Frequently Asked Questions
In an effort to supply the answers to your questions quickly, The Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry maintains this list of the most frequently asked questions.
Emerald Ash Borer
| Question | Answer | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| I have a lot of ash on my property and it will take many years and a change in my management plan to alter the susceptibility of my property. Can I change my management plan to start replacing ash or encouraging other species so my woodlands are not as susceptible to losses? |
Work with your forester to determine what your options are for reducing the susceptibility of your forest to mortality. If an alternative plan maintains the health and sustainability of the forest, the plan may be amended with Department approval. |
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| If my ash trees die from EAB, more than 20% of my woodlands may be nonproductive. Will I be forced out of the MFL program and will I have to pay a withdrawal tax and fee? |
The DNR will work with landowners to stay in the MFL program by providing options for bringing your property back into compliance. This will likely involve an amendment to your MFL plan that includes options for reforesting the affected area within a reasonable amount of time. The options for bringing the property back into compliance and the time allotted for this activity will vary by site. |
More information available here. |
| If my ash trees are dying from an infestation of EAB, may I conduct a harvest at a date sooner than the MFL plan allows in order to minimize my losses? May I also include other species in this harvest so I minimize damage to residuals and take advantage of the stand entry? |
A DNR forester will work with you to determine whether or not moving the harvest date to an earlier year and/or including other species in the harvest is appropriate for maintaining a healthy, sustainable forest. This type of change in your plan can be conducted by writing an amendment to your plan. Both you and the Department must agree to any amendment. |
More information available here. |
| If EAB is not present in my woodlands but is present in the state, may I conduct a harvest at a date sooner than the MFL plan allows to remove ash trees that are going to die anyway? |
At this time it is most likely not necessary to change your planned harvest date. Properties that are closest to the infestation will be at greatest risk for mortality and it may be appropriate to accelerate a planned harvest there. Stay informed on where EAB has been found; guidelines will be formulated based on the development of the infestation. |
More information available here. |
| Are there any cost sharing opportunities for conducting reforestation activities to bring my property back into compliance? |
You may apply for cost-sharing (50%) through the Wisconsin Forest Landowner Grant Program for noncommercial activities such as site preparation and planting. Contact your DNR forester for further information. |
More information available here. |
| If my ash trees are cut as part of a state response action, will I have to pay a yield tax? |
If you receive monetary value for the ash that is cut from your property as part of a state response action, you will have to pay a yield tax on material that is >5" in diameter. The tax will be based on the value of the type of product. If you do not receive monetary value for ash that is cut, you may or may not have to pay a yield tax. The DNR is currently reviewing the rules related to this issue. |
More information available here. |
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