By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578

The Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Urban Forestry program cohosted their annual conference on Feb. 16-18 in Green Bay. One of the preeminent events in arboriculture and urban forestry, the gathering brought together hundreds of people from the private, public, nonprofit and academic sectors to network and share knowledge about urban forest management.

This year was a record-breaker: 946 attendees, the highest mark ever. Data was also compiled regarding organizational affiliations of attendees this year.

Represented state sectors include one or more staff/employees from the following organizations:

• 7 universities and technical colleges
• Over 120 private businesses in Wisconsin
• 8 utilities
• 7 counties
• 68 cities, villages and towns (representing a combined population of 2,622,074, or 45% of Wisconsin’s population)

It is a testament to the importance of urban forestry and the professionalism of its practitioners that so many people gather at this event to learn from one another. It is also a tribute to the organizers who planned, promoted and managed the conference.

Thirty-seven different speakers were featured, touching on a wide range of subjects relevant to the urban forestry community, from technical standards to predicting storm failure, workplace safety, and tree selection. Beyond the formal presentations, there was a robust collection of booths in the Exhibit Hall, where climbing and equipment demonstrations also took place. The full program can be found online.

Great work and skill were also celebrated, first on Monday with Tree Climbing Championship awards, and then on the final day when the WAA and Wisconsin Urban Forest Council recognized people, programs and communities making important contributions to urban forestry.

Attendees always leave the conference looking forward to the next one. Though the big, multi-day event will have to wait, luckily, the WAA will host a summer and fall conference later this year! Keep an eye on the WAA website for more upcoming events and learn how to become a member.