Government Relations

Our Government Relations Committee advocates for Right to Burn Legislation in Wisconsin modeled after other states.

Prescribed Fire Legislation – What are other states doing?

Establishes a Certified Burn Manager program administered by the Div .of Forestry.
Authorizes and promotes the continued use of prescribed burning for ecological, silvicultural, wildlife management and range management purposes.
Protects prescribed burners from civil liability as long as they or their agents are not found generally negligent.
Prescribed burns conducted in accordance with the statute may not be required to be terminated because of nuisance complaints

Establishes that prescribed burning does not constitute a public nuisance
Defines a “certified prescribed burn manager” and establishes a certification program
Establishes exemption from liability regarding damage or injury resulting from smoke
Other requirements include a burn plan, adequate fire breaks, and sufficient equipment and personnel

Recognizes prescribed burning as a beneficial management tool
Establishes a “Certified prescribed burner” program
Establishes exemption from liability for civil action regarding damage or injury from smoke
Enumerates requirements for burn plans.

Law specifically allows for burning for management purposes and establishes procedure to do so.
Establishes who must be contacted (neighbors, authorities)
Burners must complete a burn plan.

Establishes "certified prescribed fire manager" certification requirements
Establishes that prescribed fires conducted in accordance with the standards are considered in the public interest and cannot be considered a nuisance.
Recognizes prescribed burning as a beneficial management tool
Requires prescribed fire plan for authorization to burn

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