Month: February 2026

Phomopsis, Black Knot Easily Found In Winter

Posted on by akabelowsky
Phomopsis galls are found on branches of a northern red oak.

This northern red oak has many large Phomopsis galls. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665

Winter is a great time to admire the structure of trees. When they are without leaves, you can see how the branches are arranged, how large or small the branches are, and if they are fairly straight or contorted. You might also notice some swellings or growths on those branches.

Two types that can really make a statement are Phomopsis and black knot.

Continue reading “Phomopsis, Black Knot Easily Found In Winter” →

Time To Consider A WMA-PFGP Grant Application

Posted on by akabelowsky
Volunteers working to remove invasive plants from a riverside forested area.

Volunteers at a garlic mustard-pulling event on the Montreal River in Iron County, part of a control project planned by a previous WMA-PFGP recipient. / Photo Credit: Ramona Shackleford, Northwoods Cooperative Weed Management Area

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

With an April 1 deadline on the horizon, it’s time for eligible Weed Management Groups (WMGs) to consider applying for a Weed Management Area-Private Forest Grant Program (WMA-PFGP) grant to address invasive forest plants in 2026.

The WMA-PFGP helps eligible groups both by dealing directly with the invasives and by providing education, information and outreach to others. The grants are meant as reimbursements that cover up to 75% of eligible costs, with a 25% match required.

Continue reading “Time To Consider A WMA-PFGP Grant Application” →

Forest Health Specialists Spread The News

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167

A DNR group in a forest discusses forest health issues .

Wisconsin DNR Forest Health specialist Bill McNee presents a hazard tree training talk to other DNR workers at Lizard Mound State Park in 2023. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Did any of your trees explode during the recent cold snap? Likely not.

Social media — and some traditional news outlets — grabbed hits and headlines by warning folks that the January cold snap could spark a phenomenon they called “exploding trees.”

But Bill McNee, an Oshkosh-based Forest Health specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), was there to prune the branches of the fast-growing viral story.

Continue reading “Forest Health Specialists Spread The News” →