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.
- Sponsor
- Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Dec 2, 2025
Bottom line
H.R. 5866 facilitates a specific land exchange in Wisconsin by removing a federal encumbrance, allowing the State to consolidate public forest land while enabling a private business to acquire specific parcels.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture to release a reversionary interest held by the United States in approximately 31.83 acres of land within the Black River State Forest in Millston, Wisconsin. This release is conditional upon a land exchange agreement where the State of Wisconsin conveys this land to Deli, Inc., a sphagnum moss production business, in exchange for Deli, Inc. conveying approximately 37.27 acres of its land to the State for inclusion in the Black River State Forest.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill streamlines a beneficial land exchange that allows the State of Wisconsin to consolidate and expand the Black River State Forest by acquiring new land from Deli, Inc., while also resolving a long-standing reversionary interest that limits the State's flexibility. They contend it supports both public land management goals and local economic activity by enabling Deli, Inc. to utilize the exchanged land.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that releasing federal reversionary interests, even for land exchanges, sets a precedent that could weaken federal oversight of lands originally granted for public purposes. They might also raise concerns about the specific valuation of the land parcels involved in the exchange, ensuring the public interest is fully protected, or question the appropriateness of federal intervention in what could be a state-level land management decision.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core purpose quickly.
Section 1(b)
Conditional Release of Federal Reversionary Interest for Land Exchange
This provision requires the Secretary of Agriculture to release the United States' reversionary interest in approximately 31.83 acres of land within the Black River State Forest. This release is contingent on the State of Wisconsin entering a written agreement to exchange this land with Deli, Inc. for approximately 37.27 acres of land owned by Deli, Inc. The land acquired from Deli, Inc. will then be added to the Black River State Forest.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is a practical solution to facilitate a mutually beneficial land exchange. It allows the State to optimize its public land holdings by acquiring new land for the Black River State Forest, potentially improving ecological connectivity or management efficiency, while also enabling a local business to consolidate its operations.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that the federal government should be cautious about releasing reversionary interests, as these were often established to ensure land use for public benefit. They might argue that such releases, even for land exchanges, could set a precedent that makes it easier to privatize public lands or undermine the original intent of federal land grants.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between maintaining strict federal control over lands with reversionary interests versus allowing flexibility for state-level land management and economic development through land exchanges. It balances the historical federal interest in public land use with the practical needs of state agencies and local businesses.