The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Insider
An electronic newsletter of breaking news and valuable information for the Urban Forest community in Wisconsin and beyond.
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February 21, 2008
USDA Forest Service
This issue's contents:
In the News
- Federal Budget Cuts Urban Forestry
- Research Shows Misconceptions About Trees and Street Safety - Planetizen
- Iowa Officials Looking for EAB - Quad City Times
Specifically Wisconsin
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
- Ash Utilization Options Project
- Illinois February EAB Newsletter
- EAB Woodland Management
- Michigan Expands EAB Fight - Muskegon Chronicle
- Michigan EAB Resource What You Need to Know
Tools For Your Job
Conferences & Seminars
- Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP)
- EAB Research Seminar- March 19, 2008
- Annual Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course
- Rising From the Ashes - Furniture From Lost Trees
- More Conferences & Seminars
Federal Budget Cuts Urban Forestry 2009 Released
The President's budget for 2009 was released and all State and Private Forestry programs contained within the USDA Forest Service's budget experienced big cuts. The Urban and Community Forestry program is scheduled for an 82% reduction resulting in a $5 million budget. In the coming weeks, Alliance for Community Trees (ACT) will work with its partners in the Sustainable Urban Forests Coalition to develop a response and recommendations for the FY 2009 budget. ACT will keep urban forestry advocates informed and invite state and local entities to add their support to the united message of support for urban forests in our nation's budget.
Research Shows Misconceptions About Trees and Street Safety - Planetizen
Engineers have cited safety concerns in advising against tree planting along streets, but recent research shows that the rare tree-lined street may be less dangerous than the much more common street lined with parked cars.
Trees and Street Safety [exit DNR]
Iowa Officials Looking for EAB - Quad City Times
Although emerald ash borer has not been found in Iowa, Iowa State University Extension is in its fifth year of looking for it.
Volunteers Needed
Wisconsin Arborist Association is sponsoring a Day of Service on Thursday, March 6th from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at Mequon Nature Preserve. Join other arborists in good conversation and fellowship while assisting to eradicate invasives species! Food and beverages will be provided. Please RSVP by February 25th.
Winter Good Time to Prune Trees
Snow shoveling isnt the only winter yard work home and landowners may want to undertake. Winter is a good time for tree pruning especially on oak trees. Winter pruning greatly reduces the likelihood of spreading oak wilt and other tree diseases and minimizing pruning stress on trees, according to tree health experts.
Ash Utilization Options Project
The Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council (RC&D Council) currently is assisting communities and businesses in addressing the Emerald Ash Borer infestation in Southeast Michigan. Efforts focus on recycling and developing value-added products from trees removed as part of EAB eradication efforts, and include: demonstration projects, training sessions, an inventory program, and education and outreach efforts.
Ash Utilization Options Project [exit DNR]
Illinois February EAB Newsletter
Current information on Illinois EAB efforts are reported in the February issue of the EAB Newsletter.
EAB Woodland Management
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health working group has recently revised the bulletin "Preparing Wisconsin's Forests for the Emerald Ash Borer - Management Guidelines." The document addresses EAB woodland management.
Michigan Expands EAB Fight - Muskegon Chronicle
The Michigan Department of Agriculture said it was placing all of Mackinac County in the eastern Upper Peninsula within the quarantined area, which already includes the entire Lower Peninsula.
Michigan Quarantine Expands [exit DNR]
Michigan EAB Resource What You Need to Know
"Emerald Ash Borer What You Need to Know" is a DVD and CD compilation of information and educational resources on emerald ash borer, including community EAB management plans. Perfect for community leaders, Extension educators and regulatory personnel who are looking for resources to spread the word about this invasive pest. Homeowners can also benefit from the information available on this DVD/CD package.
"Emerald Ash Borer What You Need to Know" is available through Michigan State University Extension's bulletin office. Call 517-353-6740, and ask for DVD-024. The price is $24.95; discount available for orders of 10 or more.
Also available through the WDNR is "Emerald Ash Borer Toolkit for Wisconsin Communities."
Emerald Ash Borer What You Need to Know [exit DNR]
Northeast Region Forest Pest Update - 2/14/08
Topics this month include:
Insects:
- Emerald Ash Borer update
- EAB research seminar in IL
- Gypsy Moth
- Pigeon Tremex
- Valentine's Day story of love
Diseases:
- Annosum root rot
Other:
- Winter weather, will it affect insect populations?
Northeast Region Forest Pest Update
Urban Forestry Best Management Practices
The American Public Works Association and their partners - Forest Service, National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, Society for Municipal Arborists and Davey Resource Group have developed 4 BMPs especially designed for urban forestry entitled: Budget & Funding; Staffing; Ordinances, Regulations & Public Policies; and Urban Forest Management Plan. To access these plus information on the "Click, Listen & Learn Presentation" - "Developing and Managing an Urban Forestry Program for Public Works" visit:
Electrical Hazards Awareness Program (EHAP)
Electricity is a serious and widespread hazard to the arborist. Electricity causes about 30 percent of the fatalities in the tree care industry, making it the leading cause of worker fatality. One doesn't have to touch a wire to be electrocuted, and about half of all electrocution fatalities are the result of indirect contact.
Tree Care Industry Association will be conducting a free EHAP workshop on April 30, 2008 at Mid State Technical College Auditorium in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All necessary EHAP program materials will be provided at no cost. A nominal fee may be charged for lunch and refreshments.
Electronic Hazards Awareness Program
EAB Research Seminar - March 19, 2008
The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL will host an Emerald Ash Borer Research Seminar - Using Science to Guide Management on March 19th. This seminar brings together some of the top researchers working with EAB to help arborists, land managers and educators make decisions about management.
The Morton Arboretum is located in Lisle, Illinois approximately 30 miles west of Chicago.
Annual Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course
Save the date! March 25-26, 2008 Minnesota will be hosting the Shade Tree Short Course at Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN. This two-day course is designed for everyone involved in urban forestry and arboriculture. ISA Certified Arborist CEUs are available for all sessions.
Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course
Rising From the Ashes - Furniture From Lost Trees
Calling all wood workers! Or mark your calendars now for an exciting show of furniture made from EAB reclaimed ash wood. The Illinois EAB Wood Utilization Team in collaboration with the Chicago Furniture Designers Association is developing this Midwest show. The event is being partly supported by an Ash Reclamation Project grant from the US Forest Service Wood Education and Resource Center. Call for entries due February 29, 2008. The show will open at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL on August 22nd and run through September 7th.
More Conferences & Seminars
For more conferences and seminars, check out the WDNR's Urban Forestry webpage.
About the Insider
The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Insider is intended as a quick networking tool for all people actively working in the area of urban and community forestry, especially in the state of Wisconsin.
Items that cannot wait for our quarterly print newsletter, Wisconsin Urban & Community Forests, will appear here.
The Insider is produced biweekly by the Urban and Community Forestry program of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin. Past issues will be archived on the UF pages on the WDNR web site.
We are happy to accept your suggestions and contributions. Send them to the editor, at Laura.Wyatt@Wisconsin.gov. Or call her: 608/267-0568.
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