Division of Forestry Strategic Direction
Statewide Forest Strategy 2010
Statewide Forest Assessment 2010
Forest Sustainability Framework
Statewide Forest Plan 2004
A12. Issue: The forest is becoming more fragmented.
Comment #: 1
You state forest land is increasing need to plan to increase open space in urban area.
Comment #: 2
Much of the fragmentation occuring seems almost on purpose. Even within the large blocks of national and state forests, access roads and trails are much too numberous. Trails put in for logging purposes should be closed to later vehicular traffic in many casess. Fragmentation and it doesn't have to be.
Comment #: 3
This is the big issue. Many others can be traced to it. Fragmentation will even further the over abundance of deer.
Comment #: 4
Timber harvest fragmentation is the biggest factor in exposing songbirds to predators. Timberharvesting is NOT an except to the rule. You are damaging and destroying habitat with this practice and it needs to be addressed.
Comment #: 5
Good Louck! We relocated specifically to preserve forest - could not battle development pressures in our last location - (Door County).
Comment #: 6
Cannot stop this trend.
Comment #: 7
The only sure way to prevent fragmentatin is for larger public ownership for the prupose of forest management.
Comment #: 8
not sufficient knowledge to comment
Comment #: 9
Our present management plans encorage even more fragmentation by payin lipservice to preserved area in small segments only.
Comment #: 10
Fragmentation is a very serious issue in Wisconsin. It has adverse effects on our wildlife. Particularly sensitive species such as the timber wolf and forest loving birds.
Comment #: 11
People used to be told the dire consequences of over population.
Comment #: 12
I believe fragmentation is the same thing as diversity which is almost always good.
Comment #: 13
Seems like an expected result of "development"
Comment #: 14
Political aspects of road building beorder on the disgraceful. To please voting blues, many roads are built when improvements of existing routes would save much land. Billboards must be addressed to try to preserve some of our remaining natural history(?).
Comment #: 15
need to work with this issue, it will continue at a more rapid pace
Comment #: 16
Big reason! ("fragmentation") cause TAXES.
Comment #: 17
Centralising economic activity better may help.
Comment #: 18
There is no need for debate on this issue. City-dwellers need to understand that their suburban development eats up more agricultural land and destroys more forest land PERMANENTLY than any timber harvest ever could. However, road building in our state and national forests should not be prohibited. Surely it can be done in such a way as to only temporarily disrupt habitat.
Comment #: 19
And like many of the issues this too shows the need for educating all involved.
Comment #: 20
We need large undisturbed tracts kept intact whereever possible
Comment #: 21
Are we looking at forest consideration or regulation of development. . . Be careful here!
Comment #: 22
But remember this is a natural trsnformation of new science people impact and etc. We should learn to accomodoate and manage according to todays situation and later changes and impacts.
Comment #: 23
They call it progress, what can be done. More boomers head for the woods.
Comment #: 24
Temporary fragmentation due to timber harvest is good. Permanent fragmentation should be minimized.
Comment #: 25
Seems to be a serious problem in metro areas - need wildlife corridors and woodland without houses in it
Comment #: 26
What kind of roads? Ownership changes are cheating more fragmentation but the forest has come back from the severe frag of the early decades.
Comment #: 27
Fragmentation is critically ruining many species
Comment #: 28
I believe our biggest threat is the subdivision effects regarding fragmentation. Timber harvest regenerate. Subdivisions of land action forever. 160 ac are now 80 ac, 80 ac are 40's, 40's are 5-10 ac parcels. A driveway every 300'; a hunting or fishing cabin has now been replaced by 2,000 sq ft homes that do not fit.
Comment #: 29
1000 Friends of Wisconsin has a grant to publicize this issue and have formed abroad-based advisory groups to help (608) 259-1000
Comment #: 30
The fragmentation in the north is especially serious. There is too much development/road building/resulting in permanent loss of forestland and especially wildlife habitat destruction.
Comment #: 31
This will continue to be a fact of life. People are going to be too many.
Comment #: 32
Forests are here to be harvested - that also is natures way
Comment #: 33
County and township land use issues need to be finalized soon. No delays are allowed. Also need more public education. More land acquisition by the state, feds and county, local etc. Encourage more MFL and other programs.
Comment #: 34
The impact of urban development of forest land in general is a major trend that deserves special attention. Permanent fragmentation must be addressed.
Comment #: 35
Intelegent development should take place. We need to be careful with generalizations for example all road building is not going to permanently fragment an area, some are necessary. Do not infringe on private property rights.
Comment #: 36
I strongly agree that fragmenting damages a forest however I do not agree that harvesting (logging) has only a temporary impact - I understand each cutting further reduces the forests ability to renew itself.
Comment #: 37
Demand is high and will continue!
Comment #: 38
Many of the effects of temporary fragmentation remain unknown and understudied. More research is needed on this topic. A great deal of both types of frag already exist on our state forests. Eliminate (through restoration) some of these openings and do not make any new ones, with all of this fragmentation occurring, do we really need to create and maintain wildlife openings?
Comment #: 39
Yes, they're becoming fragmented and I think there should be more programs, rules, regulations and even using taxing as a means to preventing fragmentation. I know the DNR has programs but I don't like to be told when to cut my timber.
Comment #: 40
A longterm, forest land use plan is sorely needed to guide the human invasion into the northern tracts of forest.
Comment #: 41
More forest areas need to be developed and protected from human encroachments. We need more wildlife refuge.
Comment #: 42
I agree with forest management
Comment #: 43
Eliminating responsible road building in our forests is the wrong way to promote good forest mngmt.
Comment #: 44
In the national forest have less roads in Nicolet, Chegamegah - stop house development in these ares of large forest?
Comment #: 45
Need to have statewide land use laws that address large ares of WI
Comment #: 46
With continued increase in population and consumption this negative trend will continue to impact many areas. How are these tough issues gong to be addressed.
Comment #: 47
Need for more comprehensive land use planning and zoning
Comment #: 48
This is an extremely important issue.
Comment #: 49
Bound to happen and only needs planning on a limited basis on/and along with one of the other issues.
Comment #: 50
Why? It is a "no-brainer". I've never understood why clearcutting an aspen stand to regenerate the stand is perceived as "bad", while yet another strip mall is "good".
Comment #: 51
This applies to many issues and trends. A forest can only tolerate so much disturbance before we create irreperable damage or damage that will take a century to heal should man decide to evacuate the area.
Comment #: 52
Urban sprawl should be slowed and eventually stopped. Land use restrictions should be considered.
Comment #: 53
Why? (is this one much debated?)
Comment #: 54
This is an enlightening treatment of an issue which, again, I believe is largely misunderstood, and about which a vast amount of misinformation is disseminated.
Comment #: 55
We really can't change forest frag. To late, maintain current contiguous areas much as possible.
Comment #: 56
Too many forests are being sub-divided for development. We need to protect larger tracts. For example change zoning laws so 1-2 acre plots are illegal for development. Set a minimum size such as 40 acres so forests and wildlife could still exsist.
Comment #: 57
We must incourage temporary fragmentation practices when fragmentation is ncessary or unavoidable.
Comment #: 58
In town of Almon go see what timber harvest did to my neighbors to the west. This timber harvestor sure made a mess with all this modern equipment (they should be outlawed).
Comment #: 59
It must be stressed and shown that agriculture and urban development have a far more detrimental effect to our forests than good forestry practices.
Comment #: 60
Is the legislature willing to create "forest zoning"? If not, how do you think you can reverse this given the strong role of towns and local governments in regulating development?
Comment #: 61
Development, logging, and motorized recreation vehicles fragment our forests. Our public forests should be managed for preservation, recreation, and biodiversity. Loggins has only cost the taxpayer money by subsidizing loggers.
Comment #: 62
Residential and commercial development are "real" threats to traditional forest uses (i.e. logging, hunting, recreation). Fragmentation makes it much more difficult to manage private forest lands.
Comment #: 63
I don't know what to suggest.
Comment #: 64
Set aside and protect huge acres of unfragmented lands, and on them provide for temporary fragmentation that's natural or mimics nature.
Comment #: 65
Restraints should be put on developers.
Comment #: 66
Urban development is going on where agriculture is not allowed - houses are being put anywhere.
Comment #: 67
Rodds are fine in a forest; it gains access for logging. When you're done logging, gate the road off so it is only open for foot travel.
Comment #: 68
Harvest does generate some openings in the forest, but that encourages other species. The temporary openings do not cause a negative fragmentation of the forest - urban conversion causes fragmentation.
Comment #: 69
There will be development! Some of the less productive agricultural land is going back into forests.
Comment #: 70
Development should be limited to areas that are not ecologically crucial. It distresses me to see huge houses surrounded by an acre of manicured lawn cutting up agricultural land, and large chunks of forests cleared for housing.
Comment #: 71
Size affects the economics of harvest-encourage co-ops to better manage areas of fragmented forest.
Comment #: 72
Right now the biggest threat to our forest becoming more fragmented is the proposed power line project Wisconsin Public Service wants to put through Northern Wisconsin. Many large tracts would be fragmented. Human threat!
Comment #: 73
This is the #1 issue as far as long-term public impact is concerned - when fragmentation is accompanied by roads, building and disruption of sorts and topography.
Comment #: 74
Road building provides access for any critical situation - (? Attack - accidents are)
Comment #: 75
I don't think roads and trails significantly fragment forests.
Comment #: 76
Urban development tends to be the largest threat to our woodlands.
Comment #: 77
Big* I have been writing letters for the last 5 years about the fragmentation of the "Brule River" and "Flambeau" State Forests caused by YOUR logging practices and LEAVING LOGGING ROADS OPEN. I am totally disgusted with this. You are ruining the state forests.
Comment #: 78
But not as a result of harvesting! Second homes and development are the main causes.
Comment #: 79
The whole issue of fragmentation is overemphasized, especially as an emotional issue. The scientific facts do not support the above statements.
Comment #: 80
We are tearing at the fabric of our state.
Comment #: 81
Again, a private property issue.
Comment #: 82
mother nature will adjust just fine
Comment #: 83
This is SO important
Comment #: 84
Large tracts of private industrial forests are being sold off to the general public and private developers. This is reducing the amount of land available for public recreation. This will increase the demands on our truly public lands. Some of this private industrial land should be purchased by the state or other public entities.
Comment #: 85
Nature is strongly adaptable, it will continue to due so whatever our fragmentation let alone.
Comment #: 86
Sprawl is out of control and will soon cause activities like hunting, trapping and logging to be curtailed and eventually eliminated - todays "growth at any cost" mentality spells doom for the rural way of life!
Comment #: 87
We have to STOP permanent fragmentation such as road building and uban development (sprawl) before it is too late to do anything. Please help stop this permanent fragmentation.
Comment #: 88
I'm not in favor of the state getting into a more regulatory stance.
Comment #: 89
Again, we should have a state plan to lead, but not to demand private property needs to be honored and some sort of incentive to do the right things and follow a plan.
Comment #: 90
The issue of wildlife's effect on the forest is not present in this report. Re: deer, turkeys?
Comment #: 91
Temporary habitat fragmentation such as timber harvest should be encouraged.
Comment #: 92
I don't think the national forests should be fragmented. As the state's population increases, fragmentation is bound to happen.
Comment #: 93
When large tracts become split among several owners I think productive mangement suffers to a great extent. Ownership fragmentation is the biggest threat. Harvest will recover
Comment #: 94
We need to STOP the fragmentation. TEMPORARY roads/fire lane are desireable and needed for timber harvest - these roads should be CLOSED to all vehicular traffic after the timbers harvest is complete.
Comment #: 95
There is too much road building. We can't take care of the roads we have now. No more ATV or snowmobile trails. If you won't walk, then don't go.
Comment #: 96
Fragmenation does give more exposure to the outer edges of forests. This is where regeneration comes from. The seed trees that appear on the outer edges do provide regeneration.
Comment #: 97
Here is hwere "good" foresters come in.
Comment #: 98
We need to discourage fragmentation.
Comment #: 99
One of my biggest concerns is urban sprawl and the trend of people building new homes in our forests . This is very costly from a standpoint of providing services and aesthetics of our landscape.
Comment #: 100
Not much the state can do to stop this trend.
Comment #: 101
We now have more forest lands than what we had in the state in the thirties. Thanks to reforestation and better forest management.
Comment #: 102
"Habitat Fragmentation" This issue bothers me I have 240 acres in Sawyer County and I wish there was some program to join with adjacent owners to form larger blocks of habitat.
Comment #: 103
At issue here is the proposed power line - 345 KV from Duluth to Wausau WI will be a major cause of fragmentation
Comment #: 104
see A10!
Comment #: 105
I'm especially concerned about the Northwoods. In my part of SW WI the forest is actually becoming more "unified"!2
Comment #: 106
Permanent conversion of forests to non-forest uses is and will continue to be a worrisome problem. Subdivision of land into smaller parcels also makes them less apt to be managed which is a problem. The "fragmentation" by a clear-cut every 40 years is really a non-issue dispite all the ecological hype about it.
Comment #: 107
Careful here - owners of land hsoul be able to manage their land within common sense zoning laws. Hopefully best use clear-cuts and long term improvements will prevail. I would not want to be told what I can and cannot do with my forest lands.
Comment #: 108
Fragmentation is increasing with the high estate tax resulting in the spitting of once large ownerships into smaller ownerships. Rising property values are also having the same result with demand for vacant property steadily increasing.
Comment #: 109
A partial solution would be to maintain and restore forest cover in agricultural riparian zones throughout the state. This should be a manditory prerequisite to farm program subsidies. Agriculture is marginal in much of Wisc. But continues to be ecologically detrimental.
Comment #: 110
The state needs to take the lead requiring counties to look into the future in regards to development and zoning issues.
Comment #: 111
This seems pretty cut and dried, black and white to me!
Comment #: 112
This issue is confusing to me. We've know for sometime that marginal ag land is converting to forest and that timber types, white birch and aspen, that are managed by even age practices are decreasing while timber types, maple and basswood, that are managed using all age practices are increasing, how can the forests be fragmenting?
Comment #: 113
There is no reason that we have to be able to access everything by motorized vehicle. Once those large pieces are broken up (even if just by a road) it affects the species greatly who need those large contiguous blocks and they leave. We don't want species leaving.
Comment #: 114
Let's not forget to consider the biological impacts of fragmentation.
Comment #: 115
Are we just more aware of this now? Wasn't the fragmentation going on in the late 1800's and early 1900's much more than now?
Comment #: 116
A few more gates on forest roads would provide more balance to motorized uses, but otherwise the reach of the forest is increasing. Most area sensitive species are doing just fine.
Comment #: 117
THE ISSUE is ecosystem fragmentation NOT temporary forest habitat fragmentation........the plan needs to make this point and address the issue of ECOSYSTEM fragmentation.
Comment #: 118
Talk about a catch-22. If we leave a forest intact it is underutilized and susceptible to disease, fire,etc. Fragmenting through the use of timber sales promotes diversity, and creates barriers to the very forces that would destroy it, namely fire and disease.
Comment #: 119
A discussion of this issue is warranted, but I strongly disagree with the suggestion that some biologists have made, to lock humans out of large blocks of area. In addition, I don't agree that timber harvest is a type of fragmentation at all. A timber harvest does not remove forest from being forest, it simply sets the successional clock back to some degree.
Comment #: 120
An issue more important to central and southern WI.
Comment #: 121
Without a doubt fragmentation is a maojor issue. A key piece to remember is not only permanent vs. temporary, but does the temporary REPLACE the forest habitat that once was there. Changing a hardwood forest to a pine plantation is still permanent fragmentation because on the land and to the other species using those forests, one type does not replace what was lost. Not all forests should be treated equally. This complicates things, but better represents reality of fragmentation.
Comment #: 122
How does the measured increase in forest land relate to the subjective belief that forests are becomming more fragmented?
Comment #: 123
The temporary impact of forest management vs the permanent impact of other land uses should be thoroughly addressed especially as it relates to Smart Growth initiatives and planning.
Comment #: 124
I think we've already gone to far, and cannot go back as the population continues to grow and sprawl widens
Comment #: 125
Probably the most serious, latent threat to forest ecosystems. The debate must be resolved and clear direction planned. If impractical to include management in the plan, then at least a strategy needs to be outlined on how to resolve the debate and get on to the next stage-management against.
Comment #: 126
humanity has to fit in somewhere.
Comment #: 127
I agree that this is especially a problem in the south where land is becoming subdivided and developed at an alarming rate.
Comment #: 128
Excellent. This issue is closely related to ecological function
Comment #: 129
This is an issue, but with the trend of large land holding being sub- divided and fragmentated, are we in any position to deal with this without having zoning and land use regulations in place? Landowners rights are a big issue.
Comment #: 130
Fragmentation is a major threat to preserving species diversity. Biological corridors need to be established across land ownership to preserve a continuity of natural forest land.
Comment #: 131
If there is way to control land development we may be able to control long term fragmentation.
Comment #: 132
Big problem here.
Comment #: 133
Encroaching urbanization or civilization on our forests are a bummer to see. As a backpacker and canoeists, it is disappointing to find wilderness/forest areas decreasing. However, it is also distrubing to see the destruction and waste that is the result of logging. Recently, I was attempting to hike along the Ice Age Trail section in Lincoln county. Every year, more of it is ravaged by loggers. Small trees torn apart to get to larger trees and the small ones left behind to rot. Sections of trail bulldozed over and unrecognizable. Campsites over run with bulldozers and logging so it is impossible to camp there any longer. It seems like modern logging through its practices is ruining, devasting our forests rather than helping them. These places look like a war zone.
Comment #: 134
There are areas of the state where forest fragmentation should be encouraged as in the management of savannas. There are also areas where it should be discouraged. In these such areas local communities should be encouraged to enact zoning changes. In these areas advice to provide wildlife openings and food plots should be forbidden.
Comment #: 135
I suggest correction above: "...timber harvest contributes to TEMPORARY habitat fragmentation."
Comment #: 136
people need to live somewhere. Tell them to stop propagating
Comment #: 137
Large blocks of contiguous forest should be maintained where they exist and expanded in areas where they could possibly exist.
Comment #: 138
Set up long-term goals for contiguous forested areas based on biodiversity information. Need to respect private ownership of the land as well.
Comment #: 139
Size, shape, method, species,and more are important here. With better knowledge most forest products people will do a better job of management. There are always exceptions.
Comment #: 140
In order to enhance Wisconsin's forests we need to address the issue of fragmentation and ask ourselves what we can do in the future to prevent further fragmentation.
Comment #: 141
In order to enhance Wisconsin's forests we need to address the issue of fragmentation and ask ourselves what we can do in the future to prevent further fragmentation.
Comment #: 142
CUT THE CRAP THIS TERM IS ONE CREATED BY ENVIRONMENTAL EXTREMISTS TO HAVE THEIR WAY WITH THE FORESTS.ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN A MANNER WHERE HUMANS (THE DOMINANT SPECIES) COME FIRST.
Comment #: 143
But how are you going to control it? People have rights!
Comment #: 144
Urban sprawl...need we say more? Let's encourage our local communities to support locally owned small businesses that have a vested interest in the community that goes beyond profit. NO MORE SPRAWLMARTS!
Comment #: 145
The development along the Wisconsin River must be stopped.
Comment #: 146
There has to be ways to do things without creating permanent fragmentation.
Comment #: 147
The MFL has contributed greatly to the fragmentation of our forests due to the fact that a timber harvest is eventually required.
Comment #: 148
The MFL has contributed greatly to the fragmentation of our forests due to the fact that a timber harvest is eventually required.
Comment #: 149
While some areas are natually fragmented, others are not; there are many species that depend on unfragmented forest. If we keep using up what we have now, we will eventually have none left and where will that put us? Think about 7th generation!
Comment #: 150
This will have to be addressed, but needs to be limited. Again, this is a forest plan, not to be confused with the results of ag and development. Oak Ridge did a good piece of research on how long a forest remains fragmented after some types of operations. Fragmentation is also different for each organism under discussion.
Comment #: 151
Yes this is a real concer because fragmentaion changes both the economic and ecological assets of our forests.
Comment #: 152
Makes management more difficult. There's more people and concerns to deal with.
Comment #: 153
Kill the "edge".
Comment #: 154
If there were adequate reward for land owners to follow a common plan more would do so.
Comment #: 155
The biggest factor to put into check is human development. I would even question some of the timber harvesting activities. By what rights are we able to decide how much and of what we can harvest. Are all of these factors of biodiversity, fragmentation, and disturbance considered in forest management. Likely they are to some degree, but it isn't evident to the general person in the public.
Comment #: 156
Again - more science than management. We will be lucky to understand it before we have done it.
Comment #: 157
But pretty obvious as to how it relates
to good forest management as in: Forest
(not farm)! Let them farm Illinois, not
many trees left down there anyway!! If
the fragmentation was not happening at
such an alarming rate, we would have
time to analyze such things as edge
effect, optimum clear cut size, etc.
As it is, we need to fight to maintain
contiguous community and ecosystem
structures!
Comment #: 158
Forest fragmentation is a serious and increasing problem. You are correct to distinguish between shorter versus longer term types of fragmentation. However, logging and road building for forest products pose bona fide fragmentation concerns. Don't minimize these, nor seek to divert attention from them.
Comment #: 159
Forest fragmentation is a serious and increasing problem. You are correct to distinguish between shorter versus longer term types of fragmentation. However, logging and road building for forest products pose bona fide fragmentation concerns. Don't minimize these, nor seek to divert attention from them.
Comment #: 160
Incentives to allow private ownership of smaller parcels of forested lands that constitute larger forested blocks should be investigated. Property taxes make this difficult unless the land use is focused on timber harvest.
Comment #: 161
Forest fragments are all around us. Is part of the
forest plan going to address how to promote larger forests?
Comment #: 162
The Baraboo Hills forests are an excellent example of a large, contiguous forest ecosystem. We should try to replicate our efforts in the Hills to other areas of the State.
Comment #: 163
Surely not everyone debating these issues is qualified to do so.
Comment #: 164
Fragmentation is a huge problem and a serious continuing threat. The DNR should use the new statewide Smart Growth land use planning incentives program to work with local governments. We must encourage less dispersed development in the remaining blocks of relatively intact forest. This would have enormous benefits.
Comment #: 165
Yes you should address this in your plan. Even your summary statement on this issue will inflame some folks! The issue cannot be avoided.
Comment #: 166
A forest that is too fragmented is not a forest at all,
but only a useless, uninhabited, piece of land serving
almost no purpose at all. Who wants to disappear into
the Northwoods and be able to see the other side
of the forest. A man's greatest freedom is being
able to just pick a direction and start walking, not
knowing what he is coming upon. That is adventure!
Comment #: 167
This is a major problem for certain species, such as forest interior nesting birds and forest stands along migratory routes.
Comment #: 168
This is the number one issue in my opinion!
Comment #: 169
I think we shold develop a plan that
will stop road building through
national forests and state land.
Comment #: 170
I think that the forest shouldn't be able to regenerate also. We need to get rid of the dead and plant the new.
Comment #: 171
Habitat fragmentation whether temporary or natural should be allowed to occur.
Comment #: 172
This issue should be mentioned with voluntary suggestions for minimizing fragmentation.
Comment #: 173
Provide local governments with maps, rationale and model ordinance language to limti fragmentation as they do their land use planning for Smart Growth. Implement a state version of the federal roadless initiative for state forests.
Comment #: 174
Planning should attempt to minimize the permanent fragmentation. This issue interacts closely with A5, biodiversity. Fragmentation favors certain species at the expense of others. For example, fragmentation favors cowbirds, which diminish warbler populations. Some day all we'll have is whitetail deer, raccoons, cowbirds and crows.
Comment #: 175
I am mostly concerned about permanent fragmentation.
Comment #: 176
This problem affects both plant and animal distribution as well as the transmission of disease. Fragmentation is certainly an important, ongoing and discernible change in our forest that must be understood for adequate management practices.
Comment #: 177
Most over educated people who wnt to manage our forests could not grow a potato,
Comment #: 178
Most over educated people who wnt to manage our forests could not grow a potato,
Comment #: 179
Roads allow access, and must be maintained. Wind, wings, and legs allow species to transition from one side of the road to another...
Comment #: 180
I think development has gotten out of hand. There are way to many resturants, hotels, motels and strip malls. They should renovate the old and not keep building new.
Comment #: 181
This is a critical issue!
Comment #: 182
education of private forest landowners important
Last Revised: Monday July 30 2007
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