ROGERS CITY — The Presque Isle County Board of Commissioners signed a letter of support for Presque Isle Conservation Forester Brittany VanderWall during Wednesday’s commissioners meeting.

“This is a show of support. It’s a countywide measure to say we support this local resource. It’s a taxpayer offered service,” VanderWall said. “I feel like I’ve done a lot of good for the county. Every time these cuts come on the table if we got our county commissioners to sign on some support.”

She said the proposed state budget cuts for the forester program are substantial.

“Even if they cut one forester it undermines the program statewide because we have a set of goals we need to achieve as a cohort. If they cut some of the foresters, to me it’s the beginning of cutting all foresters,” she said.

Commissioner Michael Darga asked if the county would then have to hire a forester itself. VanderWall said if the county has the money it’s possible.

“Having a resource individualized within each county provides the local residents with that person that is an expert in their field; also knows the area, knows the land owners around here. A lot of the local residents know who I am and trust to have me on the property. We do a walk through I can connect them with people who can help. It’s been a successful program and I enjoy it. I think the county residents would say the same,” she said.

VanderWall said there are 20 foresters who cover 50 counties in the state. The letter in support would be sent to legislators as a way to show them forestry services are welcome and needed in the county.

Commissioner Stephen Lang said he’s had VanderWall come to some of the properties in a housing association. She made certain suggestions for safety and proper land management.

“She’s done a wonderful job, just wonderful,” he said.

The board voted unanimously to sign a letter of support for the program.

Jordan Spence can be reached via email at jspence@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5687.