This agreement supports cooperative forest and watershed restoration activities on the chequamegon-nicolet national forest

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Region 9 (Eastern Region) awarded a $1.33 million Cooperative Agreement under the Good Neighbor Authority (CFDA 10.691) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) on September 19, 2025, to implement forest and watershed restoration activities on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest through September 18, 2035. The 10-year agreement authorizes WDNR to conduct commercial timber harvest restoration projects during the initial five-year phase, encompassing treatment of approximately 3,690 acres and removal of an estimated 26.265 million board feet of timber volume. Subsequent phases will transition to non-timber restoration activities and completion of timber-related restoration efforts.

The Good Neighbor Authority program enables states to conduct forest restoration and recreation services on National Forest System lands through negotiated, sole-source cooperative agreements. Generated revenue from timber sales under this agreement will be reinvested into land management goals and regional forest and watershed health priorities. This agreement exemplifies the program's intent to increase the pace and scale of restoration work across jurisdictional boundaries while enhancing forest health and recreational opportunities.

The 10-year agreement enables the state of wisconsin to implement restoration services, with an initial focus on commercial timber harvest restoration projects during the first five years of the agreement. Subsequent phases will prioritize non-timber restoration and the completion of timber related restoration efforts. Planned timber activities will include treatment of approximately 3,690 acres and removal of an estimated 26.265 million board feet of timber volume.