May 2, 2022 at 11:29 a.m.
City to establish urban forestry fund
City to establish urban forestry fund
"City Administrator Zach Vruwink and Mayor Kris Hanus kicked off the campaign with a pledge of $500 dollars each," according to a city press release announcing the project. "Zach is matching dollar for dollar each city employee and city official donation up to $500."
"Today we start the process of making tree planting a priority in the city of Rhinelander," Hanus said. "With the hard work of the tree committee and our city forester we are now at the point of collecting donations for this cause."
"I personally believe we need to be planting at least 85 trees per year. To help make this a reality I am personally donating $500 to help make this possible," he added.
The hope is that local businesses and individuals will also contribute to the project.
"The City of Rhinelander, through its Tree Board, is working to ensure that a strong heritage of urban trees is established for current and future generations alike, and it needs your help, the release states. "The Tree Board is pleased to announce an opportunity for local businesses, groups, and individuals to donate toward the establishment of a Rhinelander Urban Forestry Fund. Trees play a vital role in our everyday lives. They improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. They beautify our streets and shade our children. This Arbor Day consider honoring a loved one or even a beloved pet with a donation to establish an Urban Forestry Fund."
The Rhinelander Urban Forestry Fund will be non-endowed fund nested within the Rhinelander Community Foundation to support the restoration, planting, and management of urban trees on public spaces within the City of Rhinelander. This includes trees on boulevards, parks, schools, and green spaces, the release states.
City forester Tom Jerow is excited about managing trees for the long term but cautions the public that "it's about planting the right tree in the right place."
"It's critical that we avoid planting trees under or over important utility infrastructure like power lines," he said. "It is also important to plant a diversity of trees so that we avoid catastrophic diseases and pests like Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) or Dutch Elm Disease."
Initial contributions toward the establishment of the Rhinelander Urban Forestry Fund can be made at City Hall by writing a check ($100 minimum) to the City of Rhinelander, with "Tree Fund" denoted on the memo line. Once $10,000 is reached the City can begin the process of opening the fund with the Community Foundation.
For more information, contact Jerow at (715) 401-1578 or [email protected].
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