urban forestry

Staff reviewed the 2025 urban forestry and tree-planting budget, saying the city had relied heavily on Wisconsin DNR grants and expected those grants to become harder to obtain.

Staff said ash-tree removals and other tree work would continue even if grant funding became less available; the board discussed a possible increase to the city Environmental Fee and likely use of contractors because city staffing was limited.

City Council authorized staff to apply for a 2026 Wisconsin DNR urban forestry grant, passing the resolution 9-0.

City Council amended the 2025 urban forestry and community development budgets to provide additional funding for tree removals, passing the resolution 6-3.

Parks and Recreation reported removing 45 dead, dying, or storm-damaged trees in 2026; the city continued its practice of paying for sidewalks lifted by terrace trees.

Parks and Recreation said stump grinding would mainly occur in the fall and identified cemeteries and major parks among priority areas for tree removals.

The Environmental Advisory Board postponed discussion of a Fruit Tree Planting Foundation orchard grant because Mike Mathis was absent and could not provide background; the board planned to revisit it at its next meeting.

City Council approved applying for a $25,000 Wisconsin DNR urban forestry grant, with the city proposing a $25,000 local match from its existing tree-removal and pruning budget. Brandt made the motion and D. LeClair seconded it; all nine council members present voted yes.

The proposed grant work includes improvements to the city’s gravel-bed tree nursery, an acorn-growing partnership with schools, support for a youth forestry apprentice, priority ash-tree removals, and hazardous-tree pruning.