Florence Forestry and Parks
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 Florence
County Forestry and Parks
Florence County Forestry & Parks maintains 36,296 acres of land.
Their agency is located in the
Florence Natural and Wild Rivers Interpretive Center.
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Patrick J. Smith, Forestry & Parks Administrator |
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(715) 528-3207 EXT 105 |
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Jeremy Koslowski , Assistant Administrator |
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(715) 528-3207 EXT 120 |
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Rudy Vassar,
Manager Parks & Ski Hill |
| (715) 528-3207 EXT 121 (Winter Keyes Peak
Ski Hill (715) 528-3228) |
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Craig Tomczak, Forestry Technician/Conservation Officer |
| (715) 528-3207 EXT 106 |
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Holly Meyers, Assistant Park & Ski Hill |
| (715) 528-3207 EXT 121 (Winter Keyes Peak
Ski Hill (715) 528-3228) |
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Lois Weber, Office Manager Forestry & Parks |
| (715) 528-3207 EXT 104 |
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| 4818 Forestry Dr-Corner of US2 and 101 |
| Florence, Wisconsin 54121 |
| Phone:715.528.3207 |
| Office Hours: Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 4:30 pm |
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| County Forests |
The logging industry has been a dominant factor in
the economy of Florence County since the days of early
settlement. The larger companies had cut over their
holdings by the early 1900's. Millions of feet of timber
had been harvested during the preceding half-century,
leaving vast areas of cut-over slashing. The lumbering
firms sold these cut-over areas to land companies,
individuals, and the remainder were left to go to tax
delinquent.
Following the "agricultural depression" of 1921, the
land companies found it more difficult to sell their
vast holdings and the burden of their land taxes became
greater each year. The land companies began letting
their less desirable lands go tax delinquent in order to
retain more advantageous holdings.
By the late 1920's the tax structure on Florence County
was in serious difficulty. Early in the 1930's , the
County Board realized that some form of action had to be
taken and the county acquired tax delinquent lands in
the ten-year period of 1930-1940 in staggering amounts.
The County Board approved the establishment of a County
Forest largely of county-owned lands in the eastern half
of the county. The Board approved the first entry of
26,841 acres in 1935. The early phases of development
consisted mainly of planting vast open areas using the
Civilian Conservation Corps. The first timber sale was
made in 1941; and with the exception of 1943, sales have
been made annually to date. Today the county forest has
more than 36,000 acres.
People seeking recreational pursuits such as hunting,
fishing, and camping utilize the forest. It is also used
as outdoor classroom for all age groups due to the
diverse species of plants and animals available for
observation. The county forest is managed to enhance
wildlife populations and for timber production. The
forest plays a major role in the economy of Florence
County by providing employment in the production and
manufacture of forest products.
Land Sale Information
Land Sale Maps
Timber Sale information
Member of WCFA
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Area Campgrounds |
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Ski Hill |
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Florence County's only Alpine Ski hill facility. |
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County Boat Landings |
A comprehensive listing of all of Florence County's
public boat landings.
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ATV
Trails |
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Florence County all terrain vehicle trails and usage
guidelines. |
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Snowmobile Trails |
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Florence County snowmobile trails and usage guidelines. |
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