‘In The Weeds’ With Invasives Tech

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Erika Segerson-Mueller, DNR Invasive Plant Program Specialist, Oshkosh;
Erika.SegersonMueller@wisconsin.gov or 715-492-0391

Photo of popular garden plants including tulips and daffodils.

While not native to the Midwest, popular garden plants such as tulips and daffodils do not spread outside of gardens or cause harm, therefore they are not invasive. / Photo Credit: Lesley Ingram, Bugwood.org

As the conversation around invasive plants grows, it’s easy to get “stuck in the weeds” when it comes to invasive terminology.

A simple Google search of “invasive plant” will produce a variety of definitions, bringing in technicalities or muddying your understanding with each new idea of what invasive means. Continue reading “‘In The Weeds’ With Invasives Tech” →

Millions Of Cicadas Preparing To Emerge

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

Closeup photo of a periodical cicada, showing its black body and orange-colored wing veins and legs.

Closeup of a periodical cicada, showing its black body and orange-colored wing veins and legs. / Photo Credit: Ward Upham, Kansas State University, Bugwood.org

2024 will be a big year for periodical cicadas (Magicicada spp.).

For the first time since 1803 — when Thomas Jefferson was president — 13-year Brood XIX and 17-year Brood XIII cicadas will co-emerge in the millions.

If you want to observe this spectacle, you can see the Brood XIII cicadas in southern Wisconsin. Expect to see and hear them in June, and bring your ear protection because some of the louder choruses of males can reach 90 decibels.

Continue reading “Millions Of Cicadas Preparing To Emerge” →

Emerald Ash Borer Spreads Through The North

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Paul Cigan, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Hayward;
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/foresthealth/staff, 715-416-4920

This winter, the spread and impact of emerald ash borer (EAB) have been confirmed in several new northern townships in previously invaded counties.

These include Marengo (Ashland County); Gordon, Hawthorne and Oakland (Douglas County); Cadott and Colburn (Chippewa County) and Balsam Lake and St. Croix Falls (in Polk County).

Continue reading “Emerald Ash Borer Spreads Through The North” →

Feeding Aphids Cause Spruce To Wilt

Posted on by akabelowsky

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

Have you ever wondered just how much sap can be sucked out of a tree by aphids?

Aphids insert their piercing, sucking mouthparts into needles, twigs or bark, depending on the species of aphid.

Once their mouthparts are inserted, they begin to suck sap and will excrete excess moisture as small droplets of water called honeydew.

Continue reading “Feeding Aphids Cause Spruce To Wilt” →

Time for Spongy Moth Treatment Plans

Posted on by akabelowsky

By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Oshkosh;
Bill.McNee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942

A photo showing numerous spongy moth egg masses on a bur oak in Walworth County.

Numerous tan-colored spongy moth egg masses on a bur oak in Walworth County. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages property owners to examine their trees for spongy moth egg masses and determine whether control measures are needed this spring.

Spongy moths thrive in warm and dry weather. Even if weather conditions are more typical this spring and summer, the current spongy moth outbreak — which defoliated a state-record total of 373,000 acres of woodland last year — will likely continue and spread.

Continue reading “Time for Spongy Moth Treatment Plans” →

DNR Seeking Applications For Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants: Submit Applications By June 3

Posted on by janness

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced it is accepting applications for the Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant program. The program, which launched in January, uses federal funds to support projects that positively impact trees and people within disadvantaged communities* in Wisconsin.

The DNR is hosting a webinar on March 14 at 1 p.m. to provide an overview of the application and answer questions. A link to register is available on the DNR Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants webpage. The application deadline      is June 3, 2024.

Potential projects may involve conserving, protecting, expanding or improving urban forests. Examples include tree planting, hazard tree removal and pest control. Projects can also be capacity-building endeavors, such as urban forestry management plans, tree inventories and public education.

Cities, villages, towns, counties, tribes and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations conducting their projects in Wisconsin may apply for an Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act grant. Eligible projects must occur in or benefit those living in disadvantaged communities as identified by        the DNR on this map and list.

Continue reading “DNR Seeking Applications For Urban Forestry Inflation Reduction Act Grants: Submit Applications By June 3” →

2024 New MFL Enrollments By The Numbers

Posted on by Kirsten Held

As a property tax incentive program, new Managed Forest Law (MFL) enrollments become active at the start of the year to align with a new year for property taxation. 2024 was similar to last year, with more than 1,400 new enrollments!

Some statistics from the new enrollments include:

  • Nearly one-third are new landowners in the MFL program
  • A total of 107,304 acres were added to MFL
  • 1,411 enrollments are individual landowners, and 24 added land to large ownerships with at least 1,000 acres statewide
  • The average size of the new enrollments is 64 acres for individual landowners and 719 acres for large ownerships
  • 22,281 acres are open to the public for hunting, fishing, hiking, sight-seeing and cross-country skiing
  • Nearly 70% (15,422 acres) of the open MFL acreage is part of a large ownership
  • 70% of eligible new enrollments elected to participate in the MFL Certified Group

The start of the year is an excellent time for new and existing MFL landowners to review some of the available resources. Check out these resources to understand your obligations, the MFL Certified Group and where to secure professional help.

Welcome to all new MFL landowners, and thank you to new and existing MFL landowners for your commitment to practicing sound forestry.

My Wisconsin Woods Supports Wisconsin Woodland Owners

Posted on by Kirsten Held

My Wisconsin Woods is a partnership of more than 20 private organizations and public agencies to support Wisconsin woodland owners in discovering and connecting with the resources they need. This includes information, property visits, technical and financial assistance and events such as classes, field days and conferences.

Stay connected and updated with the My Wisconsin Woods monthly e-newsletter – “Woodland News You Can Use.” The My Wisconsin Woods writers ensure you’ll have fun learning about serious stuff, including wildlife habitat, invasive species, tree health and much more! Sign up for My Wisconsin Woods.

MFL Certified Group Acknowledgements

Posted on by Kirsten Held

One of the most significant advantages of the MFL Certified Group is its accessibility to forest certification for participating “Group Members.” Many of the certification requirements are covered through how the MFL program is implemented and administered. For example, the two most common paths for landowners to enter the MFL Certified Group are the MFL application and the MFL transfer form. Both paths require prospective Group Members to acknowledge and accept the American Tree Farm System® and Forest Stewardship Council® standards and the MFL Certified Group rules.

Continue reading “MFL Certified Group Acknowledgements” →