As a follow-up to the initial report after the July 19-20, 2019 storms, the Forest Service and DNR have issued a second report detailing their response and recovery efforts to date. You are also invited to visit this DNR web page that offers advice to Wisconsin landowners with forestland impacted by the storms.
Rake in the benefits by composting instead of burning leaves
That swish and crunch of autumn leaves underfoot is the sound of opportunity as home composting grows in popularity around the state. By composting and mulching fallen leaves, Wisconsin residents are improving the state’s air quality, reducing wildfires, and giving their communities an economic boost.
Wisconsin generates about 500,000 tons of compostable waste materials, like yard clippings, leaves, branches and food scraps, each year. As composting becomes easier and more popular, these materials are kept out of landfills and reused to make valuable garden products. Composting leaves also reduces burning in fall and less burning means healthier and more beautiful air all year long, and less chance of a spark starting a wildfire.
Using leaves for mulch and compost can save individuals money on fertilizer and save municipalities money on yard waste collection and relieves communities of the hazards of burning. Because of these economic and environmental benefits, the DNR continues to work with nonprofits, local governments and businesses to facilitate the growth and expansion of composting operations in Wisconsin. Continue reading “Rake in the benefits by composting instead of burning leaves”
Chainsaw safety training
Chainsaw safety training will be held this fall at Riveredge Nature Center near Newburg, WI.
Join Safety and Woods Worker (SAWW) trainer Luke Saunders (forester with Adaptive Restoration LLC) for a hands-on training in chainsaw use, maintenance and technique. Spend time both outside and in the classroom practicing how to operate chainsaws safely, comfortably and productively.
There will be two training levels offered on different dates. Level 1 chainsaw training will be held November 5 and level 2 will be held on November 11. Please note that you must have completed level 1 before enrolling in level 2.
Please see below for more details and to register:
Tree inventory workshops for educators
While tree inventories are often pursued by municipal governments and other entities intensively managing individual trees, they are not often conducted on school campuses. Fortunately, both for the students and the trees on school properties, this is starting to change. Continue reading “Tree inventory workshops for educators”
Trees and the law
Looking for some general guidance when it comes to trees and the law? Check out this article titled Practical Tree Care Makes Good Neighbors from the International Society of Arboriculture’s consumer education web site, Trees Are Good.
Please consult your legal advisor for information on state and local laws and how they apply to specific situations.
Grants: urban wildlife damage abatement/control
Urban Wildlife Damage Abatement and Control (UWDAC) grants help urban areas develop wildlife plans, implement specific damage abatement and/or control measures for white-tailed deer and/or Canada geese.
UWDAC grants are available to any town, city, village, county or tribal government located within an urban area. Applications must be received on or before December 1 and awards are announced in January of the grant year. For more information please visit, https://dnr.wi.gov/aid/uwdac.html.
Grants: community forest & open space conservation
The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program grant period is open. This is a competitive grant program through the USDA Forest Service whereby local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations and Native American tribes are eligible for grants to establish community forests through fee simple acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. Continue reading “Grants: community forest & open space conservation”
Vibrant Cities Lab
Vibrant cities cultivate thriving urban forests that boost public health, safety, sustainability and economic growth. A city’s green infrastructure — trees, vegetation and water — is just as important as its roads, pipes and power lines.
Continue reading “Vibrant Cities Lab”
CTMI graduate workshop II
Twenty-one Community Tree Management Institute (CTMI) graduates from communities across Wisconsin came together on two of the most beautiful days in September to participate in the Graduate Workshop II. This training and hands-on practice directly increases a community’s capacity to effectively manage its tree program.
Continue reading “CTMI graduate workshop II”
Wisconsin Active Together recognizes new communities
Wisconsin Active Together names three new communities! Check out their work to advance strategies for safe places to walk, bike and be active!
Continue reading “Wisconsin Active Together recognizes new communities”