Fitchburg, WI Tree Advisory Committee 5-14-26

The Fitchburg Tree Advisory Committee met on May 14, 2026, to discuss urban forestry management and related procurement and budget priorities. The committee reviewed the recently approved strategic urban forestry management plan, funded by a Department of Natural Resources grant, and discussed next steps including seeking additional funding for staffing, particularly for a summer or full-time intern to assist with woodlot management, data analysis, and volunteer coordination. They emphasized the need for a woodlot management policy and the potential cost savings from proactive hazard tree management. The committee also considered incorporating tree preservation requirements into developer agreements to enforce urban forestry goals. Additionally, they discussed formalizing a memorial tree policy and ongoing tree planting projects funded by grants. The committee plans to submit budget requests for staffing support in the upcoming city budget cycle and continue advancing urban forestry initiatives.