The Wisconsin Forestry Revitalization Act (SB 456) represents a major step forward for the state’s forest economy, creating new markets for low-value wood and strengthening the long-term health of Wisconsin’s working forests. Central to the legislation is support for a proposed woody biomass facility in Hayward that would convert forest material into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
This initiative is expected to drive up to $1.5 billion in total investment across Northern Wisconsin’s forest products sector, supported by performance-based incentives of up to $120 million in tax credits to attract private capital and secure the project locally.
Just as important as the economic impact are the conservation benefits. By creating a reliable market for underutilized woody biomass and low-grade timber, the legislation helps make active forest management more financially viable for landowners and land managers. This, in turn, supports the kind of science-based forest management practices such as sustaining multi-age class forests and creating young forest that are critical to sustaining healthy, diverse wildlife populations.
Ruffed grouse and American woodcock, both of which depend on early successional forest habitats, stand to benefit directly from increased management activity. These species require a mosaic of forest stands for feeding, nesting, and brood-rearing habitats that decline without periodic disturbance and active timber harvest. By improving markets for low-value and underutilized wood, this legislation helps ensure those habitats continue to be created across the landscape.
A wide range of other woodland wildlife will also benefit, including golden-winged warblers, white-tailed deer, black bear, sharp-tailed grouse through rolling barrens management, and numerous pollinators and songbirds that rely on regenerating forests. Healthier, more actively managed forests are also more resilient to pests, disease, and wildfire, further enhancing long-term habitat stability.
