Urban Forestry

Menomonie Urban Forestry Board Minutes Wednesday, September 20, 2023 – 1:00pm – Lower-Level Conference Room 58 - City Hall Committee Members Present: Cindy Gilberts (1.0 hr.) Joe Jax (Chair) (2.5 hrs.) Liz Usborne (2.0 hrs.) Bob Giede (Absent) Dennis Kropp (15.0 hrs.) Mike Schendel (1.0 hr.) Mike Smith (1.0 hr.) Eric Sutherland (1.5 hrs.) Monika Herrmann (2.0 hrs.) Others present: Megen Hines, Environmental Program Director, and Tammy Eckert. The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Joe Jax. A sign-up sheet was passed around with names of attendees and their number of volunteer hours worked. August 2023 minutes were sent to the committee prior to the meeting and reviewed. Dennis Kropp made a motion to accept those minutes and Cindy seconded. Motion passed. Public Comment: Judy Zimmerman 2023 DNR Urban Forestry Grant: Brochures went out with a newsletter insert to all the Citizens of Menomonie. One was sent to & signed off by Abby at the DNR to meet one of the requirements for the grant qualifications. Northern Wisconsin Fence out of Phillips, Wisconsin won the fencing bid that is to be installed to enclose the tree gravel bed at the Wakanda Park Location. Purdue University – Extension Documents – Mike Smith: Mike supplied the board with a colorful informative 9-page Tree planting and Care guide called the “Tree Selection for the “Un-natural” Environment. It focused on the important components of the decision-making process for tree selection. Deciding what tree to choose and why you choose it, getting a tree from a reputable source, increasing focus on native trees, and maintaining a health tree were just some of the information covered. A list of names and species of suggested trees for different landscapes and environments was listed in the back for further knowledge in tree planting success. 2024 Budget: As part of the City Budget, the Urban Forestry budget process has started a bit earlier this year due in part to new staff in the City Administration Office. A review was done of the types of categories used for budget allowance for trees/tree care etc. was shown to be somewhat outdated. Going forward in 2024 the budget will be updated, consolidated, and have one category eliminated, (Dutch Elm Disease). The changes will be reflected to show the monetary needs for future developments and/or plans for the UFB going forward. It will be more accurate. streamlined and updated. The 1st draft is due to the Board in October and the final meeting for approval in November of 2023. Urban Forestry Board Brochures: Regarding the Heritage Tree Program brochure there was discussion regarding the possibility of integrating a tree walk/map in to that brochure. The brochure for Menomonie Forestry Friends program was organized in 1998 through the GFWC – Menomonie Women’s Club & supported by a 1998 Urban Forestry Grant to form a non-profit partnership – this program is on hold as to whether we revive the program or retire it due to staff and time constraints regarding managing the monies and the program. Adopt a Bench and Maintenance Guidelines: We now have digital and hard copies of acquiring and maintaining a bench for anyone who would like to adopt a bench in the city. This newly formed program is now live and online at the City of Menomonie Urban Forestry Page or the public can contact Megen Hines and she will email you the link to get started. Galloway Creek Restoration Project: Visiting Guest today, Judy Zimmerman reports that the Restoration Project was revived with the help of funding leftover from the Gail Family Fund out of Chippewa Falls. Between the volunteers from the Menomonie High School and UW Stout Students 69 trees were planted! Holes were dug, trees set, wire to protect the trees were cut & placed around the tree. Lastly, the trees were watered by hand with buckets to each tree. Thoughts for the project in the future include labeling the types of trees planted for identification purposes! The public is invited to visit this area of Galloway Creek between 5th Street and 4th Street NE of the Menomonie High School. Forester Report: In the absence of Mike Morrow, the City Parks Foreman/City Forester; - Megen reports that the city crew will start planting trees in October. There are an estimated 80-85 trees currently in the gravel bed waiting for transplant throughout the city. - Stump grinding from last Winter and Spring’s dead tree removals are also on the agenda Fall. City Council Report: Eric Sutherland reports that Chris Koeze was approved to play in the Wilson Park Band Shell in September in between the city’s High School Homecoming Parade and the football game. Hazardous Materials pick up will be September –more information can be found in the Newsletter posted on the City Website. Items for Next Meeting Agenda: Adopt a bench Maintenance Guidelines. See Urban Forestry Parking Lot. Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 18, 2023 – 1:00 p.m. in lower level of City Hall – Conference Room 058. Adjournment: A motion was made by Monika Herrmann and seconded by Eric Sutherland to adjourn. Motion passed. Minutes submitted by: Tammy Eckert