Senate Bill 698 proposes amendments to the statutes governing managed forest land (MFL) in Wisconsin, specifically regarding the recording fees associated with the transfer and withdrawal of MFL designations. The bill stipulates that the $100 transfer fee and the $300 withdrawal fee will be deposited into the conservation fund and credited to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) appropriation for the payment of fees to registers of deeds. This change aims to streamline the financial processes related to MFL management and ensure that the funds are appropriately allocated.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language in several sections of the statutes to clarify the requirements for maintaining MFL designation after a transfer of ownership. It specifies that the transferee must file a form with the DNR within 30 days of the transfer, certifying their intent to comply with the existing management plan and providing proof of agreement from any encumbrancers on the land. The amendments also include updates to the withdrawal fee structure, ensuring that the fees collected are properly directed to the conservation fund and the DNR.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(2)(cr), 20.370, 77.88(2)(ac)1, 77.88, 77.88(5m)