S. 1262: 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.

This bill, titled S. 1262, proposes the release of a reversionary interest held by the United States in certain land located in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin. The main components of the bill can be summarized as follows:

Release of Reversionary Interest

The bill states that:

• The Secretary of Agriculture is required to release the federal government's reversionary interest in approximately 31.83 acres of land in the Black River State Forest. This federal interest traditionally mandates that the land is used for public purposes forever.
• The release would take place if the State of Wisconsin agrees to exchange this State forest land with Deli, Inc., a business engaged in sphagnum moss production.

Definitions

The legislation defines key terms applicable to the transaction:

• Deli, Inc.: Refers to a specific business in Millston, Wisconsin, that produces sphagnum moss.
• Deli land: Identifies approximately 37.27 acres of land in Millston involved in the exchange.
• State forest land: Refers to the 31.83 acres of forest land in the Black River State Forest described within the legislation.

Conditional Release

• The bill includes findings that recognize the necessity of releasing the federal interest due to an agreement whereby the State will convey the State forest land to Deli, Inc. in exchange for Deli land.
• Once the exchange occurs, the Deli land will be incorporated into the Black River State Forest.

Written Agreement

The Secretary of Agriculture must provide a quitclaim deed documenting the release of the reversionary interest. Key points include:

• The quitclaim deed will officially transfer any federal interest in the State forest land without any compensation.
• This deed must be recorded prior to the recording of any deeds related to the exchange.

Corrections

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to make any necessary corrections to the legal descriptions of the land involved in the quitclaim deed in collaboration with State officials.

Key Parameters of the Land Description

The bill specifies the dimensions and characteristics of both the Deli land and State forest land, including information about the location and any existing easements or restrictions that may impact the exchange.

Impact on State Forest Management

This transaction is designed to facilitate the management of land within the state, creating opportunities for land under the control of Deli, Inc. to become part of the public forest, potentially enhancing public access or environmental benefits from the land.

Relevant Companies

• DELI: Deli, Inc., the company mentioned in the bill, may be directly impacted by this legislation as it seeks to expand its operational footprint by acquiring state forest land for commercial purposes.