Rhinelander receives grant to revitalize trees

The city of Rhinelander plans to revitalize its urban forest with a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The grant will allow the city to work with landowners to remove and replace dead or dangerous trees on private property and plant two for every tree removed. According to the city, Rhinelander’s tree canopy has been severely impacted by disease, invasive insects such as the Emerald Ash Borer, and unavoidable street construction projects. 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. Selecting the right tree for the right space will ensure it thrives and doesn’t interfere with utilities such as sewer and power lines. To apply, email forester@rhinelanderwi.us or call City Forester Tom Jerow at 715-401-1578. All qualifying properties must lie within the city limits of Rhinelander. The city is also partnering with the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department to plant trees that benefit pollinators. The goal is to balance planting trees that benefit pollinators with the need to plant diverse species. Trees in cities are multitaskers that reduce energy costs, mitigate air and water pollution, boost housing values, provide wildlife habitat, and even improve community health outcomes. More information about Rhinelander’s efforts to maintain a healthy and vibrant urban forest will be available at Nicolet College’s Earth Day Sustainability Fair, currently scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, from 3 to 7 p.m.