Development of Urban Forestry Best Management Practices for Invasive Species in Wisconsin
Invasive species are negatively impacting forest productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem function in Wisconsin’s forests, including our urban forest. The urban forest is comprised of all the trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, groundcovers, grasses, and animals in and around communities of all sizes.
Wisconsin’s urban forests provide invaluable environmental services such as, stormwater management, reduced greenhouse gasses, reduced heating and cooling costs for buildings, food and shelter for wildlife, and improved physical and mental health for humans. Urban forests are particularly vulnerable to invasive species due to heavy use (i.e. disturbance) and close proximity to sources of invasives (ornamental plantings, ports of entry). Urban forests may also be “jumping off points” for invasives into natural areas.¹
Wisconsin’s Urban Forestry Community has responded to the threat of invasive species by participating in the development of Urban Forestry Best Management Practices for Invasive Species in Wisconsin. These BMPs will be voluntary standards of practice to aid in the management and control of invasive plants, invertebrates, and diseases in and around Wisconsin’s “built environments”.
¹Dozier, Hallie. 2000. Chapter 9: Invasive Plants and the Restoration of the Urban Forest Ecosystem in Restoring the Urban Forest Ecosystem. M.L. Duryea, E. Kampf Binelli, and L.V. Korhnak, Eds. The School of Forest Resources and Conservation, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida.
Background
- Definition of Invasive Species
- Partnership Overview and Goals
- Draft Statement of Charge
- Advisory Committee Member Organizations
Kick-Off Event
Jane Cummings-Carlson, DNR Forest Health Coordinator, discusses invasive insects and demonstrates insect lures and traps.
