Foresters

The Urban Forestry Staff Springs Into Action For Arbor Day

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

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”

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”

Oregon Adopts Local-Use Lumber Grading

Two men in front of a PowerPoint main slide

Scott Lyon, left, Wisconsin DNR Forest Products Services team leader, and Scott Leavengood, director of Oregon Wood Innovation Center. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

By Brian Cole, Wisconsin DNR Forest Product Specialist

On Wednesday, April 1, at the Fitchburg Service Center, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Product Services team held its first Wisconsin Local Use Dimension Lumber Grading (WLUDLG) class for 2026.

Along with 10 Wisconsin students, we had the pleasure of hosting Scott Leavengood. Scott is the director of the Oregon Wood Innovation Center (OWIC) and has worked in Wood Products Extension with Oregon State University (OSU) since 1994.

Continue reading “Oregon Adopts Local-Use Lumber Grading”

Log Into Safety: The Free Digital ANSI Z133 Updates Are Almost Here!

By Brian Wahl, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator
Brian.Wahl@wisconsin.gov or 608-225-7943

What is the ANSI Z133, and why should you care?

man cutting a branch with a chainsawThe American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133, more affectionately known at “The Z”, is the standard that contains arboriculture safety requirements for pruning, repairing, maintaining and removing trees, cutting brush and using equipment in such operations. If you’re reading this newsletter, you, your staff or your contactors likely participate in work that falls under the purview of this standard. Continue reading “Log Into Safety: The Free Digital ANSI Z133 Updates Are Almost Here!”

Call For Urban Forestry Presentations: Due July 1, 2026

Wisconsin Arborist Association LogoThe Wisconsin Arborist Association (WAA) is accepting presentations for the 2027 Annual Conference to be held in Green Bay, WI on Feb. 14-16, 2027. This three-day event attracts approximately 950 attendees including professional arborists, community foresters, nursery professionals, utility workers, park/recreation staff, other green industry professionals, educators and students.

If you are interested in speaking at this conference, please complete the online form. Please make sure that the form is filled out completely to be considered. Continue reading “Call For Urban Forestry Presentations: Due July 1, 2026”

National Urban And Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan Survey

people in a parkThe congressionally mandated National Urban and Community Forestry (NUCF) Ten Year Action Plan creates a guiding framework that optimizes innovations, resources and collaborations for the field of urban and community forestry. Input gathered through this voluntary form is part of the stakeholder engagement process and will help update the NUCF Ten Year Action Plan.

Perspectives from both within and beyond the urban and community forestry field are welcome. Your feedback means better data, gap assessments and goal setting, which is critical for managing extreme heat, public health and urban growth.

Learn more and submit your ideas.

Continue reading “National Urban And Community Forestry Ten Year Action Plan Survey”

Urban Forestry Award Winners Announced

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council recently announced its annual awards honoring those dedicated to protecting, preserving and increasing the number of trees that line city streets, fill community parks and beautify neighborhoods throughout the state.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council advises the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on managing urban and community forest resources.

2026 Award Winners

Pictured left to right: Corey Gritzmacher (Mequon Nature Preserve), Jamie Ferschinger, (MMSD), Jacob Fincher (Sweet Water), Jeremy Kane (Urban Tree Alliance), Tom Jerow (City of Rhinelander); Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

Linda Cadotte, chair of the Urban Forestry Council commented, “Those who champion and advance Wisconsin’s urban forests often do so without recognition. With these awards, we aim to shine a light on a few of the dedicated leaders whose outstanding contributions today are helping to ensure a healthy, resilient tree canopy for tomorrow.” Continue reading “Urban Forestry Award Winners Announced”

Submit Proposals For Partners In Community Forestry Conference

Arbor Day Foundation LogoThe Partners in Community Forestry Conference is currently seeking speaking proposals for the upcoming conference Nov. 18-19 in St. Louis.  Any passionate speakers, community leaders and learners are encouraged to send a proposal submission. These speeches are an opportunity to share your expertise and passion about community forestry with others. The topics for this year’s speaker proposals include: Continue reading “Submit Proposals For Partners In Community Forestry Conference”

Community Spotlight: Introducing The New City Forester For City Of Milwaukee

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

Erin Stoekl was selected in late October to lead the Forestry Services Section for the City of Milwaukee. Erin has worked for City of Milwaukee forestry for 11 years and has been in the industry for 16 years. Over the past three years, she has served as one of three District Managers, overseeing forestry operations for the southern portion of the city. Prior to this position, Erin served for seven years as the Property Maintenance and Compliance Manager.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Alverno College and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Milwaukee Area Technical College in Landscape Horticulture. Continue reading “Community Spotlight: Introducing The New City Forester For City Of Milwaukee”