This month, nearly 700 communities across the state will receive a request in the mail to complete a questionnaire for an important project to determine the current management of community tree populations in Wisconsin.  The study is being jointly conducted and sponsored by the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Urban & Community Forestry Program, and the USDA Forest Service.  It serves to provide important information for the state program since the last community survey in 2008 and as a student project at UW – Stevens Point.

Wisconsin has a rich heritage of local tree programs and activities that serve as model programs for other communities throughout the country. This project will create an understanding of why community tree programs and activities throughout Wisconsin are successful and determine community needs to help improve success.

Results from the survey will also be used to understand changes in tree programs and activities over the last 25 years.  This information will be extremely valuable for decision makers to understand the impact that state and federal sponsored financial and technical assistance has on building local urban and community forestry programs.

If you receive a request to complete the questionnaire for your community, we thank you in advance for your consideration and time to make this project a success.  Stay tuned for results from the study, expected mid to late 2018!

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Rich Hauer, Professor of Urban Forestry at UW – Stevens Point, at rhauer@uwsp.edu.