Sponsor
Derrick Van Orden
Representative · R-WI
Representative · R-WI
The bill transfers small, specific parcels to a state forest and a private moss business and clarifies title transfer procedures—improving local land use certainty and modestly expanding state-held public forest while reducing federal control and creating a precedent that could shift costs and public-land protections away from the federal government.
State of Wisconsin will add about 37.27 acres to Black River State Forest, expanding public forest holdings and local conservation/public recreation opportunities.
Deli, Inc. will receive about 31.83 acres for its sphagnum moss business, facilitating local small-business operations and potential local economic activity.
State and private parties gain clearer title transfer process because the bill requires a quitclaim deed from USDA before exchange deeds are recorded, reducing legal uncertainty and the risk of title disputes.
Rural communities and state governments may lose some federal control over formerly federal public-use land, potentially affecting long-term public access and conservation commitments.
Taxpayers and rural communities could see a precedent set for targeted land exchanges that favor private commercial uses over federal public-land protections, making similar future transfers more likely.
State governments and taxpayers may face shifted maintenance or liability costs if long-term federal oversight or responsibilities are conveyed away from the federal government.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Conditionally releases the U.S. reversionary interest in ~31.83 acres of Black River State Forest to allow a land exchange between Wisconsin and Deli, Inc.
Official title: To require the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest in certain land in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, and for other purposes.
Introduced October 28, 2025 by Derrick Van Orden · Last progress October 28, 2025
Releases the United States' reversionary interest in about 31.83 acres of State forest land in Black River State Forest (Millston, Jackson County, Wisconsin) if Wisconsin conveys that land to Deli, Inc. in exchange for roughly 37.27 acres owned or optioned by Deli, Inc. The Secretary of Agriculture must deliver a quitclaim deed and recordable evidence of the release before the exchange deeds are recorded and may correct legal descriptions in consultation with the State.