Application Deadline March 1 For Federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grants

Posted on by janness

The deadline to apply for federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) grants has changed from May 1 to March 1 annually.

This change is occurring because the RTP grant program guidance and application will no longer be combined with the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Local Assistance Program and the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund grant programs.

The goal of the federal RTP is to encourage the maintenance, rehabilitation and development of trails and trail-side amenities by providing cost-sharing assistance to governmental units and qualified trail organizations. Funding is available for both motorized and non-motorized trails. Continue reading “Application Deadline March 1 For Federal Recreational Trail Program (RTP) Grants” →

Upcoming Trainings

Posted on by janness

* These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

See below for information on training topics and events, including tree diseases and treatments, pest management, landscaping, career advancement, invasive species, pruning, volunteer management, new research, partnerships and developing an urban forest management plan. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings” →

Forest Health Annual Report Hot Off The Presses

Posted on by akabelowsky
The cover of the 2025 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Annual Report.

The cover of the 2025 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Annual Report. / Graphic Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has made its 2025 Forest Health Annual Report ready to view and download.

This year’s edition contains 55 pages of reporting on forest health issues throughout Wisconsin, detailing methods employed by the DNR and other agencies to control pests, diseases and invasive plants.

Continue reading “Forest Health Annual Report Hot Off The Presses” →

Hemlock Borer Attacks Stressed Hemlock

Posted on by akabelowsky
Closeup photo of a hemlock borer larva feeding inside channels in a hemlock tree.

A hemlock borer larva inside channels in a hemlock tree. / Photo Credit: Steven Katovich, Bugwood.org

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

Woodpeckers are often the first to know that a hemlock tree is being attacked by hemlock borer.

Woodpeckers will flake off the outer layers of bark to get at the tasty hemlock borer larvae under the bark, leaving the tree with a reddish hue that, once you’ve seen it, is unmistakable. The woodpecker damage quickly makes it obvious that the tree was fully infested from top to bottom by hemlock borer.

Continue reading “Hemlock Borer Attacks Stressed Hemlock” →

Be Mindful Of Invasives During Holiday Clean-Up

Posted on by akabelowsky
A stack of discarded Christmas trees awaits processing at a drop-off facility.

A stack of discarded Christmas trees awaits processing at a drop-off facility. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

Invasive plants and insects don’t mind playing the long game. After all, they’re just trying to survive and thrive, like the rest of us.

They’ll hang out as part of your holiday decorations throughout the season, just on the chance humans might dispose of them improperly, giving them an opportunity to find a new home in your yard or neighborhood.

Continue reading “Be Mindful Of Invasives During Holiday Clean-Up” →

Invasive Species Action Awards Nominations Open

Posted on by akabelowsky
A group photo showing the winners of the 2025 Invasive Species Action Awards, given by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Winners of the 2025 Invasive Species Action Awards, given by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced that the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council will accept nominations for the 22nd annual Invasive Species Action Awards through Feb. 15, 2026.

Award recipients are Wisconsin residents and organizations who have made significant contributions to prevent, control or eradicate invasive species that harm Wisconsin’s native forests, wildlife, wetlands, prairies, lakes and rivers.

Continue reading “Invasive Species Action Awards Nominations Open” →

Shively, McNee To Make Public Appearances

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Tim Shively, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialist for the West Central zone.

Tim Shively, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health specialist for the West Central zone. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

Tim Shively, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health specialist for West Central Wisconsin, will give a presentation titled “Forest Health for Everyone” at a meeting of the Juneau County Men’s Shed at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, in Mauston.

The event is part of a program put on by the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Eagle Country, and will take place at W4890 County Hwy. N, Mauston. It is open to the public. Continue reading “Shively, McNee To Make Public Appearances” →

2026 Urban Forestry Grants Announced

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By Nicolle Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grant Manager
Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Urban Forestry Grant Program recipients for the 2026 grant year. The program helps fund projects consistent with state and national goals for increasing the urban forest canopy.

The Urban Forestry Grant Program is distributing almost $550,000 in grant funds. A dollar-for-dollar match puts the total estimated cost of these projects over $1.2 million. In total, 38 applications were selected to receive funding, with awards ranging from $2,128 to $25,000. Continue reading “2026 Urban Forestry Grants Announced” →

Community Spotlight: Outreach Examples From Western Wisconsin

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By Abby Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Abigail.Krause@wisconsin.gov or 608-556-5690

Trees are good. For those who hold trees in high esteem, this simple statement feels as much a universal truth as the sky being blue or the sun rising in the east. It can feel unfathomable that anyone might hold a contrasting opinion.

Luckily, if you are of the trees are good persuasion, there’s plenty of research out there to support your stance. Oxygen production, air pollutant removal, stormwater reduction and filtration, lower energy bills, increased property values, food sources, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and calming aesthetics are just a few oft-touted benefits provided by trees. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Outreach Examples From Western Wisconsin” →

DNR Announces Catastrophic Storm Grant Recipients

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By Nicolle Spafford, DNR Urban Forestry Grant Manager
Nicolle.Spafford@wisconsin.gov or 715-896-7099

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the recipients of the Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants to assist with damage sustained during severe storms that took place Aug. 9, 2025. Catastrophic storm grants range from $4,000 to $50,000 and do not require a dollar-for-dollar match. Grant funding was distributed among the following three communities: Continue reading “DNR Announces Catastrophic Storm Grant Recipients” →