The mission of the Forestry Department is to manage and protect county forest resources on a sustainable basis for ecological, economic, education, recreational and research needs of present and future generations.

Timber Management

County forest standing timber is bid to private contractors to meet a sustainable harvest of 600 acres per year. Revenue from timber sales is allocated 70 percent to the County's general fund, 20 percent to repay Wisconsin DNR loans and 10 percent to local towns.

Other management includes: timber stand improvement, tree planting, and protection from fire, insects and disease.

Land Purchase

Land purchases to improve public access, consolidate ownership (blocking), provide additional land for public use and protect wildlife habitat are negotiated with willing sellers.

Wildlife and Fish Habitat Development

State funding sources (County Conservation and 10¢ per Acre programs) are used to improve wildlife habitat on County forest and for cooperative projects such as the Plover River trout habitat restoration with Trout Unlimited, Bitzke Waterfowl Refuge development with Ducks Unlimited, wild turkey habitat improvement with the Wild Turkey Federation and special ruffed grouse management areas with the Ruffed Grouse Society.

Recreation Trails

Snowmobile and ATV

County snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) programs are administered in cooperation with 30 snowmobile and ATV clubs to maintain 641 miles of snowmobile trails, 528 miles of winter ATV trails and 14 miles of year round ATV trails.

Comply with Wisconsin DNR requirements regarding easements, signing, grooming and insurance. Maintain club time records and submit reimbursement claims to the State. Purchase signs, posts, ridges and gates for trail and update snowmobile map yearly. Inspect trails for safety and maintenance compliance. File reports and make payments to clubs for completed trail work. Obtain easements, special permits, insurance, etc.

Cross Country Skiing

The County ski trail system includes trails at Greenwood Hills, Ringle Landfill, Nine Mile Forest, Sylvan Hill Park/American Legion Golf Course and Big Eau Pleine Park. Trails are supported by user fees collected through season pass sales, Nine Mile daily passes and donations. Trails are cooperatively maintained with the Wausau Nordic Ski Club, Inc.

Mountain Biking

We maintain 37 miles of trails which include 10 miles of single track at Nine Mile Forest. The Wausau Wheelers bike club cooperatively maintains trails and promotes voluntary trail pass sales.

Hiker and Hunter Walking

We maintain 150 miles of County forest trails and logging access roads for hiking and hunting access. The boy scouts cooperatively maintain 10 miles of the boy scout hiking trail within Nine Mile Forest.

Horseback Riding

Kronenwetter, Leather Camp and Nine Mile Forest snowmobile trails are also maintained for summer equestrian use.

Tree Health

We diagnose insect and disease samples, make recommendations for treatment, and make referrals to experts for special problems.

Forest Planning

We provide forest planning and timber sale expertise to other County departments, primarily the Park Department.

Law Enforcement and Visitor Protection

We contract with the Park Department to provide law enforcement on County forest land during the bow and gun seasons.

Maps and Brochures

We provide maps and brochures of county forest units and trails in addition to recreation maps for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Nine Mile Forest Chalet Rentals

The chalet is available for weddings, parties, meetings and community events.

Special Events

We provide support for events such as the Badger State Winter Games, skiing and mountain bike races, and high school cross-country races.

#This position is filled by a State employee assigned to the County.

For 1995, the accounting and clerical functions were transferred to the Park Department.

Number of Positions (FTE)	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
Union (FTE)	1.00	1.00	2.00	2.00	2.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00
Non-Union (FTE)	1.75	1.75	0.75	1.25	1.25	1.25	1.25	1.75	1.75	1.75
State Employee	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.0	1.00
TOTAL	3.75	3.75	3.75	4.25	4.25	3.25	3.25	3.75	3.75	3.75

1/99

FUND: 100 General Fund

ORG1: 750 Forestry

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 82,753	97,581	97,803	57,393	97,581	Personal Services	$ 109,775	109,782	109,782
32,586	28,392	28,392	12,391	28,360	Contractual Services	34,280	36,280	36,280
16,942	10,871	10,871	6,257	15,849	Supplies and Expense	17,108	17,108	17,108
2,107	10,126	10,126	84	5,498	Building Materials	21,426	21,426	21,426
616	961	961	283	624	Fixed Charges	504	558	558
$ 135,004	147,931	148,153	76,408	147,912	Total Expenditures	$ 183,093	185,154	185,154
$ 64,038	66,000	66,222	36,764	66,700	Public Charges for Service	$ 106,400	106,400	106,400
1,881	100	100	225	300	Miscellaneous Revenue	100	100	100
$ 65,919	66,100	66,322	36,989	67,000	Total Revenues	$ 106,500	106,500	106,500
$ 69,085	81,831	81,831	39,419	80,912	TAX LEVY	$ 76,593	78,654	78,654

FUND: 250 Grant Fund

ORG1: 750 Forest Resources

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 15,133	16,220	29,521	2,157	23,756	Contractual Services	$ 21,112	21,066	21,066
0	2,200	2,200	0	0	Supplies and Expense	2,000	2,000	2,000
0	2,000	2,000	0	2,000	Building Materials	10,459	10,311	10,311
12,402	1	1	0	0	Fixed Charges	0	0	0
131,293	12,624	129,217	11,749	127,005	Capital Outlay	6,000	6,000	6,000
$ 158,828	33,045	162,939	13,906	152,761	Total Expenditures	$ 39,571	39,377	39,377
$ 8,724	8,739	8,739	4,558	8,941	Intergov't Grants & Other	$ 8,987	8,941	8,941
4,207	450	450	4,292	2,250	Miscellaneous Revenue	500	500	500
138,371	19,499	149,393	95,899	134,355	Other Financing Source	25,727	25,579	25,579
$ 151,302	28,688	158,582	104,749	145,546	Total Revenues	$ 35,214	35,020	35,020
$ (7,526)	(4,357)	(4,357)	90,483	7,215	INCREASE (DECREASE)	$ (4,357)	(4,357)	(4,357)

FUND: 100 General Fund

ORG1: 778 Segregated Land Purchase - Forestry

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 450	2,000	2,000	720	2,000	Contractual Services	$ 2,000	2,000	2,000
10	40	40	22	60	Supplies and Expense	40	40	40
2,155	1,195	1,195	1,319	2,098	Fixed Charges	2,098	2,372	2,372
49,950	174,610	174,610	8,942	56,475	Capital Outlay	229,643	229,643	229,643
$ 52,565	177,845	177,845	11,003	60,633	Total Expenditures	$ 233,781	234,055	234,055
$ 15,000	15,000	15,000	0	15,000	Public Charges for Service	$ 15,000	15,000	15,000
14,055	9,825	9,825	7,443	13,832	Miscellaneous Revenue	11,832	11,832	11,832
0	153,020	153,020	0	183,565	Other Financing Source	206,949	207,223	207,223
$ 29,055	177,845	177,845	7,443	212,397	Total Revenues	233,781	234,055	234,055
$ (23,510)	0	0	(3,560)	151,764	INCREASE (DECREASE)	0	0	0

The Department recommends and designs the best management practices for soil conservation and water quality protection to be installed by individual land owners.

General Land Conservation

Provides the administration and support for the Department and other programs which include: wildlife damage, three watershed projects and the Farmland Preservation program. Included is an information and education program with requests for soil survey information, committee support, administration of the animal waste ordinance, environmental property assessments, and general soil and water conservation activities.

Wisconsin Farmers Fund

Provides cost-sharing to landowners that have been cited by the NR243 program for animal waste pollution. Interest earned on advance money is used for project support.

Lower Big Eau Pleine Watershed

Provides cost-sharing to landowners and support to the Land Conservation Department for administration of the project. The goal is to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and improve water quality in the Eau Pleine reservoir. We expect this grant to continue through the year 2003.

Wildlife Damage

Provides material for the abatement of wildlife damage to agricultural crops. In situations where abatement isn't practical or is unsuccessful, damages are assessed and paid to the landowner.

Upper Yellow River Watershed

Provides cost-sharing to landowners and support to the Land Conservation Department for administration of the project. The goal is to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and improve water quality in the Yellow River. We expect this grant to continue through the year 2003.

Land Conservation Grant

Provides base level of support to Marathon County, administration of the Farmland Preservation Program, establishes uniform conservation data base, and training. This is a continuing grant.

Lower Rib River Watershed

Provides cost-sharing to landowners and support to the Land Conservation Department for administration of the project. The goal is to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and improve water quality in the Rib River and Lake Wausau. We expect this grant to continue through the year 2008.

*Funding for a vacant Conservation Specialist I position is used to fund existing filled position.

A state funded position from the UW Extension also assists in this department

Number of Positions (FTE)	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	1998	1999
Union (FTE)	5.00	6.00	7.00	7.00	7.00	7.00	7.00	7.00	8.00	8.00
Non-Union (FTE)	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	1.00
TOTAL	6.00	7.00	8.00	8.00	8.00	8.00	8.00	8.00	9.00	9.00

1/99

FUND: 100 General Fund

ORG1: 780 Land Conservation

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 118,650	124,512	124,512	78,312	124,512	Personal Services	$ 130,917	128,915	128,915
4,218	4,400	4,400	1,836	4,150	Contractual Services	4,400	4,400	4,400
6,988	7,316	7,316	4,536	7,556	Supplies and Expense	8,806	8,806	8,806
1,607	1,700	1,700	1,535	1,537	Fixed Charges	1,551	1,551	1,551
230	300	300	0	300	Grants, Contributions & Other	300	300	300
$ 131,693	138,228	138,228	86,219	138,055	Total Expenditures	$ 145,974	143,972	143,972
$ 4,700	4,000	4,000	1,200	3,500	Licenses and Permits	$ 4,000	4,500	4,500
3,216	2,500	2,500	1,109	1,109	Public Charges for Service	2,500	2,500	2,500
6,253	6,200	6,200	3,747	7,000	Miscellaneous Revenue	6,400	6,400	6,400
$ 14,169	12,700	12,700	6,056	11,609	Total Revenues	$ 12,900	13,400	13,400
$ 117,524	125,528	125,528	80,163	126,446	TAX LEVY	$ 133,074	130,572	130,572

FUND: 250 Grant Fund

ORG1: 780 Land Conservation

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 264,643	303,342	351,621	177,405	329,259	Personal Services	$ 289,671	291,709	291,709
36,466	109,655	115,787	26,652	109,827	Contractual Services	125,550	125,550	125,550
19,794	33,036	44,111	28,388	44,364	Supplies and Expense	42,865	42,865	42,865
162,860	597,300	755,593	178,071	545,814	Grants, Contributions & Other	510,317	510,317	510,317
0	0	4,000	3,213	4,000	Capital Outlay	3,872	3,872	3,872
233	0	0	0	0	Other Financing Uses	0	0	0
$ 483,996	1,043,333	1,271,112	413,729	1,033,264	Total Expenditures	$ 972,275	974,313	974,313
$ 607,649	976,603	1,036,603	256,635	730,884	Intergov't Grants & Other	$ 888,755	888,755	888,755
7,693	3,650	7,650	1,777	7,650	Miscellaneous Revenue	6,400	6,400	6,400
233	63,080	226,859	0	179,760	Other Financing Sources	77,120	79,158	79,158
$ 615,575	1,043,333	1,271,112	258,412	918,294	Total Revenues	$ 972,275	974,313	974,313
$ 131,579	0	0	(155,317)	(114,970)	INCREASE (DECREASE)	$ 0	0	0

This Department administers Federal and State-funded employment training programs. Specific regulations govern each program, with some local flexibility. Department staff provide some services to eligible participants; other services are provided by other governmental units, area non-profit organizations, and educational agencies under contract with this Department.

This Department is a partner agency in the Marathon County Job Center. Job Centers are Wisconsin's approach to the national one-stop concept for job seekers and employers. The Marathon Job Center's mission is "...to provide quality, customer-driven employment and training services to employers and job seekers, respecting their individual needs and differences. These services shall enhance the well-being of families and the economic growth of the community."

Wisconsin Works (W-2)

The Department administers Wisconsin Works, or W-2, for Marathon County. Under W-2, no entitlement for public assistance exists. Rather, adults heading families who meet W-2 financial and non-financial criteria may receive assistance to help them become financially self sufficient. Financial assistance is limited to 24 consecutive months and 60 months in a lifetime and requires participation in certain training and work activities in order to receive a minimum monthly stipend.

The Department is responsible for determining eligibility for a variety of W-2 services, as well as Food Stamps and Medical Assistance for all non-elderly and non-disabled individuals and families. Department staff and staff of contracted agencies (Wisconsin Job Service, Wausau Area Hmong Mutual Association (WAHMA), Northcentral Technical College (NTC), Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, and the YWCA) are then responsible for developing the service plan with participants and ensuring it is followed.

Since lifetime eligibility for receiving any W-2 payments is limited, staff try to help families position themselves to remain financially secure after program participation ends.

Food Stamp Employment and Training Program (FSET)

The Department is also responsible for ensuring that most adult recipients for Food Stamps who are not working full-time, and not also participating in W-2 services, are provided services to help them obtain or upgrade employment. Each participant works with a case manager and develops a plan to help them increase their income through employment. Continued receipt of Food Stamps is contingent upon cooperation.

Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA)

The Department coordinates JTPA services for eligible Marathon County residents under policies established by the North Central Wisconsin Private Industry Council and its administrative office in Wisconsin Rapids.

JTPA - Title IIA

JTPA Title IIA funds job training services for low-income adults (age 22 and up). Funds are used for classroom training and On-the-Job Training. Job search assistance is also provided by MCDET staff. The law allows funds to be used to help participants pay transportation, child care and other supportive service costs during training; however, limited funds prevent most participants from receiving these funds.

MCDET staff determine program eligibility for all applicants. Eligible applicants are assessed, utilizing a variety of standardized tests, and then meet individually with a MCDET employment counselor to determine the type of training most appropriate to assist the applicant in becoming economically self-sufficient. The majority of classroom training is provided by NTC. Title IIA funds pay the books, tuition, and fee costs not available through Pell or other grants.

JTPA - Title IIC (Year Round Youth Services)

JTPA TitleIIC provides for educational and job training services for youth (16 through 21). The Department determines eligibility for services. NTC provides educational services for academically at-risk students. The local Department of Public Instruction (DPI) office provides specialized educational, career-exploration, and post-secondary educational information to selected students during high school. Those students judged to have the strongest risk factors who are also income eligible have the highest priority for services provided with JTPA funding.

Both programs emphasize preparing the students for job/career success in the future.

JTPA - Title IIB (Summer Youth Services)

Designed to serve the same types of youth as Title IIC, this specialized summer program offers public-sector work experience, placement into summer (and some permanent) jobs, and academic enrichment. The Department exercises the same basic responsibility/authority over this program as for the year-round youth program.

Traditionally, NTC, DPI and North Central Community Action Program (CAP) provided the services under contract. NTC and CAP offer intensive academic instructions and public-sector work experience for high school students, many of whom are also involved in the year round program during the school year.

DPI offers a summer internship program, in which college students who have been involved with JTPA programming during high school are placed in summer jobs related to their career field. Attendance at evening workshops related to future career success is also required.

JTPA - Title III - Dislocated Workers

Differing from other JTPA services (for low-income people), Title III serves middle-class workers who have lost jobs through plant closures, mass layoffs, or other restructuring. The AFL-CIO provides the majority of services, which include assistance in adjusting to the life change, planning for re-training or immediate job search and re-employment, and help in paying re-training costs (primarily at a technical college) not covered through Pell grants or other sources.

Other

The Department participates in a variety of other workforce development activities when special Federal or State funding is available. One such example is the development of the local One-Stop Job Center, in which the Department served as the fiscal agent for this special collaborative project.

Staff also maintains on-going relationships with area employers providing assistance in hiring and retention. Specialized training is planned, in collaboration with WI Job Service, WAHMA and NTC to address area labor shortage issues.

*Wisconsin Works (W-2) including 11 employees were added

Number of Positions (FTE)	1990	1991	1992	1993	1994	1995	1996	1997	*1998	1999
Union (FTE)	0.00	0.00	0.00	1.00	1.00	1.00	3.00	3.00	8.00	10.00
Non-Union (FTE)	5.00	5.00	8.675	6.675	8.00	8.00	10.00	10.00	16.00	16.00
TOTAL	5.00	5.00	8.675	7.675	9.00	9.00	13.00	13.00	24.00	26.00

1/99

FUND: 200 Employment and Training Fund

ORG1: 825 Employment and Training

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 677,864	1,061,508	1,142,508	643,786	1,107,620	Personal Services	$ 1,107,603	1,107,667	1,107,667
1,107,384	1,723,271	1,838,771	584,027	1,442,565	Contractual Services	1,139,043	1,138,979	1,138,979
113,377	41,904	45,804	104,490	43,704	Supplies and Expense	102,150	102,150	102,150
85,737	114,386	123,986	90,020	117,086	Fixed Charges	132,840	132,840	132,840
563,096	3,347,038	3,353,038	163,642	3,347,038	Grants, Contributions & Other	66,820	66,820	66,820
95,419	15,000	15,000	65,000	15,000	Capital Outlay	80,000	80,000	80,000
0	157,438	157,438	0	157,438	Other Financing Uses	101,000	101,000	101,000
$ 2,642,877	6,460,545	6,676,545	1,650,965	6,230,451	Total Expenditures	$ 2,729,456	2,729,456	2,729,456
$ 2,365,043	6,352,177	6,568,177	1,261,549	6,121,085	Intergov't Grants & Other	$ 2,513,194	2,513,194	2,513,194
2,193	0	0	2,037	0	Public Charges for Service	2,100	2,100	2,100
480	0	0	940	0	Intergov't Charges for Service	300	300	300
89,337	5,300	5,300	40,774	5,300	Miscellaneous Revenue	86,150	86,150	86,150
0	76,356	76,356	0	76,356	Other Financing Sources	101,000	101,000	101,000
$ 2,457,053	6,433,833	6,649,833	1,305,300	6,202,741	Total Revenues	$ 2,702,744	2,702,744	2,702,744
$ 185,824	26,712	26,712	345,665	27,710	TAX LEVY	$ 26,712	26,712	26,712

FUND: 250 Grant Fund

ORG1: 135 Finance

1997 Prior	1998 Adopted Budget	1998 Modified Budget	Actual 8/31/98	1998 Estimated	Category	1999 Requested Budget	1999 Recommended Budget	1999 Adopted Budget
$ 154,500	0	413,458	404,005	404,005	Grants, Contributions & Other	$ 0	0	0
$ 154,500	0	413,458	404,005	404,005	Total Expenditures	$ 0	0	0
$ 154,500	$ 0	$ 367,167	$ 367,166	$ 367,166	Intergov't Grants & Other	$ 0	0	0
20,790	0	25,000	14,553	25,000	Public Charges for Service	0	0	0
502	0	0	995	1,000	Miscellaneous Revenue	0	0	0
0	0	21,291	0	0	Other Financing Sources	0	0	0
$ 175,792	0	413,458	382,714	393,166	Total Revenues	$ 0	0	0
$ 21,292	0	0	(21,291)	(10,839)	INCREASE (DECREASE)	$ 0	0	0