Awards recognize urban and community forest friends

AWARDS RECOGNIZE URBAN AND COMMUNITY FOREST FRIENDS

February 14, 2012

GREEN BAY - The efforts of individuals and organizations to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin's urban and community forests have been recognized by the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council with a series of awards announced at the council's annual conference that was held in Green Bay at the end of January.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry on the best ways to manage urban and community forest resources. The awards are a way to recognize and thank individuals and organizations for their work and dedication and to help focus attention on a valuable community resource: the trees, plantings and habitat that are an integral part of Wisconsin's forest resource, according to Kelli Tuttle, president of Bluestem Forestry Consulting and council chair.

Recipients of the 2011 Urban Forestry Awards for their support of the state's urban and community forest resources are:

Dr. R. Chris Williamson, University of Wisconsin-Madison associate professor and state entomology specialist, received the Distinguished Service Award for his leadership in serving the urban forestry community through entomology research, education and outreach, with emphasis on invasive insects including emerald ash borer.

Oconomowoc Junior Women's Club and the City of Oconomowoc Parks & Forestry Department, received the Project Partnership Award for their sustained partnership to plant trees in Oconomowoc parks on Arbor Day in celebration of the birth of babies born to club members. More than 100 trees have been planted since 1982.

The Green Bay Packers, received the Innovations in Urban Forestry Award for "First Downs for Trees," an innovative approach to offset carbon produced during away game travel by planting trees in Brown County for each first down achieved during the regular season.

Arthur J. Bushue, Village of Clinton Trustee, received the Distinguished Service of an Elected Official Award in recognition of his leadership and support in guiding the development of a comprehensive urban forestry program for the Village of Clinton, which serves as a model for other Wisconsin communities.

Harry Libby received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of sustained leadership while serving as Middleton City Forester for 19 years and guiding the development of a comprehensive and proactive municipal urban forestry program resulting in increased tree canopy.

Award plaques and local recognition will be presented at award ceremonies in the honorees' home communities.

More information about Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council and how to nominate a worthy individual and/or project for recognition is available on the "Urban Forestry Council" pages of the DNR website.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Wyatt - 608-267-0568

Last Revised: Tuesday, February 14, 2012