The possibility of the DNR’s Division of Forestry moving its headquarters from Madison to the Northwoods is coming into clearer view.
Earlier this year the legislature asked the DNR to put together a study about moving the agency to an area close to the state’s principal forest lands. Now, Rhinelander is one of three finalists for the relocation, but Chamber Director Bill Clow says citizens need to rally together and send letters of support in order to make the move happen.
“…obviously we have significant interest in seeing that move to Rhinelander. We also think it’s the best fit. With the number of forestry related businesses and industry we have right here in town, with the number of forest related sites and with the number of people employed in a number of forestry type of jobs we think it would be a really great fit.”
Clow says the letters of support are due by 4pm August 5.
“…they should write their own perspective as to why they think the office should move here. It could talk about the jobs it would bring, or it could be personal reasons. It doesn’t have to be long, doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as ‘I think this is a good idea, and here’s why it’s a good idea.”
Letters can be sent to Rebecca.diebel@wi.gov. The department will review the comments and submit a final plan for review by the Natural Resources Board later this year.
Wausau and Hayward are also finalists.
For more information call the Chamber office.
