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August 2006Where to find helpDNR’s urban forestry assistance program. |
Trees on the State Capitol lawn invite people to take time out of their busy lives to talk, walk and picnic. © Jeff Roe
Many Wisconsin communities cite the DNR’s urban forestry program for assisting their community officials, green industry professionals, businesses, schools, nonprofits and the public in working together to expand, improve and manage the urban forest.
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This assistance takes four forms:
Technical - help communities develop management plans, inventories, ordinances, plant health care and training plans.
Education and training - develop and coordinate programs and materials for forestry professionals, elected officials, planners, developers, school children and volunteers.
Funding -- administer state and federal cost-sharing grants and suggest alternate sources of funding, staff and support for community programs.
Public awareness - develop awareness and support for the value of urban forests and their need for management through the media, recognition programs, celebrations and events.
The program is advised by the Wisconsin Urban Forestry Council, a 23-member committee of citizens and professionals that represents everyone from community officials to businesses and neighborhood activists. The Council also presents awards to communities, groups and individuals for exceptional urban forestry efforts and advocates for the urban forest and urban forestry.
For more information on the program visit dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/UF/
Who to call?
My community doesn’t have a tree program. How can I help start one?
Contact your DNR regional urban forestry coordinator. Visit dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/uf/.
I’m responsible for the trees in my community. Where can I go to get technical training? There are a variety of training, education and networking opportunities available in Wisconsin, as well as private consultants that provide customized instruction. Contact your DNR regional urban forestry coordinator to find out more. Visit dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/uf/.
There is something wrong with my tree. Who should I call? Contact your county extension office. These are listed on the web at www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/. Some counties have horticulturists on staff and others will refer you to the University of Wisconsin Insect Diagnostic lab, www.entomology.wisc.edu/entodiag.html or the University of Wisconsin Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic, www.plantpath.wisc.edu/pddc/. A list of certified arborists in Wisconsin also is found at www.waa-isa.org/arborists/search.asp. Local nurseries, garden centers and botanical gardens may be able to help.
What do I do about trees in power lines? Contact your local utility company. You can find their name and address on your monthly utility bill. You may also contact your community forestry, parks or public works department.
Other resources
What other resources are there? There are numerous websites that provide information or links to other sites. Check out:
TreeLink www.treelink.org
International Society of Arboriculture www.treesaregood.com
National Arbor Day Foundation www.arborday.org.
Others can be found on the DNR urban forestry resources web page at dnr.wi.gov/org/land/forestry/UF/resources/
