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What is an urban forest? An
urban forest includes the trees and vegetation where
81 percent of people in Wisconsin live. The urban
forest is a key feature of our daily landscape. It
counteracts the impact of heat radiating from steel,
glass and concrete. It reduces storm water runoff
and flooding. It is the one, as a resident or visitor,
we need to see and want to experience.
An urban forest is the meandering
green thread in parks, along bike and hiking trails,
along a community river or stream, and on streets,
boulevards, and roadside. In brief, an urban forest
is a natural fabric woven from many green threads.
Sometimes, threads are connected one to another; more
often, they are not.
In addition to fragmentation,
urban forests are endangered. There are natural threats.
Threats, such as pests [gypsy moths] and diseases
[oak wilt] are difficult to control. There is a persistent
threat of removal or severe injury resulting from
poor design or executed development. Even if removal
is not an issue, construction damage can leave trees
and surrounding vegetation severely damaged.
Managing this disconnected,
endangered, but vital ecosystem, is challenging. Community
residents need to understand the elements of ecosystem
based forest management. Such management aims for
maximum benefits for people and the environment. Communities
need necessary technical support and assistance. Practitioners
must be knowledgeable in state of the art urban forest
management practices. Lastly, there must be coordination
and cooperation so all who impact the urban forest
ecosystem can work cooperatively towards sound urban
forest management. Thanks to the Urban Forestry Program
of the Department of Natural Resources, and citizen
energy, it is a challenge we have the tools to meet.
Urban forest management may
start with a resource inventory or an ordinance, a
replacement planting, or removal of hazardous trees.
It may start with a design that places trees where
they belong – where we ourselves want to live
– in a community of others, not planted alone
in a 4’ X 4’ planting hole. It may start
with a training or educational program or publication.
It may start with an understanding of what the urban
forest is – an ecosystem. It may start with an
open mind and a vision of what the urban forest can
be - a woodland edge, restored savanna, riverbank
planting, streetscape group planting.
Take
Action: Neighborhood residents and associations
will find a starting point in assessing the health
and needs of their community’s urban forest.
Forum: Ask expert Richard Rideout,
State Coordinator, DNR Urban Forestry your questions
pertaining to urban forestry ordinances, policies,
practices, programs, and resources. Send questions
to geri@uosf.org by Dec. 17, 2001. Please look for
answers in January at our web site: www.ouropenspaces.org.
Resources
provide links to technical assistance, grants, local
initiatives, publications, and partnerships.
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