The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Insider

An electronic newsletter of breaking news and valuable information for the Urban Forest community in Wisconsin and beyond.

EAB press conference
Brian Kuhn, Plant Industry Bureau Director-DATCP and Darrell Zastrow Director of the Office of Forest Science, DNR, announce Wisconsin's first confirmation of emerald ash borer to members of the press and local officials. The announcement was made at the Riveredge Nature Center in Ozaukee County on August 4, 2008.
DATCP photo by Mick Skwarok

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August 8, 2008


EAB Stories Shared. . . Lessons Learned - Communication

This is the third entry in a ten-part series compiled by DNR urban forestry staff who visited Michigan and Ohio communities dealing firsthand with EAB infestations. These entries bring you stories shared by these communities and offer supplemental information such as specific examples, documents, web sites and ideas you can implement to play a proactive role in facing the threat of EAB.

“Take a field tour with community officials to show them where their money is going. It’s hard to get their attention until the tree in their front yard is dead.”

EAB Communication [PDF, 181KB]   Full series


Second EAB Find in Wisconsin & Quarantines

A second find of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Wisconsin has been announced. EAB has now been detected in Washington County, not far from Wisconsin's first confirmed case in neighboring Ozaukee County. Three adult beetles were found on August 1 stuck to a purple EAB trap located in Fireman's Park in the village of Newburg.

The two counties where emerald ash borer has been confirmed, along with two additional neighboring counties, have been placed under quarantine in an effort to help prevent the human-aided spread of EAB. The quarantine includes all of Ozaukee, Washington, Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. The purpose of the quarantine is to limit the artificial spread of emerald ash borers which may be present in ash nursery stock, hardwood firewood, timber or other articles that could spread EAB into other areas of Wisconsin or other states.

Second EAB Find & Quarantine [exit DNR]


Emerald Ash Borer Found in Wisconsin

Officials with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Natural Resources today announced the first confirmed occurrence of emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive, destructive insect pest of ash trees, in Wisconsin. The discovery was made by forest health specialists investigating a citizen report of dying ash trees in a private woodlot in Ozaukee County, near the Village of Newburg.

EAB in Wisconsin [exit DNR]


NUCFAC Deadline Extended to September 3, 2008

The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) is currently looking to fill three positions. The Council was established in 1990 through an amendment to the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 (16 U.S.C. 2105). The purposes of the Council is specifically to: 1) develop a national urban and community forestry action plan; 2) evaluate the implementation of the plan; and 3) develop criteria and annually make recommendations on the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry challenge cost-share program.

If you or someone you know is interested in serving on this Council, please fill out the attached form. Please review each position description for eligibility. Nominations are due by September 3, 2008

NUCFAC Application [exit DNR]


The Hunt for Urban Wood

A New York fuel supplier is betting big that the practice of burning urban wood wastes to generate electricity will continue to grow in popularity in the United States.

Urban Wood [exit DNR]


Log Splitter Engines Recalled By American Honda Motor Company

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Engines used in SpeeCo and Huskee Brand Log Splitters

Manufacturer: American Honda Motor Corp., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The engine's fuel tank can crack and leak, posing a risk of fire or explosion.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the affected log splitters and contact any Honda Lawn and Garden dealer or Honda Engine dealer for a free repair. Registered owners of the recalled log splitters will be mailed a notice.

To see this recall notice [exit DNR]


State Assembly Forestry Chairman Friske Statement on EAB

On Monday, August 4, 2008, Representative Donald Friske (R – Merrill) made the following statement about the detection of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in southeastern Wisconsin:

“Wisconsin now must place its trust in the commitment of its citizens, scientists, foresters and loggers to limit the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer. To that end, the Wisconsin State Assembly Committee on Forestry is committed to assisting those in the field including, DNR, DATCP, county and local foresters and our private sector partners, as we combat EAB throughout Wisconsin. . ."

Friske EAB Statement [exit DNR]


Public Hearing Notice - Invasive Species

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will hold a series of public hearings around the state in August on proposed rules relating to the identification, classification and control of invasive species.

To access the official public hearing site [exit DNR]

DNR's website with detailed information on the rule

If you choose to comment via email, please address it to: DNRNR40Comments@wisconsin.gov

If you choose to comment in writing, please address it to: NR 40 Comments, Endangered Resources-6, DNR, Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921


Oak Wilt Disease Showing Up in Southern Wisconsin

The first signs of oak wilt, a tree-killing fungal disease, are now appearing in infected trees in counties in the southern two-thirds of Wisconsin. Oak wilt plugs the water- and nutrient-conducting channels in the tree, and affects trees in both the red oak and white oak groups.

Oak Wilt in Southern Wisconsin


Transitions at the Center for Resilient Cities

In April, the Center for Resilient Cities hired Thomas R. Dunbar, FASLA, as Executive Director.

Dunbar previously served as Principal, Landscape Architect, and Planner for Dunbar/Jones PLC in Des Moines, Iowa. Former Executive Director, Heather Mann, will continue to work with the organization by guiding the leadership transition process. As the Center’s new National Program Director, Mann will identify partnership opportunities with national leaders working toward building resilient communities.

Read More about the Center for Resilient Cities [exit DNR]


Wisconsin EAB Newsletter

Second edition of the newly launched Wisconsin EAB Newsletter.

WI EAB Newsletter [exit DNR]


Wisconsin's EAB Response Plan - Updated July, 2008

The latest science and research on emerald ash borer has been incorporated into Wisconsin's EAB Response Plan, updated July, 2008.

Click here to read the new document [exit DNR]


Illinois EAB Newsletter

Current information on Illinois EAB efforts are reported in the June issue of the Illinois EAB newsletter.

IL EAB [exit DNR]


Wisconsin Urban & Community Forests Newsletter Online

The early summer edition of the Wisconsin Urban & Community Forests, quarterly newsletter of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Division is available online. This issue features articles on the effects of flooding on plants, a community profile on the Village of Greendale, community Arbor Day photos and more. View Arbor Day planting photos from around the state on page 5.

WU&CF Newsletter


Northeast Region Forest Pest Update

Pest update by Linda Williams.

Topics include:

Insects:
Arborvitae Sawfly
Dusky Birch Sawfly
European Elm Flea Weevil
Emerald Ash Borer
European Pine Sawfly
Gypsy Moth
Hemlock Looper
Diseases:
Aspen Leaf Diseases
Dutch Elm Disease
Oak Wilt
Pine Needle Rust
Rhizosphaera Needlecast
Other:
Flooding
Hail Damage
Twisted Spruce

NER Pest Update


West Central Region Forest Pest Update

Pest update by Todd Lanigan

Topics Covered:

Insects:
Gypsy Moth
Emerald Ash Borer
Jack Pine Budworm
Postoak Locust
Diseases:
Bacterial Leaf Scorch
Other:
Hemlock Mortality

WCR Pest Update


South Central & Southeast Regions Forest Pest Update

Topics in this update:
Flood damage on trees
EAB News - EAB is one step closer to WI!
Gypsy moth updates
Rhizosphaera needlecast
Wilt disease symptoms are showing up

SCR & SER Pest Update


Job Opportunity - UF Program Manager - Maryland

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Forest Service, is currently accepting

Applications for a Program Manager I, which serves as the Supervisor of the Urban and Community Forestry Program based in Annapolis, MD. Closing date August 20.

Maryland DNR [exit DNR]


DNR Workshops - Planting Trees That Work

Arborists and landscape professionals of course should know how to plant trees properly, but the need to get the greatest environmental, social and economic benefits from those trees adds new complexity to the issue. This one-day workshop will show parks and tree professionals how to plant trees to achieve specific and maximum benefits over time. You’ll also learn about the latest selection, handling, planting and maintenance techniques to assure that your new trees will thrive long into the future. The workshop will include classroom instruction and outdoor demonstrations to provide hands-on reinforcement. Registration deadline August 29.

DNR Workshops


Deep Roots Research -USDA Webcast

The U.S. Forest Service, Northern Research Station's Urban Natural Resources Institute

The U.S. Forest Service will host an informational Webcast on Wednesday, August 13th at 10:00 AM (central) on "Deep Roots Research", by Gary Johnson, University of Minnesota, Extension Professor. Deep or buried root systems have been causing problems for arborists for decades. When root systems stop functioning normally, the entire tree system begins a progressive decline in health and stability.  For almost fifteen years, the University of Minnesota has been studying the effects of three types of dysfunctional root systems:  buried roots, stem girdling roots (SGRs), and pot-bound root systems.  This webcast will focus on the SGR frequency surveys, predisposition to wind storm failures, and the effectiveness of root pruning techniques.

From the convenience of your own office or home computer, you can simply log in to the webcast Internet site to see the presentation, and dial-in via your telephone to hear the corresponding audio. Please plan to participate in this Informational Webcast, which will last approximately 60 minutes.

For more information and log-in details [exit DNR]


Joint Utility & Municipal Arborist Meeting - September, 2008

A regional joint meeting of the Utility Arborist Association (UAA) & Society of Municipal Arborists (SMA) will take place at the Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL on September 3 & 4, 2008.

Program Information [exit DNR]


“The tree care industry’s biggest show is in Milwaukee Nov. 13-15, 2008”

The world’s largest tree care industry trade show and conference is coming to Milwaukee, WI Nov. 13-15, 2008 (pre-conference workshops Nov. 12)! Bring your team to EXPO for the best deals on the newest tools, heavy equipment and gear, over 60 hours of education and CEUs, and to meet and mingle with over 3,000 industry professionals. Featuring three educational tracks, demonstrations, raffles, free receptions, and the most displays of any show in the industry, TCI EXPO is not to be missed!

TCI EXPO [exit DNR]


Advancing Urban Forestry: New Technologies & Funding Streams

NCDC Imaging and RFP Mapping LLC are hosting a workshop at the Morton Arboretum on Tuesday, September 16, from 8:30 AM to 12 noon.

Agenda and Topics:

- Integrated urban forest management through assessing urban tree canopy, available planting space & setting canopy cover goals

- Support for near-term grant funding and cost-share opportunities

- Case studies highlighting innovative urban forestry and interdisciplinary collaboration

Cost is $50 per person and seating is limited. For additional information contact Bill Peel 815-477-3480.

Registration [exit DNR]



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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Last Revised: Thursday August 14 2008