Foresters

A Busy Summer For Urban Forestry Interns

Posted on by janness

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” →

DNR Urban Forestry Council Welcomes New Members

Posted on by janness

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Division of Forestry recently welcomed two new members to the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council and said farewell to several members who contributed much to the council. In addition, eight council members renewed their commitment for another 3-year term.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is an advisory committee to the DNR’s Division of Forestry, guiding the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources. The council is comprised of 23 people appointed by the Secretary of the DNR.

Continue reading “DNR Urban Forestry Council Welcomes New Members” →

The Urban Forestry Council Award Nomination Form Is Now Online

Posted on by janness

Governor Tony Evers made a surprise appearance to congratulate the 2024 Urban Forestry Council and Wisconsin Arborist Association award winners.

The Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council is comprised of municipal employees, elected officials, nursery operators, arborists and others who advise the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the best ways to preserve, protect, expand and improve Wisconsin’s urban and community forest resources.

Every year, the council bestows several awards to recognize and thank individuals and organizations across Wisconsin for their work and commitment to community forests and the economic benefits they provide. Individuals, organizations, communities and tribes that further urban forestry in Wisconsin are eligible. The awards are announced each year at the annual Wisconsin Urban Forestry Conference.

Nominations are now being accepted online for the 2025 awards and must be submitted by Oct. 31, 2024. Continue reading “The Urban Forestry Council Award Nomination Form Is Now Online” →

DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator Tracy Salisbury Retires

Posted on by janness

Congratulations to Tracy Salisbury, who began her retirement in May. Tracy has been with the DNR as an urban forestry coordinator in northeast Wisconsin since 1998.

“I enjoyed working with a variety of customers in my service area for the past 26 years,” Tracy said. “I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Green Bay Packers, American Transmission Company, Rotary Clubs and others on various projects. It was never a dull moment in the division’s urban forestry program!” Continue reading “DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator Tracy Salisbury Retires” →

Urban Forestry Welcomes Jay Dampier As New IRA Grant Coordinator

Posted on by janness

Jay Dampier joined the Urban Forestry Team on June 3 as the new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant coordinator. This is a federally funded project position that will be overseeing $4 million of federally funded grants awarded to Wisconsin communities, tribes and nonprofits. These IRA funds were allocated to the urban forestry program by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service in 2023. As part of the Justice 40 Initiative, 100% of the funds will be used to improve the urban forest resources and lives of those living in disadvantaged communities throughout the state. Continue reading “Urban Forestry Welcomes Jay Dampier As New IRA Grant Coordinator” →

Share ‘A Day In The Life’ To Highlight Your Career In Urban Forestry

Posted on by janness

The Wisconsin Forestry Center (WFC) is seeking forestry professionals to create 90-second videos showing an authentic representation of a day in your life as you go about your job duties. The videos will be posted on the WFC’s Facebook and Instagram accounts to promote awareness of forestry jobs and foster workforce development. Check with your employer to obtain approval and email wfc@uwsp.edu to get involved. Continue reading “Share ‘A Day In The Life’ To Highlight Your Career In Urban Forestry” →

DNR Welcomes New Urban Forestry Coordinator In Milwaukee

Posted on by janness

By Jeff Roe, DNR Urban Forestry Team Leader, Madison; Jeffrey.Roe@wisconsin.gov or 608-535-7582

Elton RogersI am pleased to announce that Elton Rogers has accepted the Southeast Regional Urban Forestry Coordinator position. Elton is based in Milwaukee and his first day was Jan. 16.

Elton holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee and has
earned a graduate certificate in urban forestry from Oregon State University. Additionally, he is
in the final stages of completing his graduate research project to obtain a Master of Natural
Resources degree with an emphasis in urban forestry.

For the past five years, Elton has been a lead faculty member and full-time instructor at Milwaukee
Area Technical College, teaching in both the Landscape Horticulture associate degree program
and the Arborist Apprenticeship program. He is also an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and
has held various roles in municipal urban forestry programs throughout his professional career.
He is eager to continue collaborating with municipalities, nonprofits and other organizations in
southeastern Wisconsin to help establish and maintain a resilient urban forest.

Outside work, he enjoys exploring local nature preserves with his wife and two kids. A couple of
his hobbies include disc golfing and rope splicing.

You can get a hold of Elton at Elton.Rogers@wisconsin.gov or 414-294-8675.

Jenn Janness Joins DNR Urban Forestry Team

Posted on by patricialindquist

DNR Urban Forestry welcomes Jenn Janness to the team. She will be focusing on urban forestry outreach and supporting the Urban Forestry Council. Jenn shares this introduction of herself:

I have spent most of my career involved in outreach, training and nonprofit management. I worked at UW-Oshkosh as an AmeriCorps program director for many years before becoming a job skills instructor and then a program coordinator for a transitional housing program. Since 2021, I have been employed with the DNR at the Kettle Moraine Northern Unit and at Brule River State Forest as a Natural Resources Educator and Park and Rec Specialist. I look forward to learning more about urban forestry and combining my communications skills with my passion for conservation. Luckily, the Brule DNR had space so I can continue to enjoy beautiful views out of the windows of their historic building while I work! In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors, crocheting and reading in my hammock. I love to travel so am looking forward to visiting different areas of the state as part of my new position!

Career Opportunity: Seeking Applicants For Southeast WI Urban Forestry Coordinator

Posted on by patricialindquist

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Division of Forestry is seeking applicants for an Urban Forestry Coordinator (Forestry Specialist classification). This position will be headquartered in either Milwaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth or Waukesha counties, depending on workspace availability. Remote work is also available for a portion of the workweek after initial onboarding period.

Position Summary

The Urban Forestry Coordinator develops, administers and implements the urban forestry assistance program in partnership to maintain or increase public and private urban forest canopy that will supply the full array of benefits. This position is the technical expert and thought leader for the Division in this Urban Forestry service area, setting the pace for the Division through leadership, innovation, adaptation, best practices, and transfer of knowledge.

Continue reading “Career Opportunity: Seeking Applicants For Southeast WI Urban Forestry Coordinator” →

DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator Kim Sebastian Retires

Posted on by patricialindquist

Congratulations to Kim G. Sebastian as she begins her retirement this month. Kim has been with the DNR as Urban Forestry Coordinator since 1990. Read on to hear Kim reflect on her experience with the DNR and share some parting words.

After 32 years in the enviable position as a Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator, I will be retiring on Aug. 1, 2023, from a dream job I love, with colleagues I love even more. I’ve been incredibly blessed to learn, smile and serve every day and to call hundreds of strangers now friends. Thank you for accompanying me on this career journey and helping build one of the most incredible forestry programs in the country. Thank you for having faith in me back in 1990.

Continue reading “DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator Kim Sebastian Retires” →