The Wisconsin web map for Heterobasidion root disease, available through ArcGIS Online. / Map Credit: Paul Cigan, Wisconsin DNR
By Paul Cigan, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Hayward
Paul.Cigan@wisconsin.gov or 715-416-4920
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Health program hosts two interactive web maps on its webpage:
A few periodical cicadas try to hitch a ride on the T-shirt of Bill McNee, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources forest health specialist for northeast Wisconsin, at Big Foot Beach State Park in Lake Geneva in 2024. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
Bill McNee, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest health specialist for the Southeast region, will give a public presentation on Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Green Bay Winter Landowner Conference.
By Bill McNee, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Oshkosh;
Bill.McNee@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0942
A tree shows high numbers of spongy moth caterpillars, though the majority of the caterpillars have been killed either by virus (hanging in an inverted V) or fungus (hanging in a stretched line, head down). The virus and fungus helped to quell a potential outbreak in many areas of the state in 2024. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
As the 2023 spongy moth season ended, there were hopes for a return to colder and wetter conditions in 2024 so that the spongy moth outbreak would decline or even come to an end.
What wound up happening in Wisconsin was the “lost winter,” the warmest since recordkeeping began in 1895. Given this warmth, there were concerns that the widespread spongy moth outbreak would continue for a third consecutive summer, with good caterpillar survival, ongoing defoliation and high rates of tree mortality in already stressed forests.
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Outreach and Communications, Fitchburg;
Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov or 608-335-0167
The main page of the TreeSnap app as seen on a mobile phone. / Photo Credit: TreeSnap.org
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 four 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”
By Carmen Hardin, Director, DNR Applied Forestry Bureau, Rhinelander;
Carmen.Hardin@wisconsin.gov
A graphic shows changing tornado risk trends in the United States from 1980 to 2020. All Wisconsin counties are showing an increase in tornado days. / Map Credit: Inside Climate News, Stephen M. Strader et. al., Nature Magazine
We are often asked difficult questions about our forests, their health and how climate change is impacting them. Here is a curated collection of resources that may help you answer some of those questions. Continue reading “Forest Health and Climate Change Resources”
By Abby Krause, DNR Urban Forestry Coordinator;
Abigail.Krause@wisconsin.gov or 608-556-5690
This summer’s detection of emerald ash borer (EAB) in Burnett County means our little metallic friend (or should I say foe?) is now known to be present in all 72 Wisconsin counties.
While EAB has been around for the better part of two decades in Wisconsin, many homeowners are still in the thick of dealing with the fallout of this invasive pest.
Continue reading “Treatment Of EAB Infestations In Yard Trees”
White, cottony hemlock woolly adelgid egg sacs on a hemlock branch. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
By Michael Hillstrom, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Fitchburg; Michael.Hillstrom@wisconsin.gov
Hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) and balsam woolly adelgid (BWA) are invasive, aphid-like insects that cause tree mortality in North America. Neither has been found in Wisconsin so far, but they are likely to arrive at some point, as they have been confirmed in Michigan.
HWA (Adelges tsugae) is an invasive, sucking insect pest of hemlock trees. The white, cottony egg sacs of HWA can be seen on the undersides of hemlock branches at the base of needles year-round. HWA saliva enters the tree while feeding. The saliva is toxic and causes needle drop and twig dieback, progressing to tree mortality in 4-10 years.
Fall colors set a trail at Sheboygan’s Kohler-Andrae State Park ablaze in 2021. / Photo Credit: Bill McNee, Wisconsin DNR
By Art Kabelowsky, DNR Forest Health Outreach and Communications,
Fitchburg; Arthur.Kabelowsky@wisconsin.gov, 608-335-0167
Once again, it’s time for nature’s majestic paintbrush to spread its magic across Wisconsin.
Many of the state’s trees have begun to show off their amazing fall colors, brightening the view for state residents and visitors everywhere – from the restful resplendence of our urban areas and state properties to the drive-by dazzlement of our tree-lined country roads.
“It’s a brilliant and colorful display,” said Scott Lyon, leader of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Forest Products team. “The Badger State is home to many deciduous hardwood species which change colors and lose their leaves as the seasons change, including maple, oaks, hickories and aspen.”
Continue reading “Take In Wisconsin’s Beautiful Bounty Of Fall Colors”
Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced Urban Forestry Grant (UF) recipients, funded through the Biden-Harris Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
“Wisconsin’s forests are a critical resource for our state, promoting clean air, preserving natural habitats, and bolstering our statewide economy,” said Gov. Evers. “Thanks to our local and federal partners, these investments help build a stronger, more resilient forestry industry, and will protect our environment and grow our economy for generations to come.”
Continue reading “Gov. Evers, DNR Announce Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry Grant Recipients”
By Linda Williams, DNR Forest Health Specialist, Woodruff
Linda.Williams@wisconsin.gov or 920-360-0665
A closeup photo of Japanese beetles defoliating basswood leaves. The invasive pest is becoming more prevalent in northern Wisconsin. / Photo Credit: Linda Williams, Wisconsin DNR
The Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica) is an invasive insect that feeds on many plant species. The pests “skeletonize” leaves by eating the material between the veins.
Adult Japanese beetles feed on the flowers and leaves of more than 300 plant species, including trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Forest trees can be defoliated, with open-grown or edge trees suffering the highest defoliation rates.
