Fall webworm is seen on a tree branch in Oshlkosh on Sept. 9, 2024. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health specialist, Oshkosh;
Bill.McNee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942
The native insect known as fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea) is back in the news.
The caterpillars don’t draw much attention on their own; instead, what catches the eye at this time of year are the large webs (or “tents”) that they create on the tips of tree branches.
A closeup photo shows that pine false webworm eggs look like a string of sausages, displayed here on a white pine needle. / Photo Credit: Liunda Williams, Wisconsin DNR
By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff;
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
Pine false webworm (Acantholyda erythrocephala) is not a very common insect in Wisconsin, but damage from larval feeding can occasionally be seen. The insects prefer to feed on white pine in Wisconsin, although reference material says they will also feed on red pine, jack pine and scotch pine.
Damage was reported as minor in the central part of the state from 1953 to 1961. In 1995, 1997, 2002, 2004 and 2006, it was once again observed as a minor pest feeding on red or white pine in the central part of the state, particularly Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties. In 2024, a few scattered young white pine trees in Oneida and Vilas counties were observed with significant defoliation.
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov , 608-335-0167
The members of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Forest Health team are often asked by media to educate their listeners, readers and viewers about the forest health topics of the day.
Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) is in frequent contact with Forest Health team members and makes its broadcasts and articles available to the public online.
A map of the current Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) in Wisconsin. / Map Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Erika Segerson-Mueller, DNR Invasive Plant Program Specialist, Oshkosh Service Center;
Erika.SegersonMueller@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0391
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.
With 13 CISMAs operating throughout Wisconsin, these groups accomplish a lot each year. CISMA efforts range from fieldwork outings and landowner education workshops to tool-share programs and day-long, control-based field trips.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will accept seedling orders from Wisconsin landowners for planting trees and shrubs in spring 2025 starting Oct. 7, 2024. The high-quality seedlings are native species appropriate for planting throughout Wisconsin and grown at the F.G. Wilson State Nursery in beautiful Boscobel.
Seedlings grown by the state nurseries are used for reforestation and conservation plantings on private, public and tribal lands. These seedlings can provide future forest products and revenues, wildlife habitat, soil erosion control, living snow fences, carbon storage, aesthetics and shade for landowners and public land managers in every county. Any seedlings planted will also get Wisconsin closer to the goal of planting 100 million trees across the state by 2030; a part of the national Trillion Tree Pledge.
Continue reading “DNR To Accept Seedling Orders For The Spring Starting Oct. 7”
Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Urban Forestry Grant (UF) recipients, funded through the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“Wisconsin’s forests are a critical resource for our state, promoting clean air, preserving natural habitats, and bolstering our statewide economy,” said Gov. Evers. “Thanks to our local and federal partners, these investments help build a stronger, more resilient forestry industry, and will protect our environment and grow our economy for generations to come.”
Continue reading “Gov. Evers, DNR Announce Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry Grant Recipients”
Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in or conducting their project in Wisconsin are encouraged to apply for a regular or startup 2025 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Urban Forestry Grant. Continue reading “Reminder: 2025 DNR Urban Forestry Grant Application Open”
By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist; daniel.buckler@wisconsin.gov or (608) 445-4578
Every year, the summer ends faster than one could pronounce Liquidambar styraciflua, and this year was no exception. Hopefully, while you are trying to recall proper Latin pronunciations, your summer is still filled with enjoyable, productive or illuminating activities. That was certainly the case for the DNR Urban Forestry summer internship program. This summer, staff worked with Southern University students Taylor Colman and Priscilla Loh on a variety of different data collection projects, filling the internship’s eight weeks with species identification, tree mensuration and tree health assessments. Continue reading “A Busy Summer For Urban Forestry Interns”
By Patricia Lindquist, Urban Forestry Coordinator; patricia.lindquist@wisconsin.gov or (715) 574-1314
On Aug. 20, 2024, the First Downs for Trees program celebrated its 14th year with a ceremonial tree planting at Amelia Cornelius Park, Oneida Nation. The program is a cooperative effort between the DNR, the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Public Service and corporate sponsor Green Bay Packaging, Inc. The donated trees offset the Packers’ carbon footprint when flying to away games.
In 2024, 402 landscape-sized trees were planted by sixteen communities: Allouez, Ashwaubenon, Bellevue, Brown County, De Pere, Green Bay, Hobart, Howard, Lawrence, Ledgeview, Morrison, Oneida, Pulaski, Scott, Suamico and Wrightstown. The trees were provided by Meacham and Leaves Inspired nurseries. Since its inception, the First Downs for Trees program has donated 7,194 trees. Continue reading “First Downs For Trees Celebrates 14 Years”
*These training opportunities are provided as an information service only and do not constitute an endorsement from the Wisconsin DNR.
Below is information on trainings hosted by the Wisconsin Arborist Association, Blue Heron Stewardship chainsaw training and the Urban and Community Forestry Society. Continue reading “Upcoming Trainings”
