Wisconsin family to keep logging 1,800 acres as $1.6 million deal blocks development

The forest includes northern mixed hardwood, forested wetlands and meadows A Wisconsin family will continue to own and manage nearly 1,800 acres of forest in Langlade County after the state moved closer to securing a $1.6 million conservation easement on the property. The agreement would prevent the land from being developed while allowing timber production to continue. It would also open almost 1,500 acres to public activities including hiking, hunting and fishing.According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking the easement from Braun Woodlands II, LLC and the Frederic H.T. Braun Grandchildren Irrevocable Trust. The state’s Natural Resources Board approved the DNR’s request to purchase the easement on Wednesday. The deal would be funded through a combination of state and federal money, along with a planned contribution from the Ice Age Trail Alliance.The proposed protection comes as the forest faces pressure from nearby development. Ron Gropp, the DNR’s forest legacy programme coordinator, said the property could otherwise be broken up as development spreads around it. He said the Braun family decided that protecting the land was...