reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.05 - Timber theft.

26.05
Timber theft.
(1)
Definition. In this section, “raw forest products" means forest products not altered by a manufacturing process off the land from which they are taken and includes seedlings, saplings, shrubs, whole-tree chips, boughs, logs, pilings, posts, poles, cordwood products, pulpwood, fuel wood and Christmas trees.
(2)
Consent of owner required. No person may cut, remove or transport raw forest products or direct the cutting, removal or transportation of raw forest products without the consent of the owner.
(3)
Penalties.
(a)
A person who violates this section or a rule promulgated under this section is subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $10,000.
(b)
Instead of the forfeiture provided under par. (a), a person who intentionally violates this section, or a rule promulgated under this section, may be punished under s. 943.20 for theft.
(c)
In addition to any other penalty, a person who violates this section, or a rule promulgated under this section, is liable for the reasonable costs incurred to establish the volume and value of the raw forest products cut, removed or transported.
History:  1981 c. 67; 1999 a. 190.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.06 - Enforcement, seizure and sale of materials.

26.06
Enforcement, seizure and sale of materials.
(1)
Foresters, forest supervisors, rangers and wardens of the department and the cruisers and foresters of the board of commissioners of public lands have the enforcement powers specified in s. 26.97 with respect to, and may seize, without process, any forest products unlawfully severed from public lands of the state, federal lands leased to the state, county forest lands entered under s. 28.11, forest croplands entered under subch. I of ch. 77 or managed forest land designated under subch. VI of ch. 77. Seized products cut from lands under the control of the board of commissioners of public lands shall be held for the commissioners and those cut from forest croplands, managed forest land or county forest shall be held for the owner, and subject to the payment of severance share thereon to the state. Products cut from state forest lands or federal lands leased to the department shall be appraised and sold. Products appraised at more than $500 shall be sold on sealed bids not less than 10 days after a class 1 notice has been published, under ch. 985, in the county where the material is located. Any sheriff may seize and hold for the owner thereof any forest products unlawfully severed or removed.
(2)
Any person who, without the consent of a person legally able to give consent, removes any seized products or removes or defaces a seizure notice of the department or of any sheriff shall forfeit not less than $500 nor more than $10,000.
(3)
Any person who transports, receives or conceals any forest products, knowing the same to have been unlawfully severed from the lands of another, shall be liable to the owner for double the value thereof and in addition shall be punished as provided in s. 943.34 (1).
History:  1971 c. 265; 1975 c. 365; 1985 a. 29; 1987 a. 266 s. 5; 1989 a. 79; 1999 a. 190; 2015 a. 358.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.07 - Money, how disposed of.

26.07
Money, how disposed of.
All money received from the sale of logs, lumber, shingles, timber, minerals or other articles seized under this chapter, or recovered in legal proceedings for damages done the public lands, shall be paid into the treasury to the credit of the respective funds to which the lands belong on which such trespasses were committed, and all other money collected as expenses, fees, penalties and damages for trespass on such lands shall be paid into the general fund.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.08 - Leases and licenses.

26.08
Leases and licenses.
(1)
The department may, from time to time, lease parts or parcels of state park lands or state forest lands. These leases shall contain proper covenants to guard against trespass and waste. The rents arising from these leases shall be paid into the state treasury to the credit of the proper fund. Licenses also may be granted to prospect for ore or mineral upon any of these lands; but proper security shall be taken that the licensees will fully inform the department of every discovery of ore or mineral and will restore the surface to its former condition and value if no discovery of valuable deposits is made. The department shall retain a copy of each lease or license and file the original in the office of the board of commissioners of public lands.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided under pars. (b) to (e), the department may lease state park land or state forest land for terms not exceeding 15 years.
(b)
The department may lease Rib Mountain state park lands and Willow River state park lands for terms not exceeding 30 years.
(bn)
The department may lease state park land located within the boundaries of the Wisconsin Dells natural area for terms not exceeding 30 years.
(c)
The department may lease Kettle Moraine state forest land for the YMCA Camp Matawa for a term not exceeding 30 years.
(d)
The department may lease Northern Highland American Legion State Forest land on Statehouse Lake in the town of Manitowish Waters for the North Lakeland Discovery Center for a term not exceeding 30 years.
(e)
The department may lease state forest land located in the town of Boulder Junction to the Boulder Junction Shooting Range for terms not exceeding 30 years.
(3)
The department shall furnish to the board of commissioners of public lands such maps, plats, surveys, valuations, information and other services as the board may request respecting any of the public lands, for use by it in granting leases or licenses or in making sales under s. 24.39.
History:  1979 c. 34; 1987 a. 27; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 16; 2013 a. 82.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.10 - Reports by the department to the board of commissioners of public lands.

26.10
Reports by the department to the board of commissioners of public lands.
The department shall report monthly to the board of commissioners of public lands all trespasses committed, all materials seized, all sales made and all moneys received under ss. 26.01 to 26.09.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.105 - Forestry and fire prevention study.

26.105
Forestry and fire prevention study.
The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association and the Wisconsin County Forests Association shall prepare a report containing the results of the forestry and fire prevention study conducted as approved by the joint committee on finance under s. 26.105 (2), 2013 stats., and shall submit the report to the department, the council on forestry, and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature under s. 13.172 (3).
History:  2013 a. 20; 2015 a. 55.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.11 - Forest fires; department jurisdiction; procedure.

26.11
Forest fires; department jurisdiction; procedure.
(1)
The department is vested with power, authority, and jurisdiction in all matters relating to the prevention, detection, and suppression of forest fires outside the limits of villages and cities in the state except as provided in s. 26.01 (2), and to do all things necessary in the exercise of such power, authority, and jurisdiction.
(3)
The department shall direct and give suitable instructions to and obtain reports as directed from, the entire fire warden force of the state whether in officially established forest protection areas or elsewhere, and it may move about or concentrate the fire warden force as occasion demands.
(4)
The department may enter into arrangements or agreements and cooperate with town boards, county boards or committees thereof, with individuals, concerns, corporations or associations, for the purpose of improving the protection against forest fires.
(5)
The department may, upon request from the fire chief of a city or village, or the chief executive thereof, supply assistance within the limits of its resources in suppressing a forest fire within the confines of said municipality.
(6)
The department, as the director of the effort, may suppress a forest fire on lands located outside the boundaries of intensive or extensive forest fire protection districts but not within the limits of any city or village if the town responsible for suppressing fires within its boundaries spends more than $3,000, as determined by rates established by the department, on suppressing the forest fire and if the town chairperson makes a request to the department for assistance. Persons participating in the suppression efforts shall act at the direction of the department after the department begins suppression efforts under this subsection. Funds expended by the state under this subsection shall be expended from the appropriation under s. 20.370 (2) (mv).
(7)
(a)
Notwithstanding s. 20.001 (3) (c), if the sum of the unencumbered balances in the appropriation accounts under s. 20.370 (2) (cs) and (mz) exceeds $1,000,000 on June 30 of any fiscal year, the amount in excess of $1,000,000 shall lapse from the appropriation account under s. 20.370 (2) (cs) to the conservation fund, except as provided in par. (b).
(b)
Notwithstanding s. 20.001 (3) (c), if the amount in the appropriation account under s. 20.370 (2) (cs) is insufficient for the amount that must lapse under par. (a), the remainder that is necessary for the lapse shall lapse from the appropriation account under s. 20.370 (2) (mz).
History:  1977 c. 224; 1983 a. 422; 1989 a. 56 s. 258; 1995 a. 27; 2001 a. 16, 103; 2003 a. 33; 2017 a. 59.
A stipulation of facts stating that there was a “large grass fire" did not necessarily mean there was a forest fire as defined in s. 26.11 (2) [now s. 26.01 (2)]. Town of Howard v. Soo Line Railroad Co. 63 Wis. 2d 500, 217 N.W.2d 329 (1974).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.13 - Town fire wardens; duties, expenses.

26.13
Town fire wardens; duties, expenses.
(1)
The chairperson of the town board of each town outside the limits of a forest protection area shall, by virtue of the office and the oath of the office, be town fire warden for the town. The fire warden shall assist and cooperate with the department in all matters relating to the prevention, detection and suppression of forest fires. If a town is unusually large or if special or peculiar conditions in connection with forest fires exist, the department may, upon recommendation of the town chairperson, annually appoint emergency fire wardens as necessary, whose duties and authority shall be the same as provided for emergency fire wardens serving in forest protection areas.
(2)
All expenses arising from the prevention or suppression of forest fires by the town fire warden and by those called upon by the warden to assist in the work shall be borne by the town in which the expense was incurred. The town board may levy and assess a tax for defraying the expense. In addition the town board may levy a tax for the purchase of equipment for the suppression of forest fires. The taxes shall be collected in the same manner as other taxes, and when collected shall be paid into the town treasury from which the expense is paid.
(3)
Whenever the town board of any town located outside of a forest protection area deems it imprudent to set fires upon any land within the town, they shall post or cause to be posted in 5 or more public places in each township in the town, notices which shall be prepared by the department, or place one such notice in the official county paper, forbidding the setting of fires in the township, and after the posting of the notices no person may set any fire upon any land in the town except for warming the person or cooking food, until written permission has been received from one of the fire wardens of the town.
History:  1977 c. 224; 1989 a. 56.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.145 - Fire suppression aids.

26.145
Fire suppression aids.
(1)
Grants. The department shall establish a program to award grants for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquiring fire resistant clothing for suppressing fires, of acquiring fire suppression supplies, equipment, and vehicles, of acquiring fire prevention materials, and of training fire fighters in forest fire suppression techniques.
(2)
Eligibility.
(a)
Cities, villages, towns, counties and fire suppression organizations shall be eligible for grants under this section.
(b)
The department may not award a grant under this section unless the recipient of the grant enters into a written agreement with the department under which the recipient agrees to assist the department in the suppression of forest fires at the department's request.
(3)
Rules. The department shall promulgate rules establishing criteria and procedures for awarding grants under this section. For purposes of this section, the rules shall include a definition of “fire suppression organizations".
History:  1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 16, 109.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.15 - Responsibility of wardens and citizens.

26.15
Responsibility of wardens and citizens.
Any fire warden who refuses to carry out this chapter, or any able-bodied citizen who refuses to render assistance as provided by this chapter, shall forfeit not more than $50.
History:  1975 c. 365.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.18 - District attorneys to prosecute.

26.18
District attorneys to prosecute.
Whenever an arrest has been made for any violation of this chapter, or whenever any information of such violation has been lodged with him or her, the district attorney of the county in which the act was committed may prosecute the offender.
History:  1975 c. 365.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.19 - Destruction of forest protection equipment or notices.

26.19
Destruction of forest protection equipment or notices.
(1)
Any person who destroys, defaces, removes or molests any forest protection equipment or property shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than 9 months or both.
(2)
Any person who disfigures any forest fire sign, poster or warning notice shall forfeit not more than $100.
History:  1975 c. 365; 1983 a. 422.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.205 - Tractors, spark arresters.

26.205
Tractors, spark arresters.
Tractors operating in a forest protection area or on other land where there is danger of setting fire, shall be equipped so that the tractors will not set fire on the lands and to reduce to a minimum the danger of setting fire. The department or its locomotive inspector is authorized and directed to reject from service all tractors not properly equipped to prevent the setting of fires. The department shall, after investigation, prescribe suitable fire preventive devices for tractors operating in marsh land or on other land where there is danger of fire being set by their operation.
History:  1977 c. 224.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.21 - Civil liability for forest fires.

26.21
Civil liability for forest fires.
(1)
In addition to the penalties provided in s. 26.20, the United States, the state, the county or private owners, whose property is injured or destroyed by forest fires, may recover, in a civil action, double the amount of damages suffered, if the fires occurred through willfulness, malice or negligence. In a civil action, a court may award reasonable costs for legal representation to provide owners recovering damages under this subsection.
(2)
Persons causing fires in violation of this chapter shall be liable to the state in an action for debt, to the full amount of all damages done to the state lands and for all expenses incurred by the towns fighting forest fires and shall be liable to municipalities in an action for debt, to the full amount of all damages to the municipal lands and for all expenses incurred by the municipalities fighting such fires.
History:  1977 c. 29.
This statute does not create liability in favor of a town. Town of Howard v. Soo Line Railroad Co. 63 Wis. 2d 500, 217 N.W.2d 329 (1974).
Sub. (1) is not limited to a specific class of tortfeasor, such as a railroad corporation, and a violation under s. 26.20 is not a prerequisite for applying sub. (1). The plain language of sub. (1) does not require “gross negligence." Heritage Farms, Inc. v. Markel Insurance Company, 2009 WI 27, 316 Wis. 2d 47, 762 N.W.2d 652, 07-0983.
If it is determined that the owner's property was injured or destroyed by a forest fire that occurred through willfulness, malice, or negligence, the property owner is entitled to double damages as a matter of course. The use of “may" in sub. (1) does not authorize the recovery of double damages within the court's discretion. Rather, the use of “may recover" indicates that a property owner, whose property is injured or destroyed by a forest fire, “may" choose to bring a civil action against the tortfeasor to recover double damages. Heritage Farms, Inc. v. Markel Insurance Company, 2012 WI 26, 339 Wis. 2d 125, 810 N.W.2d 465, 10-0355.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.22 - Sales, etc.

26.22
Sales, etc.
The department may sell any timber on land under the department's jurisdiction which has been damaged by fire, snow, hail, ice, insects, disease, or wind, on such terms and in such manner as the department determines is in the best interest of the state.
History:  2003 a. 242.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.35 - Forest productivity.

26.35
Forest productivity.
The department shall identify types of privately owned forest lands which are most likely to provide high forest productivity benefits to the economy of the state. The department shall target its activities in providing assistance to owners of privately owned forest lands in order to concentrate on those types of forest lands identified as most likely to provide high forest productivity benefits to the economy of the state.
History:  1983 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.36 - Forest energy resources.

26.36
Forest energy resources.
Biennially, in consultation with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection and any other appropriate agency, the department shall prepare a report regarding the extent of forest lands in this state and the potential of such lands to provide fuel for use in electric generating facilities, industrial facilities and home heating systems. The report shall evaluate progress made in meeting the afforestation goal under s. 1.12 (3) (c). The department shall submit the report before April 1 of each even-numbered year to the legislature under s. 13.172 (3).
History:  1993 a. 414.
NOTE:  1993 Wis. Act 414, which creates this section, contains extensive explanatory notes.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.37 - Lake states wood utilization consortium.

26.37
Lake states wood utilization consortium.
(1)
The department of natural resources shall develop a plan to establish a lake states wood utilization consortium to provide research, development, and demonstration grants to enhance the forest products industry in Wisconsin and other states. The plan shall do all of the following:
(a)
Define the powers, duties and responsibilities of the consortium.
(b)
Establish an implementation committee for the consortium. Members of the committee may include one or more representatives from the department of natural resources, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the forest products industry.
(c)
Specify eligibility requirements for the grants and criteria for awarding the grants, including how the grants are to be distributed to each state participating in the consortium.
(d)
Require that the grants require matching funds or in-kind contributions by industrial recipients of the grants.
(e)
Require the implementation committee to identify an organization that can administer and award the grants and oversee the grant program.
(f)
Require the consortium to actively pursue funding from the states of Michigan and Minnesota of $200,000 annually from each state for 3 years.
(g)
Require the consortium to actively pursue federal and other funding sources.
(2)
The department of natural resources may not expend moneys from the appropriations under s. 20.370 (5) (ax) or (6) (bt), 1997 stats., unless the department of natural resources and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation first submit to the joint committee on finance the plan required under sub. (1). If the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance do not notify the department of natural resources within 14 working days after the date of the submittal of the plan that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the plan, the plan may be implemented and moneys may be expended as proposed by the department of natural resources. If, within 14 days after the date of the submittal of the plan, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the department of natural resources that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the plan, moneys may be expended only after the plan has been approved by the committee.
History:  1995 a. 27 ss. 1430m, 9116 (5); 1999 a. 185; 2011 a. 32.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.38 - Forest grant program.

26.38
Forest grant program.
(1)
In this section:
(a)
“Community" has the meaning given in s. 28.04 (1) (b).
(ag)
“Forest stewardship management plan" means a plan describing forest stewardship measures to be used on a particular site to achieve multiple natural resource goals.
(ar)
“Nonindustrial private forest land" means rural land that has existing tree cover or that is suitable for growing trees.
(b)
“Sustainable forestry" has the meaning given in s. 28.04 (1) (e).
(2m)
(a)
The department shall establish a program to award grants for developing and implementing forest stewardship management plans by owners of nonindustrial private forest land and to award grants to groups of interested parties for projects to control invasive plants in weed management areas. The department shall award the grants only to persons owning 500 acres or less of nonindustrial private forest land in this state or to groups in which each person participating owns 500 acres or less of nonindustrial private forest land in this state.
(am)
Beginning with fiscal year 2008-09, from the appropriation under s. 20.370 (5) (av), the department shall allocate for each fiscal year at least $60,000 for grants for projects to control invasive plants in weed management areas. From the amount allocated, the department shall award grants to all eligible applicants for grants for such projects before awarding any balance of the allocated amount for grants for stewardship management plans.
(b)
Each recipient of a grant under this section shall provide a matching contribution in an amount to be determined by the department for that particular grant based on criteria promulgated by rule under sub. (3). The matching contribution may be in the form of money or in-kind goods or services or both.
(c)
A forest stewardship management plan developed or implemented with a grant under this section shall meet minimum standards that are promulgated by rule under sub. (3) and shall contain practices that protect and enhance all of the following:
1.
Soil and water quality.
2.
Endangered, threatened or rare forest communities.
3m.
Sustainable forestry.
4.
Habitat for fish and wildlife.
5.
The recreational, aesthetic and environmental benefits that the forest land provides.
(3)
The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this program, including all of the following:
(a)
The criteria for determining the amount of a matching contribution under sub. (2m) (b).
(b)
The minimum standards required under sub. (2m) (c).
(c)
Eligibility requirements for groups receiving grants for weed management areas, requirements for the grants, and requirements for establishing weed management areas.
History:  1997 a. 27; 2007 a. 20.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.39 - Forestry education and training.

26.39
Forestry education and training.
(1)
Definitions. In this section:
(a)
“School forest" means a community forest that is owned or operated by a school as provided in s. 28.20.
(b)
“Sustainable forestry" has the meaning given in s. 28.04 (1) (e).
(2)
Forestry education curriculum; schools. Using the moneys appropriated under s. 20.370 (2) (cu), the department, in cooperation with the Center for Environmental Education in the College of Natural Resources at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, shall develop a forestry education curriculum for grades kindergarten to 12.
(5)
Funding for school forests. The department shall use the moneys allocated under s. 28.085 to provide funding to school districts that have school forests for the purposes of maintaining the school forests and for transporting pupils to and from the school forests. The department shall promulgate rules to implement and administer this subsection, including educational and forest management requirements that school districts must meet to receive funding under this subsection.
(6)
Forestry internships. The department shall use the moneys allocated under s. 28.085 to provide internships to University of Wisconsin System students who are enrolled in a course of study that will result in a bachelor's or higher degree in forestry. The department shall promulgate rules establishing the application process and the criteria for receipt of an internship under this subsection.
(7)
Logging certification scholarships.
(a)
From the appropriation under s. 20.370 (5) (ax), the department shall establish a scholarship grant program to assist individuals who are seeking certification by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association as master loggers or who are seeking logger safety training certified by the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association. A scholarship grant under the program may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of receiving the certification or training. The department shall promulgate rules that establish criteria for the program.
(b)
The department shall allocate $50,000 for fiscal year 2005-06 and $150,000 for each subsequent fiscal year for scholarship grants under this program.
History:  2001 a. 16, 109; 2005 a. 25; 2009 a. 28, 181; 2011 a. 32, 258; 2017 a. 59.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.40 - Forestry education grant program.

26.40
Forestry education grant program.
(1c)
In this section, “nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit corporation, as defined in s. 181.0103 (17), and any organization described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from federal income tax under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
(1m)
The department may award grants to nonprofit organizations to develop forestry educational programs and instructional materials for use in the public schools. The department may not award a grant unless it enters into a memorandum of understanding with the grant recipient and the director of the timber management program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point regarding the use of the funds.
(2)
The recipient of a grant under sub. (1m) shall submit the programs and materials developed with the funds to the department and the director of the timber management program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College of Natural Resources for approval. Upon request, the grant recipient shall provide approved programs and materials to school districts free of charge.
History:  1997 a. 27; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 25 s. 2361m; Stats. 2005 s. 26.40.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.42 - Forestry diversification.

26.42
Forestry diversification.
(1)
The department shall establish a forestry diversification program and shall promote and assist the development and use of industrial and commercial products from forestry products, including all of the following:
(a)
Alternative fuels, including fuels that are considered to be renewable fuels under the renewable fuel program under 42 USC 7545 (o).
(b)
Heat.
(c)
Electricity, including electricity that satisfies the requirements in s. 196.378 (2).
(d)
Marketable credits for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, as defined in s. 285.78 (1) (c), derived from appropriate management practices used in the production of timber.
(2)
The department shall promote and assist the development and use of the products identified in sub. (1) (a) to (d) in cooperation with and with the assistance of the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection and the University of Wisconsin-Extension.
History:  2009 a. 401.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.97 - Law enforcement and police power.

26.97
Law enforcement and police power.
A state forest ranger, town chairperson, conservation warden or other duly appointed deputy may do any of the following:
(1)
Arrest a person, with or without a warrant, when the person is detected actually committing a violation of this chapter, subch. VI of ch. 77, or s. 167.10 (3), 941.10 (1), 941.11, 941.12, 941.13, 943.02 (1), 943.03, 943.04, 943.05 or 943.06 (2).
(2)
Arrest a person, with or without a warrant, whom the ranger, chairperson, warden or deputy has reason to believe is committing or has committed a violation of a statutory provision specified under sub. (1).
(3)
Take the arrested person before the circuit court for the county where the violation occurred and make a proper complaint.
(4)
Execute and serve any warrant or process in the same manner as any constable.
History:  1989 a. 79; 2003 a. 228.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.98 - General penalty.

26.98
General penalty.
Any person who violates a provision of this chapter for which no penalty is provided shall forfeit not more than $50.
History:  1975 c. 365; 1983 a. 27 s. 643m; Stats. 1983 s. 26.98.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.985 - Penalties, repeaters.

26.985
Penalties, repeaters.
(1)
In this section, “violation" means any violation under this chapter or any violation of a department order punishable under this chapter.
(2)
Except as provided in subs. (3) and (4), if a person is convicted of a violation and has one or more convictions, within the 5 years prior to the current conviction, for one or more violations, the person shall be fined not more than $100 or imprisoned for not more than 6 months or both. The prosecution shall allege and prove the prior convictions in the manner specified in s. 29.974.
(3)
Except as provided in sub. (4), if a person is convicted of a violation and has 3 or more convictions, within the 3 years prior to the current conviction, for one or more violations, the person shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both. The prosecution shall allege and prove the prior convictions in the manner specified in s. 29.974.
(4)
(a)
A person under this section is subject to a fine not to exceed the fine under this section or the fine or forfeiture for the underlying offense, whichever is greater.
(b)
A person under this section is subject to imprisonment for a term not to exceed the amount provided under this section or the amount provided for the underlying offense, whichever is greater.
History:  1989 a. 79; 1997 a. 248.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 26 - Protection of forest lands and forest productivity. › 26.99 - Parties to a violation.

26.99
Parties to a violation.
(1)
Whoever is concerned in the commission of a violation of this chapter for which a forfeiture is imposed is a principal and may be charged with and convicted of the violation although he or she did not directly commit it and although the person who directly committed it has not been convicted of the violation.
(2)
A person is concerned in the commission of the violation if the person:
(a)
Directly commits the violation;
(b)
Aids and abets the commission of it; or
(c)
Is a party to a conspiracy with another to commit it or advises, hires or counsels or otherwise procures another to commit it.
History:  1975 c. 365.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.011 - Copper Culture Mounds State Park.

27.011
Copper Culture Mounds State Park.
The department of natural resources shall accept a grant of lands in the city of Oconto, Oconto County, and shall develop and maintain it as a state park to be known as Copper Culture Mounds State Park.
History:  1973 c. 333.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.014 - Liability of vehicle owners.

27.014
Liability of vehicle owners.
(1c)
Definition. In this section, with respect to a vehicle that is registered, or is required to be registered, by a lessee of the vehicle under ch. 341, “owner" means the lessee of the vehicle.
(1m)
Liability.
(a)
If the department finds a vehicle in a vehicle admission area, as defined in s. 27.01 (7) (a) 3., that does not have a valid receipt affixed to it or otherwise displayed as authorized under s. 27.01 (7) (e) and the department cannot locate the operator of the vehicle, the owner of the vehicle shall be presumed liable for a violation of s. 27.01 (7) (b).
(b)
Notwithstanding par. (a), no owner of a vehicle involved in a violation of s. 27.01 (7) (b) may be convicted under this section if the person who, at the time of the violation, is operating the vehicle or who has the vehicle under his or her control has been convicted for the violation under par. (a) or s. 27.01 (7) (b).
(c)
Service may be made by certified mail addressed to the vehicle owner's last-known address.
(2)
Defenses. The following are defenses to the imposition of liability under sub. (1m):
(a)
That a report that the vehicle was stolen was given to the department before the violation occurred or within a reasonable time after the violation occurred.
(b)
If the owner of the vehicle provides the department with the name and address of the person operating the vehicle or having the vehicle under his or her control at the time of the violation and sufficient information for the department to determine that probable cause does not exist to believe that the owner of the vehicle was operating the vehicle at the time of the violation, then the owner of the vehicle shall not be liable under sub. (1m) or s. 27.01 (7) (b).
(c)
If the vehicle is owned by a lessor of vehicles and at the time of the violation the vehicle was in the possession of a lessee, and the lessor provides the department with the information required under s. 343.46 (3), then the lessee and not the lessor shall be liable under sub. (1m) or s. 27.01 (7) (b).
(d)
If the vehicle is owned by a dealer, as defined in s. 340.01 (11) (intro.) but including the persons specified in s. 340.01 (11) (a) to (d), and at the time of the violation the vehicle was being operated by or was under the control of any person on a trial run, and if the dealer provides the department with the name, address and operator's license number of the person operating the vehicle, then that person, and not the dealer, shall be liable under sub. (1m) or s. 27.01 (7) (b).
History:  1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.016 - State parks and forests grant program.

27.016
State parks and forests grant program.
(1)
In this section:
(a)
“Endowment fund" means an endowment, trust or other segregated fund for the benefit of a specific state park, southern state forest or state recreation area.
(b)
“Friends group" means a nonstock, nonprofit corporation described under section 501 (c) (3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code and exempt from taxation under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code that is organized to raise funds for state parks, state forests or state recreation areas.
(c)
“Southern state forest" means a state forest that is located within the region specified in s. 25.29 (7) (a).
(2)
(a)
The department shall establish a grant program under which friends groups that qualify under par. (b) may receive matching grants for the operation and maintenance of state parks, southern state forests or state recreation areas.
(b)
To qualify for a grant under this section, a friends group shall have established an endowment fund for the benefit of a state park, a southern state forest or a state recreation area and shall have entered into a written agreement with the department as required by the department by rule.
(3)
The department shall promulgate rules to establish criteria to be used in determining which friends groups and which activities related to the maintenance or operation of state parks, southern state forests or state recreation areas are eligible for these grants.
(4)
The department may not expend more than $30,000 as grants under this section for a given friends group, state park, southern state forest or state recreation area in a fiscal year.
(5)
The amount of a grant under this section shall equal 50 percent of the amount of matching funds that are provided by the friends group for the grant. A friends group may only use the interest generated by the endowment fund for purposes of providing the matching funds. The matching funds and the grant may be used only for the operation and maintenance of the state park, southern state forest or state recreation area that the endowment fund was established to benefit.
(6)
Annually, on or before January 1, the department shall review all applications received under this section in the previous year and shall make the grants that it approves from the appropriation under s. 20.370 (1) (eq). If insufficient funds are available to pay all approved grants, the board shall prorate the available funds among the applicants in proportion to the approved grant amounts.
(7)
Beginning in fiscal year 1996-97 and for each fiscal year thereafter, any moneys not encumbered or expended for grants under sub. (6) from the appropriation under s. 20.370 (1) (eq) may be used by the department for the operation and maintenance of the state parks, of the southern state forests and of state recreation areas.
History:  1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 313.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.02 - County park commission, appointment, term, oath.

27.02
County park commission, appointment, term, oath.
(1)
Except as provided under sub. (2), in every county with a population of at least 150,000, but less than 750,000, and in any other county with a population of less than 150,000 wherein the county board has by resolution provided for a county park commission subject to ss. 27.02 to 27.06, the chairperson of the county board shall appoint a county park commission consisting of 7 members, any number of which may be members of the county board. The appointments shall be made in writing and filed in the office of the county clerk. The term of each member, except county board members, is 7 years following July 1 of the year in which the appointment is made and until the appointment and qualification of a successor, except that the first 7 members shall be appointed respectively for such terms that on July 1 in each of the 7 years following the year in which they are appointed the term of one member will expire. After the original appointments one commissioner shall be appointed annually in the month of June to succeed the member whose term will expire on July 1 following, except that in counties with a population of at least 150,000 but less than 750,000 the members shall be elected by the county board of supervisors. The term of any park commissioner appointed to the commission while serving as a county board member shall end when the commissioner's membership on the county board terminates, unless thereafter reappointed to the commission.
(2)
In any county with a county executive or county administrator except a county with a population of less than 150,000 which has not by resolution provided for a county park commission subject to ss. 27.02 to 27.06 or except any county exercising power under s. 27.075, the county park commission shall consist of 7 members appointed by the county executive or county administrator, subject to confirmation by the county board. The term of office for such members shall be as provided by sub. (1). A member of the commission appointed under this subsection may be removed at pleasure by the county executive or county administrator.
(3)
Each of said commissioners shall take and file the official oath.
History:  1971 c. 209; 1983 a. 192; 1985 a. 29; 2017 a. 150; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
The mill annual tax levy limitations set forth in s. 27.06 apply when county parks are operated by a county park commission, pursuant to this section or a county board committee to which the functions and duties of a park commission have been transferred but not when county parks are operated under the express provisions of s. 27.015 [now s. 27.019]. 60 Atty. Gen. 124.
A city may not delegate its powers under ss. 27.08 and 27.09 to a county park commission created under this section. 61 Atty. Gen. 229.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.03 - Organization.

27.03
Organization.
(1)
Within 30 days after their appointment and qualification the said commissioners shall convene at the courthouse and perfect an organization; and thereupon such park commission shall have the usual powers of such bodies in addition to those hereinafter enumerated, shall use a common seal, make bylaws and choose annually from its members all necessary officers.
(2)
In any county with a county executive or a county administrator, the county executive or county administrator shall appoint and supervise a general manager of the park system. The appointment shall be subject to confirmation by the county board unless the county board, by ordinance, elects to waive confirmation or unless the appointment is made under a civil service system competitive examination procedure established under s. 59.52 (8) or ch. 63. In any county with a population of 750,000 or more, the general manager of the park system shall be in the unclassified civil service and is subject to confirmation by the county board unless the county board, by ordinance, elects to waive confirmation.
(3)
The county board shall provide suitable offices where the maps, plans, documents, and records of the commission shall be kept, subject to public inspection at all reasonable hours and under such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe.
History:  1973 c. 262; 1981 c. 217; 1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 201; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.04 - Preliminary survey.

27.04
Preliminary survey.
(1)
Except as provided under sub. (1m), the commission shall make a thorough study of the county with reference to making reservations and acquisitions of lands therein for public uses, the improvement of such lands for parks, playgrounds, forest reservations, parkways and boulevards; make surveys, lay out maps, other plans and maps of a comprehensive county park system, and a county system of streets and parkways, including contiguous land of whatever shape or area designed to be ultimately used, in whole or in part, for highways, or, in whole or in part, for parkways; gather such further information in relation thereto as it deems useful and report the same to the county board. It shall make such other or further reports as may be requested by the county board. In making such studies, surveys and obtaining such information, and in making such reports, the commission shall give consideration, among other matters, to the health, comfort, enjoyment and general welfare of the people of the county, to the protection of streams, lakes and pools from pollution, to the use by the public of lakes, pools and the banks thereof, to the reforestation for public use and enjoyment of tracts of land, to the conservation of flooded areas, and to the preservation of places of natural beauty and of historic or scientific interest.
(1m)
Any general manager appointed under s. 27.03 (2) shall have the administrative powers and duties prescribed for the commission under sub. (1).
(2)
The county board thereafter may by ordinance adopt the plans proposed by the commission or general manager for such comprehensive county park system, or for such a county system of streets and parkways, in whole or in part, and with such changes or modifications as it deems necessary, and may subsequently alter, change, enlarge, extend or modify the same in any respect deemed necessary.
History:  1985 a. 29.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.06 - Mill-tax appropriation.

27.06
Mill-tax appropriation.
The county board may annually, at the same time that other county taxes are levied, levy a tax upon the taxable property of such county for the purchase of land and the payment of expenses incurred in carrying on the work of the park commission. In every county having a population of 750,000 or more, the county park commission shall be subject to s. 59.60.
History:  1975 c. 78, 200, 422; 1995 a. 201; 2017 a. 207 s. 5.
The mill annual tax levy limitations set forth in this section apply when county parks are operated by a county park commission, pursuant to s. 27.02, et seq., or a county board committee to which the functions and duties of such commission have been transferred but not when county parks are operated under the express provisions of s. 27.015 [now s. 27.019]. Annual taxes levied to pay principal and interest on county indebtedness incurred under ch. 67 for park purposes must be included within the mill limitation set forth in this section. Proceeds from the sale of part of a county park may be used for capital improvements in county parks in addition to a maximum annual levy under this section. 60 Atty. Gen. 124.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.067 - Penalties for damages in county parks.

27.067
Penalties for damages in county parks.
(1)
No person may destroy any notices, posted by a county, or break, tear up or mar trees, vines, shrubs or flowers, dislocate stones or disfigure natural conditions within the boundaries of any county park.
(2)
Any person who violates sub. (1) shall forfeit not more than $100.
History:  1995 a. 391 ss. 13 to 15.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 27 - Public parks and places of recreation. › 27.07 - First class city option.

27.07
First class city option.
Any city of the 1st class may, at its option, act under ss. 27.08, 27.09, 27.10, 27.11, 27.12 and 27.14 or any part thereof, or under any other law applicable to any such city of the 1st class.
History:  1983 a. 192.