By Jenn Janness, Urban Forestry Council Liaison
Jennipher.Janness@wisconsin.gov or 920-809-9330

The purpose of the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is to advise the state forester and the Wisconsin DNR on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources. Members are appointed by the DNR Secretary and represent a wide array of stakeholders, including municipal and utility foresters, medical and higher education professionals, nursery and green industry staff, environmental groups, public works and parks staff, organizations such as the Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA), the Urban Wood Network Wisconsin, the League of Wisconsin Municipalities and government agencies such as WisDOT and DATCP.

Topics discussed at the quarterly meeting include innovations and research, potential and current collaborations—including within the DNR, opportunities and challenges facing the industry and raising the awareness of urban and community forestry as a whole. The council also supports progress in urban forestry through dynamic issue groups that are currently focused on increasing tree species and age diversity throughout the state, improving workforce development opportunities, raising awareness surrounding the health benefits of urban trees and promoting the use of trees in stormwater mitigation.

The council also recognizes individuals, organizations and projects that have made a significant contribution to urban forestry in Wisconsin through the annual Urban Forestry Council Awards. These awards are presented every February at the WAA-DNR Urban Forestry Conference. Watch for the 2026 winners to be announced in next month’s newsletter.

Read the 2025 Urban Forestry Council Biennial Report to learn more about the accomplishments and recommendations of the council.