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Tree Species In An Uncertain Future Climate

Posted on by janness

By Dan Buckler, DNR Urban Forest Assessment Specialist
Daniel.Buckler@wisconsin.gov or 608-445-4578

One of the many challenges for urban foresters in navigating climate change is the fact that while temperatures are elevated across every season, it can still get pretty cold in Wisconsin, even along Lake Michigan. Nonetheless, hardiness zones are shifting, and there is plentiful experimentation underway by Wisconsinites to identify which tree species are appropriate for their location throughout the 21st century.

The Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science produced species vulnerability lists for six locations in Wisconsin, projecting what species are likely at increased risk (i.e. more vulnerable) under different climate change scenarios. Those are great resources that use the same background methodology as a species vulnerability analysis done for the Milwaukee metropolitan area. Continue reading “Tree Species In An Uncertain Future Climate” →

First Populations Of Invasive Pale Swallow-wort Confirmed In Wisconsin

Posted on by akabelowsky
Closeup of pale swallow-wort flower cluster.

Pale swallow-wort flowers along the stem at the leaf axils. / Photo Credit: Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org

By Mackenzie Manicki, DNR Natural Resources Research Scientist

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed that the state’s first populations of the invasive vine pale swallow-wort (Vincetoxicum rossicum) have been found.

The populations were first detected in Oconto and Shawano counties, within the outskirts of Krakow along the shared county line.

These are the first known populations in the state, making rapid response efforts critical in preventing the establishment of this species in Wisconsin.

Continue reading “First Populations Of Invasive Pale Swallow-wort Confirmed In Wisconsin” →

Forest Health Team Debuts Two New Fact Sheets

Posted on by akabelowsky
An image of the front page of a DNR fact sheet.

The front page of the Wisconsin DNR’s new Forest Health Fact Sheet on oak decline. / 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 Forest Health team has published two new fact sheets, bringing the total count of its fact sheet offerings to 26.

The new fact sheets:

  • Fall Webworm: DNR Publication FR-622u discusses basic information on the biology of the insect (Hyphantria cunea), its life cycle, potential lookalike caterpillars and management options.
  • Oak Decline: DNR Publication FR-622v covers the tricky topic of oak decline, which is not caused by one distinct forest pest or problem but instead is the result of multiple factors — some predisposing, some inciting and some contributing — that work in combination to cause decline.

The fact sheets are designed in full color, with photos, and are meant to be printed out for reference or to carry into the field. They can also be viewed online. They can be printed on standard letter-sized paper. Most fact sheets are two pages, meant for two-sided printing; a few are four-page documents.

A complete directory of links to all DNR Forest Health fact sheets is available online.

Forest Health Staffers Plan Appearances

Posted on by akabelowsky
Two workers inspecting a tree's leaves.

Mike Hillstrom and Linda Williams of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Health team look over a tree during a walking tour put on by the Cambridge Tree Project on July 10, 2025. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

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

Mike Hillstrom, Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator for the Wisconsin DNR Forest Health Team, will make a presentation on forest health to the Heartland National Christmas Tree Organizations Convention, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 7, at Hann’s Christmas Farm, 848 Tipperary Road, Oregon, WI 53575.

Continue reading “Forest Health Staffers Plan Appearances” →

Oak Decline May Continue In 2026

Posted on by akabelowsky
A wide view of declining oak trees following spongy moth defoliation and drought.

Oak trees with thin canopies experiencing decline following spongy moth defoliation and drought in the prior few years. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By River Mathieu, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg
River.Mathieu@wisconsin.gov

Oak decline is a complicated forest health issue impacting oak forests in Wisconsin.

In the past few years, oak decline has been recorded in several regions of Wisconsin, primarily linked to spongy moth defoliation and drought conditions that occurred from 2022-2024.

As the summer months of 2026 continue to unfold, oak decline may continue in areas previously impacted by spongy moth and drought.

Continue reading “Oak Decline May Continue In 2026” →

Species Spotlight: Red Hailstone

Posted on by akabelowsky
A large creeping vine blankets neighboring trees and plants.

A red hailstone infestation in Dane County blankets surrounding vegetation and can be seen climbing into trees. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Carter Hellenbrand, DNR Invasive Plant Field Specialist, Fitchburg
Carter.Hellenbrand@wisconsin.gov

Note: This is the third installment in the Forest Health News “Invasives Spotlight” series, a series of articles released monthly during the growing season.

What is heart-shaped and hairy all over? Red hailstone!

Two hands holding tubers of the red hailstone plant.

Underground tubers of red hailstone. The tubers easily break off to create new plants. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Also known as golden creeper or Manchu tubergourd (Thladiantha dubia), this invasive perennial vine can grow 18 feet in a single growing season and spreads through underground potato-like tubers that break off from the root system to create new populations.

 

 

 

Continue reading “Species Spotlight: Red Hailstone” →

Cooperative Enlists Public To Make Tree Health A Snap

Posted on by akabelowsky
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” →

Watch for Asian Longhorned Beetle

Posted on by akabelowsky
Closeup of an insect crawling on a person's hand.

An adult Asian longhorned beetle. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Invasive Forest Pest Coordinator, Fitchburg
Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov or 608-513-7690

Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) has not been found in Wisconsin, but early detection is critical to eliminating it from infested areas. Forest Health workers from Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and Manitoba, Canada, recently had the opportunity to visit an active ALB infestation in South Carolina to learn how to identify infested trees. This experience will greatly enhance staff’s ability to detect ALB and respond rapidly.

Continue reading “Watch for Asian Longhorned Beetle” →

The Urban Forestry Staff Springs Into Action For Arbor Day

Posted on by janness

Laura Buntrock hosted an urban forestry booth at Rhinelander’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair, where she educated the public on the benefits of urban trees, provided resources and answered questions.

April and May might just be the busiest months of the year for the Urban Forestry staff. This small but mighty team participates in as many Arbor Day, Earth Day and Forest Appreciation Week events as they can fit into their schedules. Municipalities, schools and nonprofits tend to spread out their events over a couple months rather than scheduling them all on Arbor Day, which allows the staff to get to more events.

The Urban Forestry team’s involvement in these events varies and can include tree planting, seedling distribution, education and tree-related activities, such as competing for the loudest Arbor Day cheer. If you have an event you would like an Urban Forestry staff member to attend at any time of the year, get your request in early!

Here are just a few of the events that Urban Forestry staff attended. Continue reading “The Urban Forestry Staff Springs Into Action For Arbor Day” →

Urban Forestry Welcomes Summer Interns

Posted on by janness

The Urban Forestry team is excited to have two interns this summer through the State of Wisconsin Student Development Internship Program (SWSDIP). They will be working out of the Milwaukee DNR office but will also have opportunities to get involved in projects in other parts of the state. The Urban Forestry interns always hit the ground running, squeezing an impressive number of activities into their time with the program. Watch for an article later in the year summarizing their experience with the Urban Forestry program. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Welcomes Summer Interns” →