By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578
We are pleased to offer a new resource to communities to help assess, celebrate and share information about your community’s trees and the benefits they provide.
For the 165 communities that we have inventory data on (those communities within the Wisconsin Community Tree Map), we have created summary sheets like the sample shown below. These offer a quick snapshot of your community’s species and structural diversity, canopy cover and the i-Tree derived ecosystem services for both the publicly maintained trees as well as those of the whole community. Continue reading “Forest Summary Sheets Available For Your Community!”
Over the years, a growing body of research has proven that regular access to trees makes us happier and healthier. They restore our sense of calm from head to toe — improving memory and attention span, enhancing cognitive functioning, lowering blood pressure and reducing cortisol levels. 
With recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133, more affectionately known at “The Z”, is the standard that contains arboriculture safety requirements for pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing trees, cutting brush and using equipment in such operations. If you’re reading this newsletter, you, your staff or your contactors likely participate in work that falls under the purview of this standard. 
* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute endorsement by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
