Forest Planning_Content Page_Public Comment

Stakeholder Input Opportunities for Forestry Documents

The DNR Division of Forestry prioritizes soliciting stakeholder input on division documents. As a division, we are committed to informing and involving our stakeholders in the development and review of materials that guide our programs.

Inviting stakeholders to provide input is not only good customer service. It also creates opportunities to identify potential concerns and unforeseen impacts, understand diverse perspectives and determine the level of stakeholder support for division documents.

To provide feedback on a document, email the staff member listed in the "Contact Person" column. Clicking on their name will take you to the staff directory, where you'll find their contact information.

Documents available for stakeholder input

Document TitleContact PersonDue Date for CommentsDescription of Document and Proposed ChangesComment Summary and Final Document
Timber Sale Handbook (2461)Doug Brown07/28/2026

DNR Forestry’s Timber Sale Handbook 2461 is undergoing biennial updating and is currently accepting comments on the most recent draft. The Handbook was last updated in June 2024. 

Changes are detailed below, by chapter, and highlighted within the text of the draft. Any chapter not listed had no changes in this update cycle.

  • Chapter 31: Minor update about ordering haul tickets.
  • Chapter 32
    • 2460-Narrative reorganized and completely redone.
    • Updated guidance on sale re-appraisals.
    • Added language about NHI re-run requirement after 1 year.
    • Better clarity of required documents to be uploaded in WisFIRS.
  • Chapter 33
    • Added language about role of Habitat managers in APIP/APIM.
    • Added NHI reminder similar to Ch 32.
  • Chapter 34
    • Added NHI reminder similar to Ch 32.
    • Updated closeout procedure for County Forests.
  • Chapter 52: Added new direct sale bid form for contractors to have a formal document to purchase a direct sale.
  • Chapter 62: More specific guidance on bid opening/time/date and recording bids.
  • Chapter 64: Deleted mailing times.
  • Chapter 65: Updated language for sawlogs in advance payment.
  • Chapter 80/83/84: WisFIRS help desk update.
 
Prescribed Burn Handbook Chapter 1: General PolicyEdwin Bruntvedt04/23/2026

Chapter 1: General Policy contains overarching program policy as well as policy that affects DNR’s outside fire management partners, businesses and the public.

The Prescribed Burn Handbook is periodically updated to reflect changing policy needs and to clarify existing language. The updates to Chapter 1 are detailed in the Summary of Proposed Changes document.

 
Fire Management HandbookEric Martin05/21/2025

Fire Management Handbook (HB4325.1)

The Fire Management Handbook has been updated to reflect changing policy needs and operational efficiencies, as detailed in the summary of changes document below: