Tree Board Meeting

TREE BOARD MEETING MINUTES February 19, 2026 at 3:45 PM 1260 North Road Mauston, WI 1. Call to Order/Roll Call: The Mauston Tree Board met on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Public Works Building at 1260 North Road. The meeting was called to order at 3:50 p.m. Members present were Laura Taake, Maynard Miller, Rob Nelson, and Beth Babcock. Also present were Parks Superintendent Jordan Wilke and Park staff member Mike Minard. 2. Minutes: Motion by Nelson, seconded by Miller, to approve the April 9, 2025, minutes. Motion carried by voice vote. 3. Arbor Day Celebration: Wilke announced that Arbor Day 2026 will be proclaimed on Friday, April 24, 2026, with a rain date of Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The celebration will be held at Jones Park along Maughs Street. Wilke provided a detailed map of tree planting locations. Babcock and her Mauston High School classes (Wildlife and Horticulture) will assist in planting tribute trees. Wilke will be ordering the trees by the end of February. Miller agreed to make the stone markers. 4. Growth Awards: Wilke and Minard reported continued progress toward Tree City USA Growth Award requirements, including development of the annual work plan using the City’s tree census program and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry program. Staff continue to explore grant opportunities and community education classes. Miller suggested contacting Outdoors Forever regarding potential programming. Wilke also discussed the idea of hosting a “Tree Festival” featuring local nurseries, plant experts, food trucks, and educational booths, with the Wisconsin DNR invited to provide information on pest management. Minard suggested displaying City equipment used for tree maintenance, including the chipper, Bobcat Toolcat, and other landscaping equipment. Wilke continues to coordinate with Babcock at Mauston High School as part of the City’s Youth Tree Training program. Wilke and Minard also attend annual tree training classes. 5. Adjourn: Motion by Babcock, seconded by Miller, to adjourn. Motion carried by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. ___________________________________ ________________________ Chair Date