Tree board poised to revitalize city’s urban forest

With the help of a grant from the Department of Natural Resources and the USDA Forest Service, the City of Rhinelander Tree Board is preparing to revitalize and diversify the Hodag City’s urban forest.

“Working with landowners, this grant will allow the city to remove and replace dead or dangerous trees on private property and, in turn, plant two trees for every tree removed,” the tree board announced in a press release.

“Trees in cities are mighty multitaskers,” the board noted. “They reduce energy costs, mitigate air and water pollution, boost housing values, provide wildlife habitat, and even improve community health outcomes.”

“The city’s tree canopy has been severely impacted by disease, invasive insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer, and unavoidable street construction projects,” the release states. “A replacement will be available for every hazard tree removed on private property, providing there is adequate space, and another will be planted in city-owned greenspace. Care will be taken to select the right tree for the right space, ensuring it thrives and doesn’t interfere with utilities such as sewer and power lines.”

To apply, email [email protected] or call Tom Jerow at 715-401-1578. All qualifying properties must lie within the city limits of Rhinelander. 

In addition to clean water and air, trees provide many more ecosystem services. The city is partnering with the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department (OCLW) to concentrate on one specific element of wildlife habitat: pollinator species. 

“Pollinator species are declining and would benefit greatly from improved habitat,” said Baerbel Ehrig, conservation specialist with OCLW. “The benefits will cascade to many other wildlife species, including humans whose agricultural crops rely up to 75 % on pollinators.”

By working with OCLW, the city hopes to balance planting trees that benefit pollinators with the need to plant diverse species. Many of these “Pollinator Trees” are fruit-bearing. 

“Planting diverse species will help our urban forest be more resilient to the next disease or insect infestation, and planting the right tree in the right spot will avoid conflicts with urban infrastructure,” Jerow explained.

More information about the city’s efforts to maintain a healthy and vibrant urban forest will be available at Nicolet College’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair, scheduled for April 22 from 3 to 7 p.m., or by contacting the city forester at [email protected].