Urban Forestry News

Japanese Beetles Finding New Locations

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

A closeup photo of Japanese beetles defoliating basswood leaves. The invasive pest is becoming more prevalent in northern Wisconsin.

A closeup photo of Japanese beetles defoliating basswood leaves. The invasive pest is becoming more prevalent in northern Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR

The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is an invasive insect that feeds on many plant species. The pests “skeletonize” leaves by eating the material between the veins.

Adult Japanese beetles feed on the flowers and leaves of more than 300 plant species, including trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Forest trees can be defoliated, with open-grown or edge trees suffering the highest defoliation rates.

Continue reading “Japanese Beetles Finding New Locations” →

CISMAs Plan Invasive Plant Events

Posted on by akabelowsky

When it comes to fighting invasive plants, Wisconsin’s Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) are often the first line of defense (and offense).

These regional groups provide a localized resource for landowners looking for invasive plant education, identification support and assistance with controlling invasives on their properties.

Continue reading “CISMAs Plan Invasive Plant Events” →

Oak Decline Continues In Southern Wisconsin

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Michael Hillstrom, Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov

Oak decline at Big Foot Beach State Park caused by flooding, drought, spongy moth defoliation, twolined chestnut borer and Armillaria. / Photo Credit: Michael Hillstrom, Wisconsin DNR

Bur and white oaks, most of them more than 100 years old, have experienced rapid mortality (within one to two years) over the past four years in southern Wisconsin and neighboring states. Research into the cause is ongoing, but the evidence so far suggests it’s an oak decline.

Oak declines are not caused by a single issue, but rather by the stacking of multiple health issues. Drought, flooding, storm damage, age, twolined chestnut borer, Armillaria and other root pathogens, and spongy moth and oak leafroller defoliation all play a role in the damage.

Continue reading “Oak Decline Continues In Southern Wisconsin” →

New Invasive Pest Discovered In Wisconsin

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

A closeup of an elm zigzag sawfly caterpillar consuming a leaf. The invasive insect, new to Wisconsin, was found on an elm tree near the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office in Oshkosh on July 16, 2024.

A closeup of an elm zigzag sawfly caterpillar consuming a leaf. The invasive insect, new to Wisconsin, was found on an elm tree near the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources office in Oshkosh on July 16, 2024. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR

The invasive insect elm zigzag sawfly (Aproceros leucopada) has been detected in Wisconsin for the first time.

Following the initial Wisconsin discovery in Portage County on July 4. Through Aug. 12, the pest has since been detected in 17 Wisconsin counties. Continue reading “New Invasive Pest Discovered In Wisconsin” →

Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In All 72 Counties

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

Closeup photo of an adult emerald ash borer. The pest has been detected in Burnett County, making it the 72nd and final county in Wisconsin that have confirmed presence of the invasive insect.

The emerald ash borer has been detected in Burnett County, making it the 72nd and final county in Wisconsin that have confirmed presence of the invasive insect. / Photo Credit: Paul Cigan, Wisconsin DNR

Sixteen years after the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) first detected emerald ash borer (EAB) in Wisconsin, the invasive beetle has been found in the last county without a previous detection.

Burnett County, in northwest Wisconsin, is the 72nd and final county to have a detection of the tree-killing pest.

Continue reading “Emerald Ash Borer Confirmed In All 72 Counties” →

UW Madison Extension Urban Forestry Workshop: Bare Root Trees And Gravel Beds

Posted on by janness

Join us for a two-part workshop on the value and uses of bare root trees and how to use gravel beds to hold and maintain bare root stock before it is planted. Part one will be delivered via Zoom on Friday, Sept. 20. Part two will be an in-person field day visit to an operating gravel bed. You will select one of the six locations around the state during registration. ISA CEUs will be available for both parts.

The cost of the workshop is $30, and the registration deadline is Sept. 12. Continue reading “UW Madison Extension Urban Forestry Workshop: Bare Root Trees And Gravel Beds” →

DNR Urban Forestry Council Welcomes New Members

Posted on by janness

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Division of Forestry recently welcomed two new members to the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council and said farewell to several members who contributed much to the council. In addition, eight council members renewed their commitment for another 3-year term.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is an advisory committee to the DNR’s Division of Forestry, guiding the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources. The council is comprised of 23 people appointed by the Secretary of the DNR.

Continue reading “DNR Urban Forestry Council Welcomes New Members” →

Upcoming Invasive Plant Management Workshops

Posted on by janness

Southeastern Wisconsin Invasive Species Consortium is teaming up again with Johnson’s Nursery, Inc.TM to offer Invasive Plant Management Workshops in 2024. Take this class to ensure that you are using the most appropriate, efficient, up-to-date and least environmentally damaging methods in those efforts. Continue reading “Upcoming Invasive Plant Management Workshops” →

Register For The 2024 Partners In Community Forestry Conference

Posted on by janness

The Arbor Day Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2024 Partners in Community Forestry Conference and Alliance for Community Trees Day will be held in Chicago, Illinois Nov. 20-21.

This gathering unites passionate individuals, communities, organizations and leaders to explore innovative solutions, share insights and collaborate on the future of urban forestry. Join leaders across the industry to focus on strengthening the bonds between people and trees, fostering sustainable practices and creating green, thriving urban landscapes. Continue reading “Register For The 2024 Partners In Community Forestry Conference” →

Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grant Opportunity

Posted on by janness

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s new Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants program (Community Change Grants) has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for approximately $2 billion dollars in Inflation Reduction Act funds in environmental and climate justice activities to benefit disadvantaged communities through projects that reduce pollution, increase community climate resilience and build community capacity to address environmental and climate justice challenges. Continue reading “Inflation Reduction Act Community Change Grant Opportunity” →