D. Project and General Updates
1 – Tree Board Member Recruitment: No applications so far, keep spreading the word.
The application info is on the website, some have indicated interest verbally.
2 – DC Tree Resolution Implications for DCTB: Alves and NOONE attended the County
Board meeting and represented the Tree Board for the resolution. They answered some
questions about the tree preservation and policy resolution. Resolution passed. Outside
of the passed resolution Alves recommended to the County Board that the Tree Board
act as an advisory board for forestry plans, policies, and procedures to serve as civilian
oversight for ethics reasons. This is not part of the resolution as written. May need to be
a separate resolution, but the oversight/advisory function is already in the Tree Board’s
mission statement.
3 – Tree Nursery Projects – Severson Learning Center & La Follette HS: OFS interns
were in attendance at Severson, and at La Follette they worked in the forest onsite.
4 – Recap of Recent TB Events: The Tree Board gave away trees at various events. The
seedlings are now planted in 23 counties. Events: Party for the Planet had activities and
370 kids did the tree climb. Madison College arborist training students were there to help.
Indian Lake Park Arbor Day event for 300 middle school students offered various
stations. Some activities included microscopes, quiz boards, had an arborist ‘equipment
extravaganza’, line shooter, planted saplings, tree ID, etc. Earth Day Extravaganza at
Lussier Center had activities and tree seedlings, OFS Earth Day featured the line
shooter, bucket truck, climbing station, prairie plugs, controlled burns, etc. OFS grads
talked about their new jobs in arboriculture/conservation and it spiked OFS conservation
applications. RICH says it was the most successful Earth Day program to date for OFS.
5 – DC Heritage Oak Progeny Map: shows sites where seedlings have been planted
6 – TB Budget Updates: RITT researched the idea of selling Heritage Oak seedlings for
fundraising for the Tree Board. County Board approval would be needed for Tree Board to
fundraise by selling trees, need full resolution process. Current Tree Board budget has
about $700 left for Tree Board activities and supplies. Signs for tree cribs not cut yet,
Alves needs dimensions to proceed.
7 – Federal Budget Spending Impacts: WI DNR to date has had no state IRA grants
withdrawn, can submit early for reimbursement. Is a federal injunction in place against
IRA disbursed grants being withdrawn. AmeriCorps federal staff had a 5% reduction,
many state commissions were defunded. Serve Wisconsin may be affected. OFS has
other funding sources for programming.
MICHELE RITT left at 4:30.
CATHY BRODBECK left at 4:36.
5 -
Present
MATT NOONE, CORY RICH, TIERNEY BOCSI, TEDWARD ERKER, and KATE
KENDZIORA
4 - Supervisor MICHELE RITT, JAY WEISS, LAURA WYATT, and CATHY BRODBECK
Excused
