Species in the knotweed complex grow very quickly, causing large infestations on roadsides like this one. / Photo Credit: Randy Westbrooks, Invasive Plant Control, Inc., Bugwood.org
By Wisconsin DNR
With the scourge of knotweed about to gear up for another growing season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering information.
The DNR has created two fact sheets to instruct general and urban landowners on the best control methods for the fast-growing invasive plant.
Staining, in the shape of a many-pointed star, is evident in the cut ends of silver maple logs. / Photo Credit: Chris Firgens, Oconto County Forest
By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
Columbian timber beetle (Corthylus columbianus) is an ambrosia beetle native to the eastern United States.
In Wisconsin, we have had reports of Columbian Timber Beetle (CTB) attacking silver maple in the northeastern and lakeshore areas of the state, dating back to the early 1990s. The insects have caused significant staining from repeated attacks. In southern Wisconsin, CTB can attack oaks to a lesser degree, including bur, northern red and white oak.
Continue reading “Columbian Timber Beetle Fact Sheet Debuts”
The main page of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ new StoryMap on Japanese Stilt Grass on the Coulee Experimental State Forest. / Graphic Credit: Carter Hellenbrand, Wisconsin DNR
Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health program has created a new StoryMap documenting the history of Japanese stilt grass on the Coulee Experimental State Forest in La Crosse County.
Users will be able to see an overview of Japanese stilt grass, how to identify it and what control efforts have been implemented since this plant was discovered in 2020.
Continue reading “Japanese Stilt Grass History StoryMap Debuts”
Ken Raffa, professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Department of Entomology. / Photo Credit: University of Wisconsin-Madison
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Do you pity the poor tree, forced to stand defenseless against the ravages of insect pests, fungi and disease?
Then, you have not listened to Dr. Ken Raffa discuss the impressive natural defenses trees have developed.
Raffa, a professor emeritus with the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Entomology Department, recently appeared on Proforest Podforest podcast to discuss the topic “Inside the Tree’s Natural Defense.”
Continue reading “UW-Madison’s Raffa Talks Trees’ Natural Defenses”
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Forest Health specialists with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are booked to give public presentations during May.
The list of events that are open to the public: Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Public Appearances”
An airplane sprays pesticide over trees at Devils Lake State Park in Sauk County to help in the control of spongy moth caterpillars. / Photo Credit: Sue Johansen, Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has finalized aerial spraying plans for its 2025 Spongy Moth Suppression Program, with maps for the five selected treatment areas available online.
The treatment sites are at three state parks in Juneau, Marinette and Sauk counties that are highly valued for their recreational use. A total of 544 acres of trees will be treated with an aerial spray of “Foray” bacterial insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki.
Continue reading “2025 DNR Spongy Moth Spray Plans Announced”
A spongy moth caterpillar consumes a leaf. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
By Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
La Crosse County has become the latest Wisconsin location to be added to the state and federal spongy moth quarantine, joining most eastern and central Wisconsin counties already considered to be infested by the invasive insect.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced the change on April 1, based on trapping data collected last year.
Continue reading “La Crosse County Added To Spongy Moth Quarantine”
A beautiful view of Wisconsin forestland awaits visitors to Roche a Cri State Park in Adams County. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
“Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.”
Those were the words of Wisconsin’s most prominent conservation expert, Aldo Leopold, who authored the famous book, “A Sand County Almanac” among his many achievements.
This month, everyone in Wisconsin will have the chance to follow Leopold’s advice – even if in a small way, because many small efforts can add up to a prominent positive impact on Wisconsin’s trees and forests.
Continue reading “April Offers Opportunities For Tree Lovers”
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Ticks are active now, so it’s time to start taking precautions to prevent tick bites and transmission of the diseases they carry. Whenever temperatures at ground level get above 40-42 degrees Fahrenheit, ticks will start to be active.
Avoid creating infestations of invasive plants — such as this huge patch of garlic mustard — on your wooded properties; don’t transport or plant aggressive spreaders as you head up north this summer. / Photo Credit: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org
By Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Hitchhiking invasive plants, insects and pathogens are worthy of concern.
As you dream of days spent at the cabin up north, planting your garden or wandering in the woods, here are a few reminders to help you avoid bringing hitchhiking invasives along as you enjoy your spring and summer activities.
