Partners

2016 annual report issued

Posted on by Kirsten Held

The Division of Forestry annual report highlights a few of our accomplishments in 2016 – including implementing the Good Neighbor Authority, expanding the urban forest inventory and analysis to include all census-defined urban places, rewriting the forest fire reporting system, and more.  Photos in the report showcase Division employees at work.  In his report introduction, State Forester Fred Souba thanked former State Forester Paul DeLong (who departed at the end of September for a leadership position with American Forest Foundation) and Deputy Darrell Zastrow (who retired at the end of the year) for their legacy of leadership.  Find the link to the 2016 report from the Forestry topic page on the DNR Website.

For more information, contact Forestry Outreach Specialist Kirsten Held (Kirsten.Held@Wisconsin.gov) at 608-264-6036.

DNR attends Partners in Community Forestry Conference

Posted on by Ellen Clark

The DNR Urban Forestry program sent Laura Lorentz, UF Policy and Partnership Specialist, and Sara Minkoff, UF Specialist, to the annual Partners in Community Forestry Conference convened by the Arbor Day Foundation. Attending this national conference provided Laura and Sara a unique opportunity to meet other urban forestry professionals representing local, state and federal governments as well as non-profit organizations from  across the country (and one from the UK!) and share ideas and resources with the goal of enhancing urban and community forestry initiatives in Wisconsin. Some of the sessions they attended included topics such as the role of urban forestry in green infrastructure, environmental justice and equity in urban forestry, development and diversification of the urban forestry workforce, the relationship between urban trees and health, and demonstrated uses of urban forest inventory data to make positive impacts on the ground.  Click here to learn more about the Partners in Community Forestry Conference.

 

For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.

Consider the Community Forest Program

Posted on by Ellen Clark

The USDA Forest Service  is accepting applications for the Community Forest Program (CFP) and Open Space Conservation Program. Local governments, qualified nonprofit organizations and Indian tribes are eligible to apply for grants to establish community forests through acquisition of private forest land from a willing seller. Eligible lands for grants funded under this program are private forests that are at least five acres in size, suitable to sustain natural vegetation, and at least 75 percent forested. The lands must also be threatened by conversion to non-forest uses.  For more information view the notice  put out by the U.S. Forest Service.

 

For more information contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, at 608-267-2774.

Nominate individuals for arborist recognition

Posted on by Ellen Clark

Every year several awards are presented by the Wisconsin Arborists Association (WAA) to various citizens and partners dedicated to improving Wisconsin’s urban forests and supporting the work of WAA. Wisconsin DNR’s Urban Forestry program is a co-sponsor of their annual meeting/conference each February (bookmark this site and check back for 2017 conference details). Every year WAA presents their awards and nominations at this conference. Nomination Forms are now available. Please return to Randy Krouse by December 16, 2016. Continue reading “Nominate individuals for arborist recognition” →

40th Anniversary of Tree City USA recognized at reception

Posted on by Ellen Clark
Left to right: Curt Witynski, LWM; Don K, DNR; August Hoppe, WAA; Tracy Salisbury, DNR; Pete Smith, ADF; Will Erickson, DNR Green Tier; Alex Elias, DNR; Jeff Roe, DNR; Twink Jan-Mahon, WUW. Photo credit: Gail Sumi, LWM

Left to right: Curt Witynski, LWM; Don Kissinger, DNR; August Hoppe, WAA; Tracy Salisbury, DNR; Pete Smith, ADF; Will Erickson, DNR Green Tier; Alex Elias, DNR; Jeff Roe, DNR; Twink Jan-Mahon, WUW.
Photo credit: Gail Sumi, LWM

 

On Thursday, October 20, the Urban Forestry (UF) Team  provided municipalities an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the Tree City USA program and the ways it can bring pride and health to their local communities, at an evening reception during the annual League of Wisconsin Municipalities (LWM) conference. Continue reading “40th Anniversary of Tree City USA recognized at reception” →

Festival celebrates urban forests

Posted on by Ellen Clark

The Fourth Annual Urban Forest Fest  was held September 24 at Lynden Sculpture Garden in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Approximately 500 people learned the log-to-table story of urban wood and the many uses of local trees after they are cut down. Sawmill demonstrations, kid’s tree climbing, urban wood furniture and informational fair, Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra, Falafel Guys food truck, and hands-on art and nature activities were all part of the event. For more information on Urban Forestry events visit the WDNR Urban Forestry events page.

For more information, contact Ellen Clark (EllenA.Clark@Wisconsin.gov), DNR Urban Forestry Communication Specialist, 608- 267-2774.

Municipalities celebrate Tree City USA program

Posted on by Ellen Clark

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Tree City USA is a program sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, and implemented by DNR Forestry Division. It focuses on greening communities across the country. The Arbor Day Foundation describes Tree City USA as a great opportunity to celebrate the importance of an urban tree canopy and improve care of these vital city trees. The program gives recognition to communities committed to managing and augmenting their urban tree canopy. The beauty and abundance of trees provides the citizens of Tree City USA communities a general splendor unrivaled by anything else, as well as many other benefits.

Continue reading “Municipalities celebrate Tree City USA program” →