In addition to generating revenue for school libraries, the agency manages nearly 77,000 acres of land which remain from over 10 million acres originally granted by the federal government and Wisconsin's earliest days as a state. In 2006, the agency was granted land bank authority (see page 25) to prevent forest fragmentation, increase public access and keep our forests producing timber and jobs in a sustainable manner. In the 2009-2011 biennium, the agency used this authority to sell 2,768.26 acres of non-productive and ecologically sensitive lands to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for permanent protection and subsequently purchase a comparable amount of land for increased timber productivity. These purchases will keep valuable forests producing timber income for our beneficiaries for years to come. Since Land Bank Authority began, timber producing lands have increased by 10% and public access to BCPL lands has increased by over 16%. In spite of a significant drop in timber prices, the BCPL increased timber revenue earnings by approximately 3% to a total of $1,004,623.10.

Our land records archive provides a rich source of historical information and paints a colorful picture of Wisconsin's early settlement. This biennium we focused on document preservation and outreach. Federal land patents to the State of Wisconsin, dating from 1855 to 1869, were sent to the Wisconsin Historical Society for cleaning and flattening. The conservation work performed on these patents helps to stabilize the documents so they can be digitized, indexed and added to the on-line archives collection.

In an effort to increase public awareness of our land records collection, presentations were given to various organizations including surveyors, registers of deeds, and librarians. These presentations have resulted in requests from publishers, historical societies, and individuals for information about these rare documents.

As we celebrate all of these accomplishments, we are mindful of carrying on Wisconsin's pioneering commitment to public education. On behalf of today's Commissioners and the agency's dedicated staff, thank you for your confidence in us as capable stewards of the lands, moneys, and records we hold in trust for all of Wisconsin's citizens.

The Honorable, The Senate:

The following lobbyists have been authorized to act on behalf of the organizations set opposite their names.

For more detailed information about these lobbyists and organizations and a complete list of organizations and people authorized to lobby the 2011-2012 session of the legislature, visit the Government Accountability Board's web site at http://gab.wi.gov/.

Kelchen, Emily Northern States Power d/b/a Xcel Energy
Vercauteren, Jeffrey Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association,

Also available from the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board are reports identifying the amount and value of time state agencies have spent to affect legislative action and reports of expenditures for lobbying activities filed by organizations that employ lobbyists.

The Honorable, The Legislature:

This report is transmitted as required by s. 20.002(11)(f), Wisconsin Statutes, (for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under s. 13.172(3), Wisconsin Statutes) and confirms that the Department of Administration has found in necessary to exercise the "temporary reallocation of balances" authority provided by this section in order to meet payment responsibilities and cover resulting negative cash balances during the month of October 2011.

On October 1, 2011, the Workers Compensation Fund cash balance closed at a negative $414 thousand. The cash balance remained negative through October 31, 2011, when in reached a negative $491 thousand (its intra-month low).

Referred to joint committee on Finance.

Senate Clearinghouse Rule 11-031

Senate Clearinghouse Rule 11-032

Senate Clearinghouse Rule 11-038