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.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5866
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-04T08:07:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill (H.R. 5866) aims to enable a land exchange in the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin, by requiring the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to release a federal "reversionary interest" (a right for the land to revert back to the federal government if not used as intended). This release would allow the State of Wisconsin to transfer about 31.83 acres of state forest land to a private business, Deli, Inc., in exchange for approximately 37.27 acres of other land that would then become part of the state forest.
Key Provisions
- Definitions:
- "Deli, Inc." refers to a sphagnum moss production company in Millston, Wisconsin.
- "Deli land" describes two specific parcels totaling about 37.27 acres owned or optioned by Deli, Inc., detailed by legal surveys and boundaries (e.g., excluding certain rights-of-way and subject to existing easements).
- "State forest land" covers about 31.83 acres in two parcels within the Black River State Forest, also precisely described by surveys.
- References a specific map titled "Black River State Forest - Deli, Inc." dated June 26, 2023.
- Congressional Findings:
- The state forest land is currently burdened by a federal reversionary interest under the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act (a 1937 law requiring such land to be used for public purposes forever).
- Wisconsin and Deli, Inc., have agreed to swap lands, with the Deli land joining the state forest.
- Conditional Release Mechanism:
- If Wisconsin provides a written agreement to convey the state forest land to Deli, Inc., in exchange for the Deli land (subject to approvals from state agencies like the Department of Natural Resources and the Governor), the U.S. must release its reversionary interest.
- The Secretary of Agriculture must quickly issue a quitclaim deed (a legal document that releases any U.S. claim to the land without payment) as recordable evidence of the release.
- This deed must be provided to Wisconsin for recording before the exchange deeds are finalized.
- Corrections Allowed: The Secretary, in consultation with Wisconsin, can adjust the legal descriptions of the state forest land in the deed if needed for accuracy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies the application of the Bankhead-Jones Farm Tenant Act's Section 32(c), which previously enforced perpetual public use of the land by retaining the federal reversionary interest.
- It introduces a one-time, conditional exception for this specific parcel, allowing the federal interest to be released via quitclaim deed without compensation, overriding the perpetual public-use requirement for this exchange.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must act promptly to process the release and deed, potentially setting administrative precedents for similar land deals. Wisconsin's Department of Natural Resources and Natural Resources Board will gain about 5.44 more acres for the state forest (37.27 minus 31.83) while losing the original parcels, possibly improving forest management or connectivity.
- On Citizens: Local communities in Millston, Wisconsin, may see minor changes to public access in the Black River State Forest, but the net forest acreage increases slightly. No broad national impacts on citizens.
- On International Relations: None, as this is a domestic land matter confined to U.S. federal and state interests.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Department of Agriculture/Secretary of Agriculture: Responsible for executing the release and providing the quitclaim deed.
- State of Wisconsin (including Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Board, and Governor): Must approve and execute the land exchange; benefits from expanded forest land.
- Deli, Inc.: Gains clear title to the 31.83 acres of state forest land for its sphagnum moss business operations.
- Local Community (Town of Millston, Jackson County): Indirectly affected through changes in land use, potential economic benefits from Deli, Inc.'s business, and forest preservation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a targeted waiver of federal property rights under an existing statute, emphasizing conditional triggers (e.g., written agreements and state approvals) to ensure the exchange serves public forest interests. The quitclaim deed process simplifies title transfer but requires precise legal descriptions to avoid disputes.
- Constitutional: No direct challenges; aligns with Congress's authority over federal lands and property dispositions under Article IV, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.
- Political: Could encourage similar land swaps for economic development (e.g., supporting local businesses like moss production) while maintaining environmental goals, but it highlights tensions between federal oversight and state/local priorities in land management. As a narrow bill referred only to the House Committee on Agriculture, it may face limited debate unless expanded.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- 2025-10-28: Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in House
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- 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. — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (6 pages)