Protecting the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

ELPC has taken the lead in fighting to protect one of Wisconsin’s most precious natural resources, the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The CNNF has been identified as one of the “10 most endangered national forests” in the nation.

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is working through federal courts to protect this treasured resource. Learn about CNNF litigation and advocacy here. You can hear ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner talk about our efforts to slow the rate of logging in this interview with Milwaukee Public Radio.

The Governor’s Task Force on the Environment has been another of our priorities in the state.

The 2007 Farm Bill also will benefit Wisconsin’s burgeoning renewable energy sector. The state recently increased it’s commitment to clean energy with a a new Renewable Portfolio Standard requiring that 10% of electricity come from renewable energy by 2015. ELPC and Wisconsin allies are now developing plans to use the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP, formerly Section 9006) to realize this goal.

Wisconsin has already benefitted greatly from REAP, receiving the third highest amount of grants for any state. Wisconsin farms and rural businesses have received $12 million in grants for 65 projects from 2003-2007. With Wisconsin’s great diary industry, manure digesters have figured prominently, with 34 digester projects funded.

Have questions about our work in Wisconsin? Contact our Madison office at 608-661-9099 or by clicking here.