Best Management Practices

Community Spotlight: Manitowoc’s Multifaceted Replanting Strategy

By Patricia Lindquist, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Patricia.Lindquist@wisconsin.gov or 715-574-1314

Parks staff Dave Blohowiak and Dawson Boettcher plant a quaking aspen at Fleetwood Park. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

As a long-time Tree City USA (43 years) and frequent Growth Award recipient (14 years in a row!), Manitowoc has a deep-rooted tradition of supporting urban forestry. After the emerald ash borer was detected in Manitowoc County in 2016, the city redoubled its efforts. Hundreds of dead and declining ash trees have been removed, and thousands of diverse, pest- and disease-resistant trees have been planted to replace the lost canopy.

Manitowoc utilizes a variety of programs, methods and funding sources to plant trees. Read on to learn more about their creative, multifaceted replanting strategy. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Manitowoc’s Multifaceted Replanting Strategy”

Students Graduate From The Community Tree Management Institute

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

a group of people examining tree leavesCongratulations to the latest class of Wisconsin Community Tree Management Institute (CTMI) graduates! The CTMI wrapped up its sixth cohort mid-June.

CTMI is an advanced training course designed specifically for people responsible for urban forest management who do not have a degree and/or experience in urban forestry. Conversely, they may have technical skills but lack leadership and management experience.

Over six days of intensive training, students acquired the knowledge and skills needed to manage municipal trees and green space. Their exposure to various teaching perspectives gave them a well-rounded 38-hour training experience. The retreat-like setting created by the small class size and interactive learning curriculum reinforced the focus on support-network development with other students, staff and instructors. The capstone of the institute required each student to complete an applied project that benefited their community by utilizing their new skills and knowledge. Continue reading “Students Graduate From The Community Tree Management Institute”

How Big Will My Tree Get?

By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675

This is one of my least favorite questions to get as an urban forester/arborist; it’s right up there with “how old is my tree?” The reason I despise this question is not because it is a bad question, but rather it is a complex one. A question that often requires much more discussion than the person who asked it is looking for… Continue reading “How Big Will My Tree Get?”

When Can I Prune That Elm Tree?

By Elton Rogers, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675

Most urban foresters and arborists are aware of the historical significance of Dutch elm disease (DED). Introduced to the United States in the 1930s, this deadly fungus wreaked havoc on urban and rural forests throughout the United States. In many ways, DED was the impetus for many of the best practices of urban forestry we see today, such as species diversification and modern plant health care practices.

Likewise, most urban forest practitioners understand DED is still very much prevalent today, and if they are managing any lingering American elms, they know they can help decrease their susceptibility to the disease by not actively pruning or wounding them during the growing season. Pruning these elms during the growing season attracts bark beetles, which can carry thousands of DED fungal spores on their bodies. But elm is a complex genus; there are over 30 different species of elm and hundreds (if not thousands) of hybrids and cultivars in the landscape. So, which of these species and cultivars can you prune during the growing season, and which shall you not? Continue reading “When Can I Prune That Elm Tree?”

Upcoming Training & Events

group of adult learning to identify trees

Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

See below for information on training topics and events, including biopesticides, invasives, urban trees and fire, tree diseases, ecological restoration, safety and woodland trees and management. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”

Cooperative Enlists Public To Make Tree Health A Snap

A worker speaks with colleagues in a forested area.

Dr. Scott O’Donnell, center, a forest geneticist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Economics and Ecology section, updates members of the DNR Forest Health team on upcoming genetic projects at an orchard near Lake Tomahawk in Hazelhurst during the Forest Health team’s summer meeting on May 25, 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

It takes more than a village to foster healthy forests. More than a township, a city and a county, too. Sometimes, even more than a state.

That’s why the Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Cooperative (GLB FHC) was formed five years ago by Holden Arboretum in Ohio and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Geographically, the group’s region encompasses an area from New Jersey to Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is an active member.

Continue reading “Cooperative Enlists Public To Make Tree Health A Snap”

Upcoming Training & Events

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

group of adult learning to identify treesSee below for information on training topics and events, including the WAA Summer Conference, leadership, pollinator habitats, safety, tree ID and the ISA Annual Conference. Continue reading “Upcoming Training & Events”

Invasive Species Action Month: Action Awards, Awareness Weekend

The 2025 winners of the Invasive Species Action Awards. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Invasive Plant Specialist, Madison

In Wisconsin, June is Invasive Species Action Month (ISAM), and plenty of activities are planned to educate and motivate residents and visitors into action.

Invasive species are defined as nonnative organisms whose introduction can cause harm to the environment, the economy, or pose threats to human health.

Continue reading “Invasive Species Action Month: Action Awards, Awareness Weekend”

University of Minnesota Seeks Reports On Dying Black Locust Stands

Wide view of struggling black locust trees.

A stand of dead or dying black locust trees. / Photo Credit: Norbert Frank, Bugwood.org

By Ryan Franke, University of Minnesota

The Blanchette Forest Pathology Lab at the University of Minnesota is leading a project to study black locust in Minnesota and Wisconsin and requests the help of foresters and the public in locating stands of dying black locust (Robinio pseudoacacia) this summer.

The university plans to collect native pathogenic fungi from stands of dying black locust and testing them for their suitability to biologically control black locust clones.

Continue reading “University of Minnesota Seeks Reports On Dying Black Locust Stands”

Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees

By Olivia Witthun, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Olivia.Witthun@wisconsin.gov or 414-750-8744

storm-damaged treeWith recent storms passing through Wisconsin, communities may still be working on clean-up. Depending on the intensity of the storms and the condition of the trees, damage from high winds, heavy rainfall, hail and lightning can be quite severe. Cracked or broken branches, trunk damage and root failure are some of the main concerns, but also the risk and liability of damage to people and property.

Did your community experience damage from the storms that passed through the state recently? The list below contains resources individuals and communities may find useful. Feel free to include any of these links on your website or in social media posts. Continue reading “Resources For Storm-Damaged Trees”