$50,000 donation boosts city’s Urban Forestry program

For many Northwoods residents, trees are much more than a source of shade or an element in a landscaping plan. Often, those who choose to live in this part of the state do so because they’re drawn to its natural beauty. They tend to cherish the trees that stand sentinel in their yards as the years go by.

Local resident Gale Willcox wants to help the City of Rhinelander in its efforts to sustain an urban tree canopy. To that end, she recently donated $50,000 to the Urban Forestry Fund.

The Rhinelander Urban Forestry Fund was established in 2023, through the Rhinelander Community Foundation, to carry out the Urban Forestry program in the city, according to a press release announcing the donation. 

Tom Jerow, the appointed City Forester, said the donation took his breath away. 

“The need to manage our urban forest is great, and it exceeds the City’s ability to fund a sustainable urban tree canopy,” Jerow said. “A recently completed management plan identified almost 1,000 locations where trees could be planted.  Dutch elm disease, emerald ash borer, and street projects have severely impacted the city’s canopy. According to the U.S. Forest Service and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, urban trees help to filter air and water, control stormwater, conserve energy, and provide animal habitat and shade. They add beauty, form, and structure to an urban design by reducing noise and providing places to recreate. Urban forest strengthens social cohesion, spurs community revitalization, and adds economic value to our communities.”

Having grown up close to nature in rural Illinois, Willcox intuitively understands and supports the importance of trees to our community, the release states.

“When I was young, my parents vacationed in northern Wisconsin,” she said. “Later, my husband and I moved to Rhinelander and invested in a resort property. We have always loved trees and the Northwoods.”

The donation was made through the Rhinelander Community Foundation.

“We are extremely grateful for Gale’s entire donation to the Rhinelander Community Foundation (RCF), totaling $100,000, of which $50,000 is going to the Urban Forestry Fund.” said Gina Heck, the Foundation’s president. 

RCF has specific established funds where individuals can donate and be ensured that their donation helps the charity that is most meaningful to them, the release notes. 

The overall mission of RCF is to help make the Rhinelander community a better place to live.

To make a general donation or to a specific fund, or to view a full list of grants, visit rhinelandercommunityfoundation.com.

Mayor Kris Hanus expressed his gratitude for the donation and support for the urban forestry program. 

“No doubt our efforts to invest in and replace our aging sewer, water, and street projects have impacted trees,” he said. “The city is committed to maintaining our current funding for our tree program. This generous donation will be additive and not take away from our commitment to maintaining and replanting trees.” 

During the recent debate surrounding the design for the upcoming street project in the Hodag Park neighborhood, city officials heard residents speak eloquently about the importance of the mature trees that surround them.

“These funds will help us plant a diversity of tree species and provide resistance and resilience to disturbances including climate change and pests and disease,” Jerow said. “It’s also important to plant the right tree in the right space to avoid conflict with utilities and other infrastructure.”

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In September, Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), announced that the City of Rhinelander was a recipient of an Urban Forestry Grant in the amount of $182,000.

“Wisconsin’s forests are a critical resource for our state, promoting clean air, preserving natural habitats, and bolstering our statewide economy,” said Evers.

“Mostly the IRA urban forestry grant will go to remove (and) replace dead and diseased elm and ash on private property,” Jerow explained. “Many people cannot afford up to $1,000 to remove a mature dead elm or ash. Not to mention replacing those trees.”

The grant will also be used to fund the city’s orchard/food forest project.

“The food forest (nuts, fruits, plums, and of course apples) is a relatively small, but important, portion of the the grant focused on food security,” Jerow explained.

A location for the food forest has yet to be determined.

Jerow noted that planning is underway and visits to other food forests in the state are planned.

Among other things, the city will need to determine how best to protect the food forest from the deer population as well as various pests that can harm plants, he noted.

As far as the removal of mature dead elm and ash trees, Jerow indicated he expects information will be released in early 2025 as to how residents can apply for this service.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].