Work continues on removing downed trees in northwestern Wisconsin, two months after a July 1st storm that toppled trees covering more than 130,000 acres in Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Polk, and Washburn Counties.
Burnett County Sheriff Dean Rolland says there is a lot that needs to be done between now and this winter. Rolland says a lot of the fallen trees have been cut, but there’s no way proper snow removal in the area can be done until the ditches in the area are cleaned up.
AUDIO: Sheriff Dean Rolland (:14)
Right now, he says heavy amounts of moisture this summer have reduced the risk of wildfires, but there’s no way of telling if a dry spring could increase that risk if trees are still on the ground.
Some of the wood will go to local lumber yards, however not all will be used as it could “flood” the market. Rolland says they need to be concerned about the potential impact on the timber industry.
Governor Scott Walker toured the Burnett County area last Friday and has pledged state support to help salvage and remove the downed trees.
Kurt Mayer, WXCE
