The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Insider
An electronic newsletter of breaking news and valuable information for the Urban Forest community in Wisconsin and beyond.
Community Surveys Still Needed!
In September, the DNR and UW-Stevens Point sent the primary community forestry contact for each of Wisconsin’s 685 cities, villages and urban towns a bright yellow questionnaire entitled "Trees in Your Community." To date we have only received responses from 45% of the communities. We need at least 70% response to have accurate data!
This survey is critical for the DNR urban forestry program to best serve your needs and advocate for state support for the care of your community's trees. If you received the survey and haven't done so already, please fill it out and return it in the postage paid envelope as soon as possible. Since we need to have at least 70% response, we will have to start calling recipients until we reach that goal. Please save us, and you, the time and trouble of those phone calls by responding today!
Your community’s participation is critical whether you have an active tree planting and care program or not. If you've misplaced your survey or have questions, please contact David Tutton by phone (262-527-7980) or e-mail dtutt679@uwsp.edu.
Thanks!!
Dick Rideout
State Urban Forestry Coordinator
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December 5, 2008
This issue's contents:
In the News
- The Urban Tree Canopy - Conference of Mayors Publication
- Storm water Management & Trees - Science Daily
Specifically Wisconsin
- Urban Forestry Newsletter Online
- Tree City USA Deadline
- City Should Protect Trees - Post-Crescent
- Grafton Aims to Protect Ash Trees - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Emerald Ash Borer
- Wisconsin EAB Situation Weekly Report #6
- Furniture Designers & Urban Ash - Furniture Style
- IL City Considers Recycling Options - Chicago Tribune
- Firewood and EAB
Tools For Your Job
- Northeast Region Forest Pest Update
- Northern Region Forest Health Report
- Job Opportunity - Arborist, Waukesha
- National Urban Forestry Grants
- Urban Trees = Clean Air
Conferences & Seminars
The Urban Tree Canopy - Conference of Mayors Publication
"Community trees leverage the social, economic, and environmental value of cities, with forestry and related industries providing employment for over 1.6 million people and contributing $231.5 billion to the U.S. economy."
An important new publication is available on-line from Conference of Mayors: "Protecting and Developing the Urban Tree Canopy." The 135-city survey found 84% of cities view their tree activities as part of their overall sustainability and/or climate protection efforts. The report was commissioned by the organization's Community Tree Task Force currently co-chaired by Palatine (IL) Mayor Rita Mullins and Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo. The report was released at the Arbor Day Foundation's Partners in Community Forestry national conference on November 19.
Conference of Mayors [Exit DNR]
Also, a series of news releases, national news reports, and resource guides for mayors is available at:
Storm water Management & Trees - Science Daily
A new "how to" manual and supporting research on the topic of using trees for storm water management has recently been released. The suite of technology transfer items, Development of a Green Infrastructure Technology that Links Trees and Engineered Soil to Minimize Runoff from Pavement, is an Urban & Community Forestry challenge grant,awarded in 2004 under the advisement of NUCFAC (National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council.) This project was a collaborative effort between Virginia Tech, Cornell University, and the University of California at Davis.
Storm water Management & Trees [Exit DNR]
Urban Forestry Newsletter Online
The latest issue of the Wisconsin Urban & Community Forests newsletter, published by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, is available online. The traditionally available print copies will be available later this month due to the time needed for printing and mailing. In an effort to increase cost efficiency and timeliness the DNR is now offering electronic subscriptions. Help us conserve resources by changing your print subscription to electronic. And the photos are in color! See page 1 of the newsletter for information on how to subscribe.
Featured articles in this issue:
- Wisconsin's Urban Forest Inventory
- Village of Whiting Community Profile
- Emerald Ash Borer Summary
- Village of Shorewood Hills' EAB Readiness
- Notes from the UW Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic
- Stevens Point Promotes Tree Benefits
- And More
Tree City USA Deadline
The National Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA and Growth Award applications are due to Wisconsin DNR by December 31, 2008. Application materials and instructions are available at: http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/UF/awareness/WITCApplications.pdf . If you have questions or would like more information about becoming a Tree City, contact your regional urban forestry coordinator listed on our web site at: http://dnr.wi.gov/forestry/UF/staff/
Wisconsin is third in the nation for Tree City USAs with 173, just behind Illinois. Help move us up to #2 by becoming a Tree City USA this year!
City Should Protect Trees - Post-Crescent
Judy Gaines, columnist with the Appleton's Post-Crescent laments, " When a number of trees were removed from our neighborhood several years ago as sewer and paving work was being done, we assumed they would be replaced. In fact, we received a letter saying a new tree would be planted where our tree was removed and that it would be done at an appropriate time for planting. After waiting two planting seasons, I called the city forestry division of the Parks Department to request a particular variety. Instead, I learned a new tree would not be planted due to limiting visibility of Badger Avenue and the stop sign."
Grafton Aims to Protect Ash Trees -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
The Grafton Village Board has approved an "Adopt an Ash Tree" program in which residents can help protect village trees from devastation caused by the emerald ash borer. Under the program, a resident can sponsor a tree for $25, enough to treat it against the insect. The program is intended for residents who have an ash tree in front of their house or want to sponsor an ash tree in a village park. Village Engineer Dave Murphy told the Board of Public Works last month that budget constraints would make it difficult for the village to chemically treat all the ash trees in the village. Simply removing the trees also would be a huge cost, he said.
Wisconsin EAB Situation Weekly Report #6
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is known to exist in Ozaukee and Washington counties. A quarantine is currently in those counties and in Fond du Lac and Sheboygan counties. The quarantine prohibits the movement of any ash product – including all hardwood firewood – that could transport a life stage of EAB. Exceptions to the quarantine may be granted with approval by either WI DATCP or USDA APHIS PPQ. An ICS (Incident Command System) team has been designated to oversee and guide multi agency activities in the quarantine area.
EAB Weekly Situation Report #6 [Exit DNR]
Furniture Designers & Urban Ash - Furniture Style
With the rampant spread of the emerald ash borer, millions of trees nationwide in urban areas could end up being turned into wood chips and firewood. But there are some furniture designers who believe those urban trees don't have to have such a sad fate; they could be turned into furniture.
IL City Considers Recycling Options - Chicago Tribune
Looking at the possibility that every ash tree in Oak Park, IL eventually will be cut down because of the emerald ash borer infestation, officials are coming up with ways to turn a bad situation into something more sustainable.
Firewood and EAB
Firewood can move dormant stages of emerald ash borer (EAB) and other pests and diseases into areas previously free of those problems. Hunters or others who camp in the fall may return to their favorite spots next year only to find unhealthy, or possibly fewer, trees at the site. “Firewood is the perfect medium for moving around unwanted insects and diseases,” said Bob Dahl, chief regulatory officer with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). “Hidden beneath the bark, EAB or other harmful pests or diseases may be safely tucked away from winter’s cold, ready to emerge in the spring from wood that went unused.”
Northeast Region Forest Pest Update
The latest pest update by Linda Williams
Topics include:
Insects:
- Asian Long horned Beetle in MA
- EAB found again in WI
- EAB found again in Upper Peninsula
- EAB surveys continue
- EAB pesticide option for WI
- EAB reporting in WI
- Fall cankerworm moths
- Gypsy moth trapping maps completed
- Gypsy moth suppression application deadline
- Gypsy moth egg mass control
- Native ladybugs
- Winged ants
Diseases:
- Nectria canker on beech
- White trunk rot of aspen
Other:
- Firewood movement and quarantines
Northern Region Forest Health Report
November Forest Health Report by Brian Schwingle and Shane Weber
Featuring:
- Woolly Alder Aphids
- Acorn Pip Galls
- Thinning Clumps in Northern Hardwoods – Effects on Tree Health
- Emerald Ash Borer Update
- Gypsy Moth Suppression Program Deadline
- Entertaining Forest Health Links Eastern NOR Counties
Job Opportunity - Arborist, Waukesha
Performs arborist duties to plant, prune, maintain, and repair trees. Identify pest/disease conditions. Climb trees with gear. Operate aerial tower, chipper, stumper, loaders and trucks. Will assist in snow removal operations. High school or equivalent, two years of professional tree experience, ability to secure and maintain a Wisconsin Pesticide Certification Category 3, must be able to obtain (within 6 months of hire) and maintain a CDL with ABC endorsements and have an excellent driving record. Must pass a physical including drug screen. Waukesha County residency within 1 year of hire. Written exam. MUST complete an application. Mail to Human Resources, Room 205, Waukesha City Hall, 201 Delafield Street, Waukesha, WI 53188 or fax (262) 650-2572 by 4:00 P.M., Friday, February 13th, 2009. Application form available at www.ci.waukesha.wi.us/Human_Resources/forms.html.
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
National Urban Forestry Grants
The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council (NUCFAC) serves to advise the Secretary of Agriculture on the status of the nation’s urban and community forests. The Council seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests, by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources which if well managed, can improve the public’s health, and well being; economic viability and restore functioning environmental systems for people today and future generations.
This year the National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council has revised its grant categories and process to the Forest Service’s National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program. They anticipate $ 1 million in funding.
The funds will be divided into two main categories of: Innovation Grants, which are to focus on one of the Council’s identified priority areas. One or more grants may be awarded out of this category of the $500,000 available. The Best Practices Grants category, has smaller grants that are to address a Council priority list which will address improving existing urban forestry related best practices or develop a needed best practices related to urban forestry activities. A maximum of $50,000 per application can be awarded from $500,000 available.
The 2009 U S Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant (CFDA 10.675) instructions and application are posted on www.grants.gov. Applications are due by 11:59 PM, February 17, 2009 to www.grants.gov [Click on “Grant Opportunities”, then “Browse by agency”, Click on second to last agency listed “United States Department of Agriculture,” ,sort list by opening date, 2009 Urban Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program Request For Proposals, Click on Tab at the Top “Full Announcement” to view and download instructions and application cover sheet and narrative.] Use the free Adobe Acrobat 8.1.3 to down load and fill out application.
Grants.gov Help Contact Center
Open Monday - Friday, to help you with issues regarding Grants.gov. From 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time email support@grants.gov or call 1-800-518-4726.
If interested applicants are not already registered in grants.gov, they are encouraged to register now. The process may take up to two weeks to collect the required information.
Nancy Stremple, Executive Staff, Phone 202-205-7829, Email: nstremple@fs.fed.us
Robert Prather, U&CF Staff Assistant, Phone 202-205-1054, Email: rprather@fs.fed.us
Urban Trees = Clean Air
A web-based seminar series Urban Trees = Clean Air will be offered on December 11th and December 18th from 12 noon to 1:30pm CST. This free, two-part event will explore the importance of addressing air pollution and how trees can improve urban air quality. The speakers will present examples of innovative strategies that use tree planting to address air quality issues and build healthier communities. These seminars are hosted by National Arbor Day Foundation, U.S. Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, and Center for Chesapeake Communities. For access information please see www.urbantrees.org after December 5.
Agenda - December 11, 2008- Health Impacts of Air Pollution - Ashley Collins, Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago
- Tree Planting: An Innovative Measure in State Air Quality Planning - Gary Allen, Center for Chesapeake Communities
- The Great Clean Air Tree Planting Project - Andy Trotter, West Coast Arborists
- Climate Change Plan for the National Capital Region - Stuart Freudberg, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
More Conferences & Seminars
For more conferences and seminars check out WDNR's Urban Forest website.
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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