EXHIBIT (23.1) CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement of Badger Paper Mills, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No. 333-01671) of our report dated May 21, 2002, on our audit of the financial statements and supplemental schedules of Badger Paper Mills Profit Sharing Plan and Trust for Non-Union Employees as of and for the year ended December 31, 2001, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 11-K. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Appleton, Wisconsin June 28, 2002 18