September 30 through a competitive bid process.

Forest spokesperson Hilary Markin says the increased production is noted...

"....it's the first time we've done it since 2001 that we've been above 100 million board feet. It's from the Good Neighbor Authority help and some efficiencies in our own program..."

Last year, the Forest sold 114.8 million board feet for a value of $9.77 million.

She says the Good Neighbor Authority which allows state and local agencies to help with national forest management has been helpful...

"...yes, because of contracting and the Good Neighbor Authority with the state, the state has been taking those timber sales and selling a good amount of timber. It's been a great help to us. We've also found some efficiencies in our own programs to bump up that timber sale level..."

Forest products producers and local politicians asked the Department of Agriculture to allow the Good Neighbor Authority in the Farm Bill to help facilitate more timber production.

In addition to the Forest’s timber program contributing to the local economy, Markin says the Forest also offers the full spectrum of outdoor activities. More information is available on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest website, Facebook page and on Twitter.

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