Parks & Forestry
Urban Forestry
Emerald Ash Borer (EAB)
First detected in the Detroit area in 2002, emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees, primarily in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. It was first found in Wisconsin in 2008, in Ozaukee County and has since been found in six other counties. Emerald ash borer has not yet been detected in Dane County. But given that steps to contain its spread have not worked, if not here already, scientists expect the beetle could be found somewhere in the county in two to four years.
What you should know about EAB
To minimize the impact of the emerald ash borer and the potential loss of ash trees in Fitchburg, the City approved the EAB Readiness and Response Plan in March.
Fitchburg EAB Readiness and Response Plan
About the Urban Forestry Division
Urban Forestry is a vital function of the Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Department’s management responsibilities. The urban forest consists of all shade and ornamental trees and shrubs throughout the city and include all the city’s public parks, open spaces, the cemetery, and along all streets, boulevards, and right-of-ways. The adoption of Fitchburg Ordinance 97-O-34 in 1998 created Chapter 32: City Parks & Forestry, through which the City’s Urban Forester is responsible for implementing the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
The mission of the Urban Forestry Division of the City of Fitchburg is to understand the environment of the urban forest and use best management practices to assure that the forest is maintained in good health, that risk of injury and property damage is minimized and to maximize the benefits that the urban forest provides to the community and its citizens through diversity and function.
The Urban Forestry Division is responsible for over 95 parks, conservation areas, greenways and a golf course and cemetery. That includes more than 730 acres of parks and open space. As a result, the public urban forest is made up of more than 3,000 trees in parks, open spaces and the cemetery, more than 4,500 trees along streets, boulevards, and right-of-ways, and numerous woodlots like Mickelson Woods.
Responsibilities
The Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Department's Division of Urban Forestry is responsible for the management, planting, replacement and maintenance of all shade and ornamental trees growing in public parks, open spaces, along right-of-ways, and in the cemetery.
The Department of Public Works is responsible for street tree trimming and planting trees along city streets and boulevards in new developments; The urban forestry division is responsible for the maintenance and replacement of these trees.
Responsibilities of the Urban Forester include:
- Management, planning, planting, protection, removal, replacement and maintenance of all shade and ornamental trees in public ways and public areas.
- Hazard and diseased tree risk assessment and remediation for any tree or shrub on public or private property that constitutes a public nuisance or endangers the life, health, safety or welfare of persons or property.
- Assist residents in handling diseases and insect infestations, and tree selection for street terraces or on private property.
The Urban Forester can be contacted by phone at 608-270-4289.
Public Services
The Urban Forester also assists residents in handling Oak Wilt Disease, Dutch Elm Disease, insect infestations, and tree selection, and provides pruning tips for street terraces or on private property. The Urban Forester has also prepared guidelines on planting a tree for prolonged life and the importance of pruning trees and shrubs.
Special Events
Arbor Day/Earth Day Celebration and Clean Up Day --
Tree planting and volunteer community clean up in May every year
Contact Information and Hours
Edward Bartell - Part time Urban Forester and Naturalist, 608-270-4289
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Usually Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, 3rd Floor
Scott Endl - Parks, Recreation & Urban Forestry Department Director, 608-270-4288
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
City Hall, 5520 Lacy Road, 3rd Floor
Last updated July 19, 2010