Month: July 2018

Burning Questions: Is my campfire really a campfire?

The first step in campfire safety is to understand the difference between a campfire and a fire to dispose of debris.

A campfire is kept small and used for cooking or warming.

A campfire is kept small and used for cooking or warming.

• Campfires are solely for warming or cooking purposes, are smaller in size and comprised of clean and dry wood, contained within a designated fire ring or surrounded by rocks. Campfires are allowed anytime, except when Emergency Burning Restrictions are in effect.

 

Burning in a fire ring with the intent to eliminate debris is not a campfire.

Burning in a fire ring with the intent to eliminate debris is not a campfire.

 

 

• Burning in a fire ring with the intent to eliminate debris is NOT a campfire and does require a burning permit in DNR protection areas.  A permit can be obtained from your local Emergency Fire Warden, or from the website http://dnr.wi.gov keyword “burn”, or by calling 1-888-WIS-BURN (947-2876).

 

No matter what type of outdoor fire you have, check the daily burning restrictions for your area before ignition and never leave a fire unattended.  Don’t forget that embers can remain hot for days after the fire has burned down to ashes, so make sure to use plenty of water and stir the ashes to ensure they are out cold.  Remember, you may be held responsible for all suppression costs and potentially any damages associated if your fire escapes.

Bay-Lake RPC announces the award of 18 tree planting grants

Four Wisconsin regional planning commissions (RPC), Bay-Lake RPC, East Central Wisconsin RPC, Northwest Wisconsin RPC, and Southeastern Wisconsin RPC, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have jointly awarded a total $122,200 to communities under their 2018 Wisconsin RPCs and DNR Great Lakes Basin Tree Planting Grant Program. The DNR marketed the grant opportunity, provided process guidance and assistance ranking the grants. Eighteen Wisconsin communities will receive funds for projects to reduce runoff and mitigate the impacts of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). Continue reading “Bay-Lake RPC announces the award of 18 tree planting grants”

Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council announces new members

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is pleased to announce the addition of three new members to the group. We are especially pleased to have increased our geographic and professional diversity and look forward to working with them on issues related to Wisconsin’s urban and community forests. Continue reading “Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council announces new members”

Sparse-leafed elms and maples

Heavy seed production by a red maple. The Ohio State University.

Heavy seed production by a red maple. The Ohio State University.

By Todd Lanigan, forest health specialist, Eau Claire. todd.lanigan@wisconsin.gov, 715-210-0150 and Paul Cigan, forest health specialist, Hayword. Paul.Cigan@wisconsin.gov, 715-416-4920

There have been reports that some elm and maple trees in the state have fewer leaves than normal this spring. The likely reason is that several elms and maples produced an unusually large amount of seed this year, which trees do periodically. During a heavy seed production years, the tree will produce fewer leaves, which may make it appear sparse. Continue reading “Sparse-leafed elms and maples”

Defoliation by June beetles

By Mike Hillstrom, forest health specialist, Fitchburg. Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov; (608) 513-7690

June beetles defoliating an oak sapling at night.

June beetles defoliating an oak sapling at night.

June beetles (also called May beetles) are defoliating oak, aspen and birch trees in several parts of Wisconsin this spring. These beetles are unusual in that they feed on foliage at night – look for defoliation during daytime hours although no insects are present. Although the highest densities of June beetles have been found in Crawford and Grant counties in southwest Wisconsin, forest health staff has also received reports of the insect from northeast and west central Wisconsin. Continue reading “Defoliation by June beetles”