Wisconsin's County Forests: Beautiful and Enjoyable

In Price County near Ogema, thousands climb to the summit of Timm's Hill, Wisconsin's highest point, and let their eyes drink in miles of forested moraines.

At Gordon Dam in Douglas County, canoeists starting a float down the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway leave their cars at a parking area included in a popular campground.

Along the Pike River in Marinette County, fishermen stalk brown and brook trout in the deep pool below Twelve Foot Falls.

Each winter, thousands of cross-country skiers accept the challenge of the American Birkebeiner to sweat and puff their way through Sawyer County Forest in the nation's largest ski marathon.

These are but a few examples of how the County Forests play an increasingly important role in Wisconsin outdoor recreation.

The Wisconsin County Forests Association has recently undertaken a strategic planning process. The association has identified and prioritized strategic issues and ways to address them. A new mission statement for WCFA emerged as part of the planning process;

“The primary purpose of the Wisconsin County Forests Association is to provide a forum for direction and leadership to members of our organization. Our focus is to collaborate with partner groups to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of forest ecosystems.”