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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem IV- Tree Preservation​ ​and​ ​Planting​ ​of​ ​Trees Accompanying​ ​Road​ ​Construction​ ​in Oshkosh,​ ​WI A​ ​Tree​ ​Ordinance​ ​Proposal Matthew​ ​McTrusty George​ ​Stroschein Kevin​ ​Corbett Casimir​ ​Curney Table​ ​of​ ​Contents Executive​ ​Summary:2 Background/Problem​ ​Identification:3 Recommended​ ​Sample​ ​Ordinance:5 Stakeholders: 5 Bill​ ​Sturm:​ ​Urban​ ​Forester​ ​-​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​WI 6 Dennis​ ​Fermenich:​ ​Urban​ ​Forester​ ​-​ ​Greenfield,​ ​WI 8 Dan​ ​Trass:​ ​Ranger​ ​Services 9 Shelly​ ​Reinke:​ ​Greater​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Healthy​ ​Neighborhoods,​ ​Inc.10 Shirley​ ​Mattox:​ ​Jackson​ ​Street​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Association 1​1 Anonymous​ ​Homeowner 1​2 Kathy​ ​Webb:​ ​River​ ​East​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Association 1​3 Donn​ ​Lord:​ ​Winnebago​ ​Apartment​ ​Association 15 Benchmarking:16 Greenfield,​ ​WI 1​6 Burlington,​ ​WI 18 Appleton,​ ​WI 19 Eau​ ​Claire,​ ​WI 20 La​ ​Crosse,​ ​WI 21 Costs:22 Barriers:24 Significance​ ​for​ ​Sustainability:25 Mitigation​ ​of​ ​Diseases/Invasive​ ​Pests 25 Air​ ​Quality 28 Stormwater​ ​Management 29 Aesthetics 3​0 Summary/Conclusion 31 Citations 3​2 Other​ ​Wisconsin​ ​City​ ​Ordinances 3​4 Appleton​ ​Ordinance 34 La​ ​Crosse​ ​Ordinance 4​3 Eau​ ​Claire​ ​Ordinance 4​7 1 Executive​ ​Summary: The​ ​purpose​ ​of​ ​this​ ​document​ ​is​ ​to​ ​propose​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​adopt​ ​an​ ​ordinance that​ ​requires​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​city​ ​streets​ ​which​ ​are​ ​reconstructed​ ​or​ ​to​ ​be constructed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​future.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​streets​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh​ ​are​ ​scheduled​ ​to​ ​undergo​ ​reconstruction in​ ​the​ ​near​ ​future​ ​and​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​greatly​ ​improve​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​and tree​ ​cover​ ​in​ ​areas​ ​which​ ​currently​ ​may​ ​not​ ​have​ ​an​ ​abundance​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​canopy​ ​cover.​ ​This ordinance​ ​would​ ​help​ ​improve​ ​aesthetics,​ ​erosion,​ ​runoff​ ​issues,​ ​canopy​ ​cover,​ ​air​ ​quality, wildlife​ ​habitat,​ ​and​ ​much​ ​more,​ ​while​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time​ ​improving​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​standing​ ​on​ ​the “Sustainability​ ​Strategies​ ​Scoresheet”​ ​regarding​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​ordinance.​ ​A​ ​terrace​ ​tree ordinance​ ​would​ ​also​ ​be​ ​in​ ​accordance​ ​with​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forestry​ ​vision​ ​statement​ ​found​ ​on the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​website​ ​which​ ​states,​ ​“The​ ​Forestry​ ​Division’s​ ​goals​ ​are​ ​to​ ​establish maximum​ ​tree​ ​cover;​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​condition​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​maximize​ ​benefits and​ ​minimize​ ​hazard,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​establish​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​an​ ​optimal​ ​level​ ​of​ ​age​ ​and​ ​species​ ​diversity” (City​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh). The​ ​benefits​ ​for​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​outstanding,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​ecosystem​ ​services​ ​that​ ​they​ ​provide will​ ​result​ ​in​ ​long​ ​term​ ​returns​ ​on​ ​investments.​ ​Although​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​currently​ ​strives​ ​to plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​following​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​activities,​ ​making​ ​it​ ​a​ ​required​ ​action​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a simple​ ​policy​ ​or​ ​addendum​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​current​ ​tree​ ​policy.​ ​Based​ ​on​ ​information​ ​and​ ​interviews from​ ​various​ ​stakeholders,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​very​ ​little​ ​opposition​ ​for​ ​such​ ​an​ ​ordinance.​ ​The​ ​main​ ​forms of​ ​opposition​ ​stemmed​ ​from​ ​issues​ ​that​ ​concern​ ​funding​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​projects.​ ​However,​ ​there​ ​is strong​ ​evidence​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​is​ ​a​ ​very​ ​marginal​ ​cost​ ​compared​ ​to​ ​road​ ​construction activities,​ ​and​ ​Greenfield’s​ ​urban​ ​forester​ ​Dennis​ ​Fermenich​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​costs​ ​less than​ ​.5%​ ​of​ ​any​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​project.​ ​Many​ ​other​ ​cities​ ​in​ ​the​ ​state​ ​of​ ​Wisconsin​ ​with comparable​ ​population​ ​sizes​ ​have​ ​added​ ​similar​ ​tree​ ​policies​ ​that​ ​are​ ​functioning​ ​extremely​ ​well and​ ​backed​ ​by​ ​strong​ ​support​ ​from​ ​residents​ ​of​ ​the​ ​community. Oshkosh​ ​is​ ​already​ ​an​ ​extremely​ ​‘tree​ ​friendly’​ ​city​ ​and​ ​is​ ​recognized​ ​as​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of Tree​ ​City​ ​USA,​ ​and​ ​UW​ ​Oshkosh​ ​is​ ​recognized​ ​as​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​Tree​ ​Campus​ ​USA.​ ​Oshkosh will​ ​continue​ ​to​ ​take​ ​a​ ​leadership​ ​stance​ ​on​ ​sustainability​ ​if​ ​this​ ​ordinance​ ​is​ ​adopted.​ ​Urban forester​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the​ ​perfect​ ​time​ ​to​ ​add​ ​a​ ​terrace​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​policy, addendum,​ ​or​ ​ordinance​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​streets​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh​ ​are​ ​scheduled​ ​for reconstruction​ ​in​ ​the​ ​near​ ​future.​ ​This​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​provide​ ​Sturm​ ​with​ ​the​ ​funding necessary​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​diverse​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​and​ ​improve​ ​the​ ​health​ ​of​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forest.​ ​With​ ​diseases such​ ​as​ ​elm​ ​disease​ ​and​ ​invasive​ ​pests​ ​like​ ​the​ ​emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer,​ ​maintaining​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​and diverse​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​will​ ​be​ ​imperative​ ​for​ ​the​ ​future.​ ​If​ ​this​ ​ordinance​ ​is​ ​adopted,​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his team​ ​of​ ​certified​ ​arborists​ ​will​ ​oversee​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​of​ ​terrace​ ​trees,​ ​all​ ​while working​ ​with​ ​homeowners​ ​and​ ​other​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​community​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​proper​ ​tree placement.​ ​In​ ​depth​ ​details​ ​of​ ​the​ ​multifaceted​ ​topics​ ​pertaining​ ​to​ ​the​ ​terrace​ ​tree​ ​ordinance​ ​can be​ ​found​ ​within​ ​this​ ​document,​ ​along​ ​with​ ​sample​ ​ordinances​ ​from​ ​other​ ​cities. 2 Background/Problem​ ​Identification: Currently,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​no​ ​tree​ ​related​ ​ordinance​ ​that​ ​would​ ​apply​ ​to​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​following new​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​or​ ​reconstruction.​ ​However,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​is​ ​considered​ ​extremely​ ​‘tree friendly.’​ ​Oshkosh​ ​was​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​first​ ​cities​ ​to​ ​be​ ​recognized​ ​as​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​Tree​ ​City​ ​USA​ ​in Wisconsin,​ ​and​ ​also​ ​the​ ​University​ ​of​ ​Wisconsin​ ​Oshkosh​ ​is​ ​part​ ​of​ ​Tree​ ​Campus​ ​USA,​ ​both​ ​of which​ ​are​ ​nationwide​ ​programs​ ​dedicated​ ​to​ ​the​ ​management​ ​and​ ​expansion​ ​of​ ​public​ ​trees.​ ​The city​ ​currently​ ​does​ ​not​ ​have​ ​a​ ​canopy​ ​cover​ ​goal,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​sitting​ ​at​ ​a​ ​relatively​ ​low​ ​city-wide canopy​ ​cover​ ​of​ ​only​ ​18%.​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm,​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​there​ ​were weather​ ​circumstances​ ​that​ ​previously​ ​decimated​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​tree​ ​population.​ ​In​ ​2001,​ ​an extremely​ ​severe​ ​storm​ ​swept​ ​through​ ​central​ ​Wisconsin​ ​costing​ ​the​ ​city​ ​a​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​over​ ​8,000 trees.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​have​ ​been​ ​re-planted,​ ​however​ ​the​ ​re-planted​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​too​ ​immature​ ​to account​ ​for​ ​a​ ​significant​ ​percentage​ ​of​ ​canopy​ ​cover.​ ​When​ ​looking​ ​at​ ​numbers​ ​alone,​ ​the​ ​data gives​ ​the​ ​illusion​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​may​ ​have​ ​an​ ​extremely​ ​low​ ​number​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​is​ ​not concerned​ ​with​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​large​ ​and​ ​mature​ ​trees,​ ​which​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​explained​ ​is​ ​not​ ​the​ ​case. The​ ​city​ ​was​ ​presented​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Wisconsin​ ​Urban​ ​Forestry​ ​Council’s​ ​2011​ ​Award​ ​for Project​ ​Partnership​ ​in​ ​recognition​ ​for​ ​the​ ​Taking​ ​Root​ ​Fund​ ​Initiative.​ ​The​ ​Taking​ ​Root​ ​Fund​ ​is a​ ​special​ ​project​ ​fund​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Area​ ​Community​ ​Foundation​ ​that​ ​focuses​ ​on​ ​improving the​ ​health​ ​and​ ​beauty​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​through​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​trees.​ ​The​ ​initial​ ​fundraising​ ​goal​ ​was met​ ​at​ ​$500,000​ ​and​ ​the​ ​first​ ​phase​ ​of​ ​the​ ​project​ ​included​ ​planting​ ​1,000​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​city​ ​streets and​ ​public​ ​park​ ​spaces.​ ​Fortunately,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​still​ ​money​ ​set​ ​aside​ ​and​ ​invested​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Taking Root​ ​Fund​ ​which​ ​keeps​ ​generating​ ​revenue​ ​and​ ​can​ ​be​ ​used​ ​for​ ​future​ ​tree​ ​projects.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​also 3 offers​ ​the​ ​community​ ​a​ ​resident​ ​based​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​program​ ​known​ ​as​ ​the​ ​ReLeaf​ ​Oshkosh Terrace​ ​Tree​ ​Program.​ ​​ ​Neighborhood​ ​members​ ​can​ ​decide​ ​where​ ​they​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees and​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​sold​ ​to​ ​them​ ​at​ ​wholesale​ ​cost​ ​for​ ​about​ ​$50​ ​to​ ​$60​ ​per​ ​tree.​ ​The​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​then planted​ ​and​ ​maintained​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Forestry​ ​Division.​ ​This​ ​program​ ​focuses​ ​on community​ ​involvement​ ​and​ ​participation​ ​to​ ​enrich​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​landscape. Although​ ​there​ ​are​ ​programs​ ​in​ ​place​ ​concerning​ ​trees​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​the city​ ​could​ ​still​ ​use​ ​a​ ​significant​ ​improvement​ ​on​ ​canopy​ ​cover,​ ​tree​ ​diversity,​ ​and​ ​tree​ ​funding. Given​ ​that​ ​many​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​streets​ ​will​ ​be​ ​reconstructed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​following​ ​years,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​the perfect​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​adopt​ ​an​ ​ordinance​ ​that​ ​will​ ​improve​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​urban​ ​forest.​ ​Some community​ ​members​ ​may​ ​initially​ ​be​ ​unsupportive​ ​of​ ​a​ ​terrace​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​due​ ​to maintenance​ ​issues​ ​with​ ​falling​ ​leaves​ ​or​ ​the​ ​thought​ ​that​ ​trees​ ​may​ ​block​ ​views​ ​from​ ​residential units.​ ​If​ ​such​ ​an​ ​ordinance​ ​is​ ​adopted,​ ​working​ ​with​ ​neighborhoods​ ​and​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the community​ ​will​ ​be​ ​imperative​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​place​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​areas​ ​where​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​minimal backlash.​ ​Another​ ​issue​ ​concerns​ ​funding,​ ​which​ ​may​ ​have​ ​to​ ​come​ ​from​ ​taxpayers​ ​or community​ ​members​ ​who​ ​live​ ​on​ ​reconstructed​ ​streets.​ ​However,​ ​Dennis​ ​Fermenich,​ ​the​ ​urban forester​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield,​ ​Wisconsin​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​costs​ ​less​ ​than​ ​.5%​ ​of​ ​total road​ ​reconstruction​ ​costs​ ​and​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield​ ​has​ ​$.50​ ​per​ ​capita​ ​allocated​ ​to​ ​tree planting​ ​which​ ​covers​ ​the​ ​majority​ ​of​ ​the​ ​costs.​ ​Perhaps​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​could​ ​adopt​ ​a funding​ ​initiative​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​that​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield​ ​to​ ​cover​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​this​ ​ordinance. The​ ​right​ ​steps​ ​are​ ​being​ ​taken​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forest,​ ​however,​ ​a​ ​healthier urban​ ​forest​ ​will​ ​be​ ​achieved​ ​only​ ​if​ ​disease​ ​is​ ​kept​ ​at​ ​bay​ ​and​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​planted​ ​and​ ​maintained properly.​ ​Emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer​ ​is​ ​an​ ​issue​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​must​ ​address.​ ​Although​ ​the​ ​city​ ​treats​ ​ash 4 trees​ ​and​ ​other​ ​trees​ ​that​ ​are​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​invasive​ ​pests,​ ​an​ ​increase​ ​in​ ​tree​ ​diversity is​ ​imperative​ ​to​ ​increase​ ​genetic​ ​variation.​ ​Norway​ ​maple​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​abundant​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​and accounts​ ​for​ ​24%​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​trees,​ ​with​ ​crabapple​ ​species​ ​coming​ ​in​ ​second​ ​at​ ​22%,​ ​and​ ​ash trees​ ​third​ ​at​ ​9%.​ ​With​ ​the​ ​adoption​ ​of​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance,​ ​different​ ​species​ ​could​ ​be considered​ ​when​ ​planting​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads,​ ​which​ ​would​ ​further​ ​increase​ ​tree diversity​ ​and​ ​lower​ ​the​ ​chances​ ​of​ ​widespread​ ​disease​ ​and​ ​tree​ ​mortality​ ​due​ ​to​ ​invasive​ ​pests. Having​ ​a​ ​multitude​ ​of​ ​different​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​along​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​streets​ ​also​ ​improves​ ​wildlife​ ​habitat. By​ ​providing​ ​animals​ ​with​ ​a​ ​diverse​ ​tree​ ​population​ ​the​ ​city​ ​would​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​support​ ​a​ ​larger and​ ​more​ ​diverse​ ​number​ ​of​ ​wildlife​ ​species. Recommended​ ​Sample​ ​Ordinance: Urban​ ​forester​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​urged​ ​us​ ​not​ ​to​ ​prepare​ ​a​ ​sample​ ​ordinance,​ ​stating​ ​that Oshkosh’s​ ​current​ ​tree​ ​ordinance​ ​was​ ​just​ ​rewritten​ ​and​ ​it​ ​would​ ​be​ ​easier​ ​to​ ​make​ ​the​ ​proposed terrace​ ​tree​ ​ordinance​ ​a​ ​policy​ ​or​ ​an​ ​addendum​ ​to​ ​the​ ​recently​ ​revised​ ​ordinance.​ ​The​ ​goal​ ​of​ ​this document​ ​is​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​require​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​following​ ​road​ ​construction activities​ ​and​ ​adopt​ ​either​ ​a​ ​policy,​ ​addendum,​ ​or​ ​separate​ ​ordinance​ ​that​ ​addresses​ ​this​ ​issue. This​ ​document​ ​will​ ​refer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​issue​ ​as​ ​an​ ​ordinance​ ​rather​ ​than​ ​a​ ​policy​ ​or​ ​addendum​ ​to​ ​a current​ ​ordinance. Stakeholders: During​ ​our​ ​research​ ​for​ ​a​ ​new​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​we​ ​identified​ ​various​ ​stakeholders who​ ​would​ ​be​ ​affected​ ​either​ ​directly​ ​or​ ​indirectly​ ​by​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance.​ ​We​ ​talked​ ​with Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forester​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​urban​ ​forestry​ ​experts​ ​from​ ​other​ ​cities​ ​based​ ​on​ ​their 5 experience​ ​and​ ​potential​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​beneficial​ ​knowledge​ ​concerning​ ​the​ ​ordinance.​ ​We​ ​also talked​ ​to​ ​members​ ​of​ ​the​ ​local​ ​community​ ​for​ ​their​ ​perspectives,​ ​local​ ​knowledge,​ ​and​ ​potential to​ ​have​ ​an​ ​influence​ ​on​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance.​ ​For​ ​this​ ​we​ ​interviewed​ ​homeowners, landlords,​ ​and​ ​active​ ​citizens.​ ​One​ ​stakeholder​ ​that​ ​we​ ​tried​ ​to​ ​get​ ​in​ ​contact​ ​with​ ​was​ ​Public Works​ ​Director​ ​James​ ​Rabe,​ ​but​ ​unfortunately​ ​we​ ​were​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​reach​ ​him. Bill​ ​Sturm:​ ​Urban​ ​Forester​ ​-​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​WI Bill​ ​Sturm,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forester,​ ​is​ ​a​ ​key​ ​stakeholder​ ​concerning​ ​our​ ​tree planting​ ​ordinance.​ ​He​ ​works​ ​with​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​publicly​ ​owned​ ​land,​ ​primarily​ ​including​ ​park​ ​and terrace​ ​trees.​ ​He​ ​is​ ​not​ ​permitted​ ​to​ ​go​ ​onto​ ​private​ ​land​ ​parcels​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​or​ ​remove​ ​trees​ ​unless the​ ​tree​ ​is​ ​undeniably​ ​going​ ​to​ ​fall​ ​into​ ​a​ ​right​ ​of​ ​way.​ ​Unfortunately,​ ​this​ ​can​ ​be​ ​a​ ​problem​ ​for the​ ​city​ ​because​ ​many​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​currently​ ​disease​ ​ridden​ ​on​ ​private​ ​parcels​ ​owned​ ​by homeowners​ ​who​ ​are​ ​unwilling​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​for​ ​treatment.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​resulting​ ​in​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​diseases​ ​to publicly​ ​owned​ ​trees.​ ​However,​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​are​ ​exclusively​ ​comprised​ ​of​ ​certified arborists.​ ​Together​ ​they​ ​are​ ​able​ ​to​ ​quickly​ ​identify​ ​and​ ​effectively​ ​treat​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​city property.​ ​A​ ​few​ ​years​ ​ago,​ ​Sturm​ ​worked​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Natural​ ​Resources​ ​using​ ​the software​ ​system​ ​“i-Tree”​ ​which​ ​utilizes​ ​a​ ​geographic​ ​information​ ​system​ ​(GIS)​ ​platform​ ​to create​ ​a​ ​detailed​ ​city-wide​ ​map​ ​identifying​ ​each​ ​significant​ ​city​ ​owned​ ​tree.​ ​​ ​Documentation​ ​of these​ ​trees​ ​includes​ ​information​ ​related​ ​to​ ​the​ ​species,​ ​size,​ ​and​ ​health​ ​condition​ ​of​ ​each​ ​tree. This​ ​puts​ ​both​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​in​ ​an​ ​extremely​ ​good​ ​position​ ​when​ ​it​ ​comes​ ​to​ ​monitoring trees​ ​and​ ​knowing​ ​which​ ​trees​ ​may​ ​need​ ​particular​ ​attention​ ​or​ ​treatment. Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​holds​ ​a​ ​very​ ​positive​ ​outlook​ ​for​ ​trees​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​and explained​ ​to​ ​us​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are​ ​taking​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​steps​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​tree​ ​numbers​ ​and​ ​canopy​ ​cover. 6 The​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Forestry​ ​Division​ ​purchases​ ​most​ ​of​ ​their​ ​trees​ ​from​ ​Ranger​ ​Services​ ​out​ ​of Appleton,​ ​which​ ​has​ ​a​ ​two​ ​year​ ​warranty​ ​on​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​and​ ​will​ ​replace​ ​trees​ ​free​ ​of​ ​charge​ ​if​ ​they happen​ ​to​ ​perish.​ ​When​ ​Sturm​ ​first​ ​started,​ ​he​ ​was​ ​only​ ​allocated​ ​$3,000​ ​a​ ​year​ ​to​ ​replant​ ​city trees.​ ​With​ ​programs​ ​he​ ​helped​ ​with,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​the​ ​Taking​ ​Root​ ​Fund,​ ​he​ ​has​ ​been​ ​able​ ​to​ ​oversee the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​over​ ​3,000​ ​new​ ​terrace​ ​and​ ​park​ ​trees.​ ​There​ ​is​ ​still​ ​money​ ​set​ ​aside​ ​and​ ​invested from​ ​the​ ​Taking​ ​Root​ ​Fund​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​generating​ ​funds​ ​for​ ​future​ ​tree​ ​projects. When​ ​we​ ​brought​ ​up​ ​the​ ​idea​ ​of​ ​an​ ​actual​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​ordinance,​ ​he​ ​seemed​ ​more concerned​ ​than​ ​enthusiastic​ ​and​ ​urged​ ​us​ ​to​ ​re-think​ ​our​ ​approach.​ ​Sturm​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​a​ ​tree preservation​ ​ordinance​ ​may​ ​actually​ ​hurt​ ​his​ ​efforts​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​and​ ​expand​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​urban forest.​ ​Upon​ ​asking​ ​why,​ ​he​ ​gave​ ​us​ ​the​ ​example​ ​of​ ​Menasha,​ ​which​ ​has​ ​a​ ​preservation ordinance​ ​in​ ​place​ ​to​ ​prevent​ ​the​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​mature​ ​trees.​ ​When​ ​one​ ​of​ ​Menasha’s​ ​trees​ ​become sick,​ ​or​ ​has​ ​a​ ​disease​ ​that​ ​may​ ​rapidly​ ​spread​ ​to​ ​other​ ​trees,​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forester​ ​and​ ​tree​ ​team​ ​of Menasha​ ​have​ ​an​ ​extremely​ ​hard​ ​time​ ​getting​ ​the​ ​authorization​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​that​ ​certain problematic​ ​tree​ ​and​ ​must​ ​jump​ ​through​ ​hoops​ ​to​ ​manage​ ​these​ ​trees,​ ​which​ ​can​ ​take​ ​a​ ​very​ ​long time. Instead​ ​of​ ​a​ ​preservation​ ​ordinance,​ ​Sturm​ ​leaned​ ​towards​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​that would​ ​allow​ ​him​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​after​ ​street​ ​repair.​ ​He​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​the​ ​future​ ​plans​ ​for the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​include​ ​extensive​ ​street​ ​repair​ ​and​ ​reconstruction.​ ​He​ ​also​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​the most​ ​effective​ ​thing​ ​we​ ​could​ ​do​ ​is​ ​try​ ​to​ ​get​ ​an​ ​ordinance​ ​passed​ ​that​ ​would​ ​give​ ​him​ ​and​ ​his team​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​and​ ​funding​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​the​ ​freshly​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads. Currently,​ ​Sturm​ ​needs​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​all​ ​neighboring​ ​houses​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​roads,​ ​and says​ ​that​ ​one​ ​person​ ​who​ ​does​ ​not​ ​want​ ​trees​ ​is​ ​common​ ​because​ ​they​ ​believe​ ​it​ ​will​ ​block​ ​their 7 view​ ​or​ ​become​ ​an​ ​inconvenience​ ​when​ ​leaves​ ​fall,​ ​for​ ​mowing,​ ​or​ ​for​ ​other​ ​reasons.​ ​A​ ​road reconstruction​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​could​ ​eliminate​ ​the​ ​hardships​ ​he​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​currently​ ​face when​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees. Dennis​ ​Fermenich:​ ​Urban​ ​Forester​ ​-​ ​Greenfield,​ ​WI We​ ​also​ ​interviewed​ ​Dennis​ ​Fermenich​ ​as​ ​an​ ​expert​ ​stakeholder​ ​who​ ​has​ ​been​ ​a​ ​certified Wisconsin​ ​arborist​ ​for​ ​over​ ​45​ ​years​ ​and​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forester​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield,​ ​Wisconsin for​ ​the​ ​past​ ​22​ ​years.​ ​Fermenich​ ​is​ ​extremely​ ​enthusiastic​ ​about​ ​Greenfield’s​ ​tree​ ​preservation program,​ ​his​ ​efforts​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​urban​ ​forest,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​possibility​ ​of​ ​creating​ ​a​ ​tree related​ ​ordinance​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Like​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm,​ ​Fermenich​ ​only​ ​works​ ​with​ ​trees​ ​on city-owned​ ​land,​ ​and​ ​also​ ​utilizes​ ​a​ ​city-wide​ ​GIS​ ​tree​ ​mapping​ ​system.​ ​He​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​the biggest​ ​opposition​ ​he​ ​came​ ​across​ ​concerning​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​and​ ​planting​ ​had​ ​stemmed​ ​from the​ ​DPW​ ​director,​ ​city​ ​engineers,​ ​and​ ​city​ ​inspection​ ​departments.​ ​These​ ​problems​ ​have​ ​since been​ ​mitigated​ ​and​ ​now​ ​the​ ​varying​ ​members​ ​work​ ​positively​ ​and​ ​effectively​ ​to​ ​continue improving​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​efforts.​ ​Fermenich​ ​is​ ​dedicated​ ​to​ ​planting​ ​diverse​ ​and​ ​disease resistant​ ​tree​ ​species.​ ​He​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​also​ ​treat​ ​and​ ​prune​ ​problematic​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​the​ ​same​ ​manner as​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm’s​ ​team. Dennis​ ​Fermenich​ ​works​ ​fervently​ ​to​ ​acquire​ ​a​ ​number​ ​of​ ​state​ ​provided​ ​urban​ ​forestry grants.​ ​He​ ​recently​ ​received​ ​$118,000​ ​in​ ​grants,​ ​explaining​ ​the​ ​most​ ​significant​ ​being​ ​the “Sweetwater​ ​Grant”​ ​which​ ​provided​ ​him​ ​funding​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​tributaries​ ​which​ ​run​ ​into Lake​ ​Michigan,​ ​helping​ ​to​ ​alleviate​ ​runoff​ ​and​ ​erosion​ ​issues.​ ​Fermenich​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​the community​ ​has​ ​also​ ​become​ ​extremely​ ​involved​ ​with​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​efforts​ ​and​ ​that​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the 8 biggest​ ​city-wide​ ​events​ ​is​ ​the​ ​community​ ​Arbor​ ​Day​ ​plantings.​ ​During​ ​this​ ​yearly​ ​event, businesses​ ​and​ ​community​ ​members​ ​come​ ​together​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​parks,​ ​along​ ​roads,​ ​on​ ​school grounds,​ ​or​ ​in​ ​other​ ​areas​ ​where​ ​the​ ​community​ ​sees​ ​fit.​ ​Fermenich​ ​reiterated​ ​that​ ​the​ ​residents of​ ​Greenfield​ ​have​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community​ ​like​ ​he​ ​has​ ​never​ ​seen​ ​before.​ ​He​ ​also​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​the momentum​ ​from​ ​their​ ​positivity​ ​helps​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​tree​ ​efforts​ ​moving​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​city​ ​and enhances​ ​his​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​work​ ​towards​ ​a​ ​greener,​ ​healthier,​ ​and​ ​happier​ ​community. Dan​ ​Traas:​ ​Ranger​ ​Services​ ​-​ ​Appleton,​ ​WI Expert​ ​stakeholder​ ​Dan​ ​Traas​ ​is​ ​the​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​Ranger​ ​Services,​ ​Inc.​ ​out​ ​of​ ​Appleton, WI.​ ​As​ ​a​ ​consultant,​ ​Traas​ ​and​ ​his​ ​staff​ ​assist​ ​construction​ ​processes​ ​in​ ​pre-development​ ​areas and​ ​evaluate​ ​in​ ​what​ ​ways​ ​a​ ​local​ ​ecosystem​ ​will​ ​be​ ​affected​ ​by​ ​construction.​ ​Ranger​ ​Services supplies​ ​trees​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​and​ ​provides​ ​replacements​ ​at​ ​no​ ​charge​ ​if​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​perish. Traas​ ​has​ ​27​ ​years​ ​of​ ​experience​ ​as​ ​a​ ​certified​ ​arborist​ ​and​ ​has​ ​become​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the International​ ​Society​ ​of​ ​Arboriculture.​ ​When​ ​compared​ ​to​ ​the​ ​other​ ​major​ ​development companies​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Fox​ ​Valley​ ​area,​ ​Ranger​ ​Services​ ​has​ ​been​ ​able​ ​to​ ​continually​ ​shift​ ​their development​ ​methods​ ​to​ ​include​ ​more​ ​productive​ ​approaches​ ​to​ ​urban​ ​forestry.​ ​Traas​ ​is motivated​ ​by​ ​biodiversity,​ ​tree​ ​resilience,​ ​and​ ​holistic​ ​landscaping.​ ​He​ ​recommends​ ​that contractors​ ​make​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​a​ ​part​ ​of​ ​their​ ​site​ ​and​ ​not​ ​merely​ ​just​ ​as​ ​an​ ​expendable​ ​feature.​ ​Traas understands​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​that​ ​higher​ ​tree​ ​diversity​ ​and​ ​increased​ ​canopy​ ​cover​ ​provide. The​ ​main​ ​way​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​can​ ​benefit​ ​from​ ​Dan​ ​Traas​ ​is​ ​as​ ​a​ ​reliable​ ​supplier​ ​of quality​ ​trees.​ ​Traas​ ​and​ ​his​ ​certified​ ​team​ ​also​ ​provide​ ​training​ ​and​ ​consultation​ ​to​ ​cities, developers,​ ​and​ ​schools.​ ​Traas​ ​has​ ​prior​ ​experience​ ​in​ ​helping​ ​draft​ ​tree​ ​ordinances​ ​and​ ​would​ ​be 9 helpful​ ​in​ ​​developing​ ​maintenance​ ​and​ ​management​ ​plans​ ​that​ ​include​ ​the​ ​replacement,​ ​pruning, and​ ​trimming​ ​of​ ​street​ ​trees. Shelly​ ​Reinke:​ ​Greater​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Healthy​ ​Neighborhoods,​ ​Inc. Primary​ ​stakeholder​ ​Shelly​ ​Reinke​ ​works​ ​and​ ​lives​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Reinke​ ​works for​ ​Greater​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Healthy​ ​Neighborhoods​ ​Inc.,​ ​an​ ​organization​ ​dedicated​ ​to​ ​neighborhood development.​ ​Her​ ​perception​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​was​ ​a​ ​positive​ ​one​ ​and​ ​Reinke​ ​stated that​ ​she​ ​would​ ​personally​ ​support​ ​it.​ ​Reinke​ ​acknowledged​ ​the​ ​many​ ​benefits​ ​that​ ​trees​ ​provide. She​ ​also​ ​mentioned​ ​that​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​may​ ​receive​ ​opposition​ ​from​ ​some​ ​people​ ​because​ ​trees require​ ​maintenance​ ​and​ ​people​ ​may​ ​not​ ​want​ ​to​ ​rake​ ​leaves​ ​or​ ​pick​ ​up​ ​the​ ​branches​ ​that​ ​fall​ ​off into​ ​their​ ​yards.​ ​Reinke​ ​suggested​ ​that​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​be​ ​crafted​ ​in​ ​a​ ​way​ ​that​ ​holds​ ​the​ ​city responsible​ ​for​ ​the​ ​maintenance​ ​for​ ​at​ ​least​ ​the​ ​first​ ​year.​ ​However​ ​she​ ​was​ ​unaware​ ​that​ ​city forester​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​maintaining​ ​all​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​city​ ​property.​ ​Unless someone​ ​calls​ ​and​ ​complains​ ​about​ ​a​ ​tree,​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​have​ ​a​ ​hard​ ​time​ ​getting​ ​to​ ​all of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​trees​ ​every​ ​year.​ ​This​ ​could​ ​be​ ​solved​ ​by​ ​increased​ ​funding​ ​which​ ​would​ ​allow​ ​Bill Sturm​ ​to​ ​hire​ ​more​ ​certified​ ​arborists​ ​to​ ​adequately​ ​maintain​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​every year. Reinke​ ​also​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​receive​ ​opposition​ ​from​ ​adding​ ​additional​ ​tax assessments​ ​because​ ​people​ ​are​ ​generally​ ​against​ ​higher​ ​taxes.​ ​She​ ​has​ ​a​ ​perspective​ ​of​ ​someone who​ ​works​ ​to​ ​build​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community​ ​and​ ​neighborhood​ ​improvement.​ ​The​ ​goal​ ​of​ ​Reinke’s work​ ​is​ ​to​ ​make​ ​the​ ​city​ ​a​ ​better​ ​place​ ​to​ ​live​ ​overall,​ ​but​ ​one​ ​way​ ​that​ ​Greater​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Healthy Neighborhoods​ ​Inc.​ ​does​ ​this​ ​is​ ​through​ ​aesthetics.​ ​They​ ​are​ ​motivated​ ​to​ ​try​ ​and​ ​beautify​ ​the city​ ​wherever​ ​possible,​ ​an​ ​obvious​ ​result​ ​that​ ​would​ ​come​ ​from​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance. 10 Having​ ​this​ ​positive​ ​feedback​ ​on​ ​the​ ​issue​ ​will​ ​help​ ​aid​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​in​ ​its​ ​decision​ ​to adopt​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​because​ ​Shelly​ ​Reinke​ ​is​ ​a​ ​homeowner​ ​who​ ​would​ ​be​ ​directly affected​ ​by​ ​our​ ​ordinance.​ ​She​ ​makes​ ​the​ ​assumption​ ​that​ ​this​ ​is​ ​purely​ ​for​ ​aesthetic​ ​appeal, however​ ​this​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​also​ ​further​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​sustainability​ ​goals. Shirley​ ​Mattox:​ ​Jackson​ ​Street​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Association Shirley​ ​Mattox​ ​is​ ​a​ ​primary​ ​stakeholder​ ​because​ ​she​ ​is​ ​a​ ​‘Resident​ ​Leader’​ ​for​ ​the Jackson​ ​Street​ ​Neighborhood​ ​under​ ​the​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Healthy​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Alliance.​ ​Mattox​ ​also serves​ ​on​ ​the​ ​Wisconsin​ ​Urban​ ​Forestry​ ​Council.​ ​She​ ​was​ ​supportive​ ​of​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance and​ ​acknowledged​ ​the​ ​connections​ ​between​ ​sustainability​ ​and​ ​urban​ ​trees.​ ​As​ ​a​ ​citizen​ ​of Oshkosh​ ​and​ ​a​ ​formal​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Oshkosh​ ​City​ ​Council,​ ​Mattox​ ​helped​ ​construct​ ​an ordinance​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​the​ ​one​ ​proposed,​ ​however​ ​it​ ​was​ ​not​ ​implemented.​ ​Her​ ​work​ ​on​ ​this proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​reflects​ ​her​ ​knowledge​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​commitment​ ​to​ ​the​ ​issue.​ ​Mattox​ ​explained that​ ​the​ ​Urban​ ​Forestry​ ​Council​ ​has​ ​awarded​ ​grants​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Associations​ ​in the​ ​past​ ​for​ ​urban​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​that​ ​the​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​turnout​ ​reflect​ ​interest​ ​and​ ​support​ ​from​ ​the public.​ ​Besides​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community​ ​and​ ​added​ ​aesthetic​ ​values,​ ​Mattox​ ​also​ ​believes​ ​terrace trees​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​safety​ ​as​ ​they​ ​create​ ​a​ ​barricade​ ​between​ ​the​ ​sidewalk​ ​on​ ​busier​ ​streets​ ​that may​ ​be​ ​accident​ ​prone.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​most​ ​significant​ ​for​ ​streets​ ​that​ ​are​ ​widened​ ​which​ ​leaves homeowners​ ​to​ ​face​ ​increased​ ​traffic​ ​levels​ ​and​ ​the​ ​possibility​ ​of​ ​traffic​ ​related​ ​accidents. Mattox​ ​envisioned​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​funded​ ​by​ ​an​ ​additional​ ​construction​ ​assessment​ ​for​ ​home or​ ​business​ ​owners​ ​after​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​takes​ ​place​ ​on​ ​the​ ​street​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​the​ ​property. 11 Because​ ​these​ ​assessments​ ​are​ ​often​ ​thousands​ ​of​ ​dollars,​ ​an​ ​additional​ ​tree​ ​at​ ​the​ ​wholesale​ ​cost of​ ​$50​ ​to​ ​$60​ ​dollars​ ​should​ ​be​ ​insignificant. ​ ​Mattox​ ​believes​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​after​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​should​ ​be​ ​a​ ​societal​ ​norm,​ ​and that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​would​ ​benefit​ ​by​ ​adopting​ ​this​ ​ordinance.​ ​A​ ​concern​ ​Mattox​ ​associated with​ ​costs​ ​is​ ​selecting​ ​a​ ​quality​ ​tree​ ​provider​ ​service,​ ​versus​ ​just​ ​awarding​ ​the​ ​business​ ​to​ ​the lowest​ ​bidder.​ ​Local​ ​arborists​ ​like​ ​Dan​ ​Traas​ ​will​ ​better​ ​understand​ ​local​ ​ecosystems​ ​and​ ​be​ ​the most​ ​qualified​ ​to​ ​work​ ​in​ ​the​ ​region.​ ​Giving​ ​business​ ​to​ ​distant​ ​or​ ​unreliable​ ​tree​ ​suppliers​ ​might result​ ​in​ ​steeper​ ​future​ ​costs​ ​if​ ​the​ ​job​ ​is​ ​not​ ​done​ ​properly. Anonymous​ ​Homeowner A​ ​primary​ ​stakeholder​ ​interviewed​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Millers​ ​Bay​ ​neighborhood​ ​would​ ​be​ ​directly affected​ ​by​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance.​ ​The​ ​homeowner​ ​did​ ​not​ ​want​ ​to​ ​be​ ​identified​ ​in​ ​our​ ​project specifically,​ ​so​ ​they​ ​will​ ​be​ ​referred​ ​to​ ​as​ ​an​ ​anonymous​ ​homeowner​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Millers​ ​Bay neighborhood.​ ​This​ ​person​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​they​ ​were​ ​supportive​ ​of​ ​the​ ​new​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance and​ ​also​ ​acknowledged​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​that​ ​trees​ ​have​ ​for​ ​ecosystem​ ​services.​ ​However,​ ​the homeowner​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​there​ ​is​ ​potential​ ​for​ ​opposition​ ​coming​ ​from​ ​their​ ​neighbors​ ​that​ ​have lake​ ​view​ ​property​ ​because​ ​new​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​could​ ​potentially​ ​obstruct​ ​their​ ​lake​ ​view.​ ​The homeowner​ ​never​ ​stated​ ​this​ ​directly,​ ​but​ ​gave​ ​the​ ​impression​ ​that​ ​their​ ​neighbors​ ​believed​ ​that​ ​a tree​ ​blocking​ ​their​ ​lake​ ​view​ ​would​ ​potentially​ ​lower​ ​property​ ​values.​ ​This​ ​could​ ​be​ ​combated by​ ​having​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​homeowners​ ​within​ ​the​ ​community​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​between their​ ​houses​ ​in​ ​areas​ ​which​ ​would​ ​not​ ​obstruct​ ​lake​ ​views. 12 This​ ​person​ ​also​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​opposition​ ​would​ ​come​ ​from​ ​adding​ ​more​ ​to​ ​people's​ ​taxes, but​ ​the​ ​homeowner​ ​thought​ ​that​ ​adding​ ​a​ ​small​ ​tax​ ​was​ ​a​ ​good​ ​solution​ ​to​ ​the​ ​funding​ ​problem. The​ ​homeowner​ ​also​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​if​ ​there​ ​was​ ​more​ ​educational​ ​opportunities​ ​provided​ ​which pertained​ ​to​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​of​ ​trees,​ ​more​ ​people​ ​would​ ​be​ ​supportive​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ordinance.​ ​The homeowner​ ​expressed​ ​that​ ​a​ ​guarantee​ ​on​ ​the​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​nice​ ​way​ ​to​ ​reassure homeowners,​ ​because​ ​then​ ​the​ ​city​ ​could​ ​guarantee​ ​that​ ​if​ ​anything​ ​ever​ ​happened​ ​to​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​it would​ ​be​ ​replaced​ ​at​ ​no​ ​cost​ ​to​ ​the​ ​homeowner.​ ​This​ ​homeowner​ ​has​ ​a​ ​perspective​ ​on​ ​this​ ​issue that​ ​focuses​ ​more​ ​on​ ​neighborhood​ ​aesthetics​ ​and​ ​is​ ​motivated​ ​to​ ​make​ ​their​ ​neighborhood​ ​look nicer​ ​by​ ​increasing​ ​curb​ ​appeal.​ ​Their​ ​perspective​ ​could​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​this​ ​ordinance​ ​because​ ​as​ ​a homeowner​ ​they​ ​would​ ​be​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​people​ ​that​ ​is​ ​most​ ​affected​ ​by​ ​this​ ​new​ ​ordinance. Receiving​ ​their​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​speaks​ ​volumes​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Having homeowners​ ​on​ ​board​ ​with​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​will​ ​be​ ​critical​ ​in​ ​moving​ ​the​ ​terrace​ ​tree planting​ ​ordinance​ ​forward. Kathy​ ​Webb:​ ​River​ ​East​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Association Primary​ ​stakeholder​ ​Kathy​ ​Webb​ ​is​ ​a​ ​local​ ​homeowner​ ​and​ ​member​ ​of​ ​the​ ​River​ ​East Neighborhood​ ​Association.​ ​Webb​ ​is​ ​directly​ ​affected​ ​by​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance because​ ​her​ ​Otter​ ​street​ ​neighborhood​ ​recently​ ​went​ ​through​ ​street​ ​reconstruction​ ​projects.​ ​The city​ ​is​ ​going​ ​to​ ​finish​ ​reconstructing​ ​the​ ​rest​ ​of​ ​her​ ​street​ ​and​ ​other​ ​streets​ ​located​ ​within​ ​the neighborhood​ ​next​ ​year.​ ​Webb​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​she​ ​was​ ​in​ ​support​ ​of​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​tree​ ​planting ordinance,​ ​but​ ​her​ ​motivation,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​other​ ​homeowners​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed,​ ​was​ ​primarily​ ​to 13 improve​ ​neighborhood​ ​aesthetics.​ ​Even​ ​though​ ​Webb​ ​acknowledged​ ​the​ ​environmental​ ​benefits that​ ​trees​ ​provide,​ ​she​ ​was​ ​more​ ​interested​ ​in​ ​trees​ ​for​ ​their​ ​aesthetic​ ​value. Webb​ ​also​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​not​ ​many​ ​people​ ​would​ ​be​ ​supportive​ ​of​ ​the​ ​added​ ​assessment​ ​onto the​ ​construction​ ​costs,​ ​because​ ​construction​ ​projects​ ​are​ ​already​ ​an​ ​economic​ ​burden,​ ​and​ ​she did​ ​not​ ​know​ ​how​ ​some​ ​of​ ​her​ ​neighbors​ ​would​ ​pay​ ​for​ ​the​ ​existing​ ​construction​ ​costs.​ ​Webb thought​ ​that​ ​a​ ​city-wide​ ​tax​ ​was​ ​a​ ​great​ ​idea​ ​so​ ​that​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​for​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​maintaining​ ​of​ ​trees would​ ​be​ ​dispersed​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​residents​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​This​ ​tax​ ​could​ ​also​ ​be​ ​problematic because,​ ​as​ ​stated​ ​before,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​hard​ ​to​ ​get​ ​support​ ​anytime​ ​a​ ​tax​ ​increase​ ​is​ ​proposed.​ ​Webb​ ​also stated​ ​that​ ​if​ ​there​ ​were​ ​enough​ ​funds,​ ​a​ ​guarantee​ ​from​ ​the​ ​city​ ​to​ ​replace​ ​trees​ ​at​ ​no​ ​cost​ ​to​ ​the homeowner​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​beneficial​ ​addition​ ​to​ ​this​ ​ordinance.​ ​Webb​ ​expressed​ ​that​ ​she​ ​knew​ ​Bill Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​were​ ​busy​ ​and​ ​could​ ​not​ ​maintain​ ​every​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​Therefore​ ​she suggested​ ​that​ ​the​ ​River​ ​East​ ​Neighborhood​ ​Association​ ​would​ ​distribute​ ​pamphlets​ ​encouraging homeowners​ ​to​ ​help​ ​water​ ​and​ ​take​ ​care​ ​of​ ​their​ ​newly​ ​planted​ ​trees. Kathy​ ​Webb​ ​also​ ​thought​ ​an​ ​essential​ ​addition​ ​to​ ​our​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​include​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm working​ ​with​ ​the​ ​community​ ​to​ ​decide​ ​what​ ​species​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​would​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​and​ ​where​ ​those trees​ ​would​ ​be​ ​located.​ ​This​ ​would​ ​give​ ​the​ ​homeowners​ ​some​ ​input​ ​when​ ​it​ ​came​ ​to​ ​planting the​ ​new​ ​trees.​ ​Again,​ ​Webb’s​ ​motivation,​ ​like​ ​the​ ​other​ ​homeowners​ ​or​ ​neighborhood associations​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed,​ ​are​ ​not​ ​primarily​ ​focused​ ​on​ ​the​ ​ecosystem​ ​services​ ​that​ ​new trees​ ​would​ ​provide,​ ​but​ ​rather​ ​the​ ​curb​ ​appeal​ ​and​ ​aesthetic​ ​benefits.​ ​Regardless​ ​of​ ​her motivations,​ ​having​ ​someone​ ​from​ ​a​ ​prominent​ ​and​ ​active​ ​neighborhood​ ​association​ ​on​ ​board with​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​proposal​ ​will​ ​help​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​to​ ​better​ ​make​ ​their 14 decision​ ​based​ ​on​ ​what​ ​actual​ ​homeowners​ ​in​ ​the​ ​area​ ​want​ ​to​ ​see​ ​out​ ​of​ ​this​ ​proposed​ ​tree planting​ ​ordinance. Donn​ ​Lord:​ ​Winnebago​ ​Apartment​ ​Association Donn​ ​Lord,​ ​the​ ​president​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Winnebago​ ​Apartment​ ​Association,​ ​was​ ​identified​ ​as​ ​a primary​ ​stakeholder.​ ​Landlords​ ​who​ ​own​ ​multiple​ ​properties​ ​would​ ​be​ ​affected disproportionately​ ​by​ ​this​ ​ordinance​ ​because​ ​reconstruction​ ​costs​ ​can​ ​occur​ ​more​ ​than​ ​the​ ​one time,​ ​unlike​ ​what​ ​a​ ​typical​ ​homeowner​ ​would​ ​experience.​ ​Given​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​landlords​ ​have tenants,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​less​ ​incentive​ ​for​ ​taking​ ​on​ ​optional​ ​costs​ ​such​ ​as​ ​those​ ​for​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​due​ ​to the​ ​impermanence​ ​of​ ​tenants.​ ​However,​ ​as​ ​a​ ​landlord,​ ​Lord​ ​has​ ​taken​ ​on​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​planting trees​ ​for​ ​one​ ​of​ ​his​ ​properties​ ​and​ ​said​ ​he​ ​was​ ​in​ ​support​ ​of​ ​an​ ​ordinance​ ​that​ ​would​ ​result​ ​in trees​ ​being​ ​planted​ ​post​ ​road​ ​construction.​ ​Lord​ ​acknowledged​ ​post​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​as​ ​an optimal​ ​time​ ​for​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​because​ ​existing​ ​infrastructure​ ​has​ ​already​ ​been​ ​identified,​ ​as opposed​ ​to​ ​when​ ​he​ ​planted​ ​his​ ​own​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​had​ ​to​ ​identify​ ​where​ ​cable​ ​lines​ ​and​ ​other infrastructure​ ​existed.​ ​Due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​people​ ​who​ ​want​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​currently require​ ​approval,​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​reduce​ ​instances​ ​where​ ​single​ ​inspections​ ​would need​ ​to​ ​be​ ​made.​ ​Lord​ ​also​ ​mentioned​ ​that​ ​as​ ​a​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​he​ ​has​ ​witnessed​ ​tax​ ​assessment bills​ ​for​ ​road​ ​construction​ ​projects​ ​rise​ ​immensely​ ​over​ ​the​ ​last​ ​five​ ​years,​ ​and​ ​adding​ ​trees​ ​to​ ​the assessment​ ​would​ ​be​ ​too​ ​small​ ​of​ ​a​ ​cost​ ​to​ ​warrant​ ​opposition.​ ​Minimal​ ​cost​ ​and​ ​improved efficiency​ ​leads​ ​Lord​ ​to​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​this​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​would,​ ​“just​ ​make​ ​sense.” 15 Benchmarking​: Our​ ​team​​ ​​researched​ ​what​ ​other​ ​cities​ ​in​ ​the​ ​state​ ​of​ ​Wisconsin​ ​are​ ​doing​ ​to​ ​improve urban​ ​forestry.​ ​Some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​cities​ ​we​ ​looked​ ​at​ ​included​ ​Greenfield,​ ​Burlington,​ ​Appleton,​ ​La Crosse,​ ​and​ ​Eau​ ​Claire.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​these​ ​cities​ ​have​ ​urban​ ​forests​ ​with​ ​the​ ​same​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​as those​ ​found​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​and​ ​face​ ​similar​ ​issues​ ​concerning​ ​tree​ ​funding,​ ​disease,​ ​and maintenance.​ ​These​ ​cities​ ​are​ ​all​ ​in​ ​the​ ​state​ ​of​ ​Wisconsin​ ​and​ ​three​ ​of​ ​them​ ​have​ ​a​ ​population size​ ​comparable​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​By​ ​analyzing​ ​what​ ​these​ ​cities​ ​are​ ​doing​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​and​ ​maintain their​ ​urban​ ​forests,​ ​we​ ​are​ ​better​ ​able​ ​to​ ​understand​ ​the​ ​multifaceted​ ​issues​ ​concerning Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​and​ ​the​ ​possibility​ ​of​ ​a​ ​future​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance.​ ​Aspects​ ​we​ ​looked for​ ​in​ ​these​ ​benchmarking​ ​cities​ ​were:​ ​existing​ ​ordinances​ ​in​ ​place,​ ​whether​ ​these​ ​ordinances​ ​are successful​ ​or​ ​not,​ ​how​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​are​ ​assessed,​ ​and​ ​how​ ​these ordinances​ ​have​ ​benefited​ ​the​ ​city​ ​overall. Greenfield,​ ​WI Although​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield​ ​has​ ​a​ ​legitimate​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​ordinance​ ​in​ ​place, urban​ ​forester​ ​Dennis​ ​Fermenich​ ​stated​ ​one​ ​of​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​aspects​ ​of​ ​their​ ​tree​ ​ordinance was​ ​put​ ​in​ ​place​ ​20​ ​years​ ​ago.​ ​The​ ​addendum​ ​gave​ ​Fermenich​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​replant​ ​trees​ ​along any​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads.​ ​This​ ​addendum​ ​is​ ​very​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​what​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm suggested​ ​to​ ​propose​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Fermenich​ ​elaborated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​details,​ ​and​ ​he happily​ ​exclaimed​ ​that​ ​he​ ​is​ ​authorized​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​one​ ​tree​ ​every​ ​50​ ​feet​ ​along​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads. When​ ​he​ ​is​ ​unable​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​on​ ​certain​ ​roads​ ​due​ ​to​ ​imposing​ ​infrastructure​ ​or​ ​other circumstances,​ ​he​ ​can​ ​plant​ ​the​ ​allocated​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​other​ ​parts​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​where​ ​he​ ​sees​ ​fit, 16 primarily​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​parks.​ ​He​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​costs​ ​less​ ​than​ ​.5%​ ​of​ ​any​ ​road reconstruction​ ​project,​ ​and​ ​that​ ​his​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads​ ​has​ ​greatly improved​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​tree​ ​numbers,​ ​diversity,​ ​and​ ​canopy​ ​cover. Funding​ ​for​ ​tree​ ​related​ ​projects​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield​ ​comes​ ​from​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of sources.​ ​Fermenich​ ​explained​ ​that​ ​Greenfield’s​ ​tree​ ​commission​ ​is​ ​allocated​ ​$4,000​ ​a​ ​year​ ​for tree​ ​planting​ ​(similar​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​initial​ ​budget​ ​of​ ​$3,000​ ​per​ ​year)​ ​and​ ​that​ ​additional​ ​funding of​ ​$.50​ ​per​ ​capita​ ​is​ ​put​ ​towards​ ​tree​ ​efforts.​ ​Fermenich​ ​also​ ​applies​ ​for​ ​state​ ​grants​ ​that​ ​are​ ​used to​ ​purchase​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​trees.​ ​Similar​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Greenfield​ ​has​ ​all​ ​significant​ ​trees mapped​ ​out​ ​using​ ​a​ ​GIS​ ​mapping​ ​system.​ ​This​ ​helps​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​an​ ​accurate​ ​and​ ​up-to-date​ ​record​ ​of which​ ​trees​ ​need​ ​maintenance,​ ​are​ ​currently​ ​diseased,​ ​or​ ​may​ ​pose​ ​problems​ ​in​ ​the​ ​future. Trained​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Public​ ​Works​ ​members​ ​along​ ​with​ ​Fermenich​ ​are​ ​responsible​ ​for​ ​treating diseased​ ​trees. Over​ ​500​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​ash​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​currently​ ​undergoing​ ​treatment​ ​since​ ​emerald​ ​ash borer​ ​was​ ​identified​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​Greenfield​ ​does​ ​not​ ​have​ ​a​ ​formal​ ​forestry​ ​department​ ​but instead​ ​uses​ ​a​ ​‘working​ ​foreman​ ​system’​ ​sending​ ​out​ ​pruning​ ​crews​ ​or​ ​other​ ​employees​ ​to​ ​safely remove​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​trees.​ ​Fermenich​ ​is​ ​working​ ​specifically​ ​on​ ​tree​ ​diversity​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​future widespread​ ​disease​ ​and​ ​says​ ​that​ ​the​ ​majority​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​comprised​ ​of​ ​maple​ ​species, similar​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Future​ ​goals​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​include​ ​planting​ ​many​ ​different​ ​species​ ​with​ ​a specific​ ​species​ ​to​ ​not​ ​exceed​ ​more​ ​than​ ​10%​ ​of​ ​the​ ​total​ ​tree​ ​cover​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​Fermenich pointed​ ​out​ ​that​ ​tree​ ​preservation​ ​and​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​roads​ ​has​ ​improved​ ​runoff​ ​issues, groundwater,​ ​aesthetics,​ ​CO​2​​ ​reduction,​ ​and​ ​much​ ​more,​ ​but​ ​has​ ​also​ ​strongly​ ​bonded​ ​the community​ ​with​ ​city​ ​wide​ ​events​ ​dedicated​ ​to​ ​trees. 17 Burlington,​ ​WI Burlington,​ ​WI​ ​is​ ​currently​ ​undergoing​ ​a​ ​major​ ​restructuring​ ​of​ ​its​ ​urban​ ​forest.​ ​The emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer​ ​beetle​ ​is​ ​devastating​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​population​ ​of​ ​nearly​ ​800​ ​ash​ ​trees.​ ​Although the​ ​city​ ​treats​ ​the​ ​infected​ ​trees,​ ​63​ ​ash​ ​trees​ ​were​ ​removed​ ​last​ ​year,​ ​67​ ​so​ ​far​ ​this​ ​year,​ ​and 50-60​ ​more​ ​are​ ​planned​ ​to​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​this​ ​winter,​ ​resulting​ ​in​ ​a​ ​declining​ ​urban​ ​forest.​ ​On average​ ​the​ ​city​ ​plants​ ​30-50​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​each​ ​year​ ​along​ ​city​ ​streets​ ​and​ ​in​ ​the​ ​parks.​ ​With​ ​an average​ ​annual​ ​funding​ ​of​ ​$20,000​ ​to​ ​$30,000​ ​allocated​ ​to​ ​planting​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​the​ ​labor associated​ ​with​ ​it,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​is​ ​struggling​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​costs associated​ ​with​ ​treatment​ ​and​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​the​ ​currently​ ​infected​ ​trees.​ ​Burlington​ ​is​ ​also expecting​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​approximately​ ​$1.5​ ​million​ ​on​ ​flood​ ​cleanup​ ​costs,​ ​and​ ​replacing​ ​both​ ​the city​ ​hall​ ​and​ ​public​ ​library​ ​after​ ​the​ ​devastating​ ​flood​ ​that​ ​swept​ ​the​ ​city​ ​in​ ​August,​ ​2017.​ ​Given the​ ​financial​ ​burdens​ ​facing​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Council​ ​fears​ ​that​ ​there​ ​will​ ​be​ ​little​ ​available funding​ ​allocated​ ​to​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​the​ ​near​ ​future.​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Public​ ​Works​ ​employee,​ ​Aaron Degrave,​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​is​ ​looking​ ​into​ ​alternative​ ​funding​ ​and​ ​that​ ​planting​ ​diverse​ ​tree species​ ​is​ ​imperative​ ​for​ ​the​ ​future.​ ​Although​ ​there​ ​are​ ​79​ ​different​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​ash trees​ ​are​ ​the​ ​second​ ​most​ ​common,​ ​after​ ​maple​ ​tree​ ​species,​ ​which​ ​comprise​ ​48%​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s urban​ ​forest.​ ​To​ ​avoid​ ​future​ ​chances​ ​of​ ​widespread​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​invasive​ ​pests,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​will​ ​be planting​ ​redbuds,​ ​oaks,​ ​lindens,​ ​and​ ​other​ ​species​ ​to​ ​increase​ ​tree​ ​diversity. 18 Appleton,​ ​WI The​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Appleton’s​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​planted​ ​after​ ​new​ ​street​ ​construction​ ​and​ ​street reconstruction​ ​projects​ ​during​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​season.​ ​Trees​ ​are​ ​also​ ​planted​ ​on​ ​request​ ​and​ ​as replacement​ ​for​ ​trees​ ​that​ ​are​ ​removed​ ​if​ ​space​ ​allows.​ ​Species​ ​selection​ ​is​ ​based​ ​on​ ​the​ ​site​ ​and its​ ​limitations.​ ​A​ ​wide​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​species​ ​are​ ​available​ ​for​ ​planting.​ ​The​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​new​ ​street trees,​ ​and​ ​street​ ​reconstruction,​ ​are​ ​both​ ​done​ ​on​ ​a​ ​block​ ​by​ ​block​ ​basis​ ​with​ ​one​ ​species​ ​on​ ​each block.​ ​Appletons​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​governed​ ​under​ ​Chapter​ ​21​ ​of​ ​municipal​ ​codes,​ ​specifically Article​ ​II​ ​Public​ ​Trees​ ​and​ ​Shrubs.​ ​This​ ​article​ ​was​ ​recently​ ​restructured,​ ​therefore​ ​city​ ​forester Mike​ ​Michlig​ ​did​ ​not​ ​have​ ​a​ ​large​ ​enough​ ​sample​ ​size​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​relevant​ ​data​ ​on​ ​how​ ​the​ ​new ordinance​ ​is​ ​doing. Property​ ​owners​ ​and​ ​donors​ ​work​ ​with​ ​Michlig​ ​to​ ​choose​ ​the​ ​type​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​and​ ​a​ ​price range​ ​that​ ​works​ ​for​ ​them.​ ​Tree​ ​planting​ ​is​ ​site​ ​specific​ ​and​ ​each​ ​location​ ​must​ ​be​ ​assessed​ ​for proper​ ​species​ ​selection.​ ​The​ ​actual​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​assessed​ ​as​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​cost and​ ​based​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​frontage​ ​footage​ ​the​ ​specific​ ​lot​ ​has.​ ​The​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​is​ ​only assessed​ ​for​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​once.​ ​All​ ​trees​ ​carry​ ​a​ ​full​ ​guarantee​ ​unless​ ​damaged​ ​or neglected​ ​by​ ​the​ ​homeowner.​ ​In​ ​the​ ​case​ ​of​ ​damaged​ ​trees,​ ​the​ ​homeowner​ ​would​ ​likely​ ​be responsible​ ​for​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​replacement​ ​if​ ​they​ ​could​ ​not​ ​identify​ ​the​ ​responsible​ ​party.​ ​Like Oshkosh,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Appleton​ ​is​ ​also​ ​designated​ ​as​ ​a​ ​member​ ​of​ ​Tree​ ​City,​ ​USA.​ ​Also,​ ​all​ ​trees on​ ​public​ ​property​ ​are​ ​governed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Public​ ​Works​ ​Department​ ​in​ ​Appleton.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​of Appleton’s​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​have​ ​produced​ ​an​ ​estimated​ ​300​ ​percent​ ​return​ ​on​ ​investment​ ​according to​ ​the​ ​Wisconsin​ ​DNR's​ ​work​ ​with​ ​the​ ​i-Tree​ ​software​ ​(i-tree,​ ​Appleton).​ ​Appleton​ ​receives 19 $3.31​ ​million​ ​annually​ ​in​ ​benefits​ ​from​ ​their​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​according​ ​to​ ​the​ ​DNR​ ​(i-tree,​ ​Appleton). They​ ​receive​ ​$1.09​ ​million​ ​in​ ​benefits​ ​related​ ​to​ ​stormwater​ ​management,​ ​$1​ ​million​ ​from increased​ ​property​ ​values,​ ​$935,109​ ​in​ ​energy​ ​savings,​ ​$157,511​ ​in​ ​air​ ​quality​ ​improvements, and​ ​$125,452​ ​in​ ​CO2​ ​reduction​ ​(i-tree,​ ​Appleton).​ ​This​ ​shows​ ​that​ ​not​ ​only​ ​are​ ​street​ ​trees beneficial​ ​concerning​ ​aesthetics,​ ​but​ ​that​ ​they​ ​also​ ​provide​ ​ecosystem​ ​services​ ​that​ ​reduce​ ​the load​ ​on​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​infrastructure​ ​and​ ​inevitably​ ​save​ ​the​ ​city​ ​money. Eau​ ​Claire,​ ​WI The​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Eau​ ​Claire​ ​currently​ ​has​ ​two​ ​major​ ​street​ ​tree​ ​ordinances​ ​in​ ​place.​ ​One ordinance​ ​incorporates​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​into​ ​public​ ​improvement​ ​projects,​ ​similar​ ​to​ ​the​ ​ordinance being​ ​proposed​ ​for​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​other​ ​ordinance​ ​involves​ ​a​ ​rebate​ ​program.​ ​Traditionally under​ ​public​ ​improvement​ ​projects,​ ​properties​ ​residing​ ​within​ ​the​ ​project​ ​area​ ​are​ ​eligible​ ​for​ ​up to​ ​two​ ​street​ ​trees,​ ​but​ ​this​ ​has​ ​recently​ ​changed.​ ​According​ ​to​ ​Eau​ ​Claire​ ​Forestry​ ​Supervisor Matthew​ ​Staudenmaier,​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​has​ ​shifted​ ​to​ ​a​ ​program​ ​of,​ ​“intentional​ ​diversification, with​ ​placement​ ​of​ ​the​ ​right​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​the​ ​right​ ​place​ ​being​ ​the​ ​cardinal​ ​rule.”​ ​This​ ​is​ ​important because​ ​instead​ ​of​ ​planting​ ​​ ​two​ ​trees​ ​per​ ​property​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​the​ ​space,​ ​the​ ​ordinance​ ​now pays​ ​extra​ ​attention​ ​to​ ​each​ ​location,​ ​and​ ​tries​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​that​ ​will​ ​fit​ ​best. Factors​ ​such​ ​as​ ​power​ ​lines​ ​and​ ​terrace​ ​width​ ​are​ ​focused​ ​on​ ​rather​ ​than​ ​just​ ​planting​ ​a​ ​tree because​ ​construction​ ​occured.​ ​Overall,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​supposed​ ​to​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​long​ ​term​ ​urban​ ​forest diversity​ ​as​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​planted​ ​are​ ​the​ ​best​ ​fit​ ​for​ ​that​ ​location,​ ​and​ ​have​ ​a​ ​better​ ​chance​ ​of long-term​ ​survival.​ ​However,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​note​ ​that​ ​despite​ ​this​ ​shift​ ​in​ ​policy,​ ​terrace​ ​trees are​ ​still​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Eau​ ​Claire​ ​after​ ​road​ ​construction,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​for​ ​trees​ ​is incorporated​ ​into​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​actual​ ​construction​ ​project. 20 The​ ​other​ ​tree​ ​ordinance​ ​that​ ​was​ ​implemented​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Eau​ ​Claire​ ​is​ ​the​ ​rebate program​ ​for​ ​terrace​ ​tree​ ​planting.​ ​Under​ ​this​ ​program,​ ​residents​ ​who​ ​wish​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​can apply​ ​for​ ​a​ ​potential​ ​rebate​ ​for​ ​those​ ​trees.​ ​Residents​ ​are​ ​also​ ​eligible​ ​for​ ​up​ ​to​ ​two​ ​trees​ ​per​ ​land parcel​ ​each​ ​year.​ ​Inspections​ ​are​ ​done​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​before​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​is​ ​planted​ ​and​ ​must meet​ ​all​ ​requirements​ ​laid​ ​out​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​a​ ​total​ ​of​ ​300​ ​rebates​ ​given​ ​out​ ​on​ ​an​ ​annual basis. La​ ​Crosse,​ ​WI The​ ​City​ ​of​ ​La​ ​Crosse​ ​is​ ​another​ ​city​ ​that​ ​is​ ​comparable​ ​to​ ​Oshkosh​ ​because​ ​it​ ​has roughly​ ​the​ ​same​ ​population.​ ​La​ ​Crosse​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​certified​ ​Tree​ ​City,​ ​USA.​ ​They​ ​have approximately​ ​20,000​ ​urban​ ​trees​ ​flourishing​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​parks​ ​and​ ​boulevards.​ ​La​ ​Crosse​ ​is recognized​ ​as​ ​a​ ​Bird​ ​City,​ ​which​ ​promotes​ ​urban​ ​tree​ ​habitat​ ​creation​ ​and​ ​protection.​ ​La Crosse’s​ ​forestry​ ​department​ ​is​ ​located​ ​within​ ​the​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​Department.​ ​Their public​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​managed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation,​ ​Steve​ ​Carlyon,​ ​and​ ​governed under​ ​Chapter​ ​34,​ ​Article​ ​V.​ ​Trees​ ​on​ ​Public​ ​Property.​ ​However,​ ​much​ ​of​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​for managing​ ​these​ ​trees​ ​is​ ​delegated​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Forestry​ ​supervisor​ ​Dan​ ​Trussoni​ ​who​ ​is​ ​in charge​ ​of​ ​overseeing​ ​the​ ​management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​trees.​ ​Dan​ ​Trussoni​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​La​ ​Crosse’s ordinance​ ​was​ ​reconstructed​ ​recently​ ​so​ ​they​ ​really​ ​haven’t​ ​had​ ​any​ ​issues​ ​with​ ​it​ ​yet.​ ​He​ ​also stated​ ​that​ ​the​ ​fees​ ​for​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​of​ ​these​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​assessed​ ​to​ ​the specific​ ​plot​ ​of​ ​land​ ​where​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​being​ ​planted​ ​or​ ​maintained.​ ​These​ ​fees​ ​are​ ​then collected​ ​as​ ​any​ ​other​ ​special​ ​tax​ ​would​ ​be​ ​collected​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​La​ ​Crosse’s​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​have 21 provided​ ​the​ ​city​ ​with​ ​many​ ​benefits​ ​including​ ​an​ ​increase​ ​in​ ​aesthetics,​ ​improved​ ​stormwater management,​ ​energy​ ​savings,​ ​improved​ ​air​ ​quality,​ ​and​ ​improved​ ​wildlife​ ​habitat. Costs: The​ ​costs​ ​associated​ ​with​ ​this​ ​new​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​could​ ​be​ ​assessed​ ​in​ ​a​ ​number of​ ​different​ ​ways.​ ​There​ ​are​ ​two​ ​proposed​ ​options​ ​that​ ​would​ ​work​ ​well​ ​and​ ​that​ ​could potentially​ ​be​ ​adopted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​The​ ​first​ ​option​ ​is​ ​to​ ​create​ ​an​ ​additional​ ​small​ ​tax that​ ​is​ ​city-wide​ ​to​ ​help​ ​pay​ ​for​ ​not​ ​only​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees,​ ​but​ ​the​ ​maintenance​ ​as​ ​well. The​ ​majority​ ​of​ ​stakeholders​ ​living​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh​ ​expressed​ ​that​ ​the​ ​maintenance​ ​of​ ​terrace​ ​trees may​ ​be​ ​the​ ​main​ ​form​ ​of​ ​opposition​ ​to​ ​the​ ​newly​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance.​ ​This​ ​city-wide​ ​tax​ ​would be​ ​a​ ​small​ ​amount​ ​collected​ ​annually​ ​from​ ​property​ ​owners​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​This​ ​amount​ ​would​ ​be dependant​ ​on​ ​what​ ​is​ ​necessary​ ​concerning​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​activities.​ ​The homeowners​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed​ ​seemed​ ​to​ ​like​ ​the​ ​idea​ ​of​ ​a​ ​small​ ​additional​ ​tax,​ ​because​ ​they thought​ ​that​ ​this​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​small​ ​enough​ ​amount​ ​that​ ​everyone​ ​would​ ​have​ ​the​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​pay​ ​it. Also,​ ​this​ ​tax​ ​distributes​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​throughout​ ​everyone​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​not​ ​just​ ​the homeowner.​ ​This​ ​form​ ​of​ ​assessing​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​for​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​would​ ​not​ ​marginalize​ ​poor neighborhoods​ ​because​ ​they​ ​would​ ​share​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​and​ ​benefits​ ​of​ ​paying​ ​for​ ​the​ ​new​ ​street​ ​trees with​ ​the​ ​other​ ​residents​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​This​ ​helps​ ​build​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community​ ​and​ ​the​ ​city of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​should​ ​look​ ​at​ ​how​ ​lower​ ​income​ ​communities​ ​would​ ​be​ ​affected​ ​by​ ​whatever​ ​cost assessment​ ​option​ ​they​ ​decide. The​ ​second​ ​option​ ​is​ ​an​ ​additional​ ​assessment​ ​added​ ​onto​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​costs specifically​ ​for​ ​the​ ​homeowner​ ​who​ ​would​ ​be​ ​receiving​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​their​ ​property.​ ​This is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​good​ ​option​ ​because​ ​the​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​the​ ​increase​ ​would​ ​be​ ​insignificant​ ​when​ ​compared 22 to​ ​the​ ​total​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​construction.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm’s​ ​prefered​ ​method​ ​of​ ​assessing​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​tree planting​ ​because​ ​the​ ​homeowners​ ​are​ ​already​ ​being​ ​assessed​ ​for​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​costs. However,​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the​ ​homeowners​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed​ ​said​ ​that​ ​this​ ​was​ ​not​ ​a​ ​great​ ​idea because​ ​they​ ​stated​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​having​ ​their​ ​street​ ​redone​ ​was​ ​already​ ​putting​ ​a​ ​heavy​ ​financial burden​ ​on​ ​the​ ​residents​ ​of​ ​that​ ​street.​ ​If​ ​the​ ​city​ ​decided​ ​to​ ​go​ ​this​ ​route,​ ​the​ ​residents​ ​of​ ​the specific​ ​street​ ​being​ ​reconstructed​ ​would​ ​be​ ​paying​ ​for​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​front​ ​of​ ​their property.​ ​This​ ​would​ ​not​ ​distribute​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​evenly​ ​between​ ​everyone​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​yet​ ​every resident​ ​would​ ​be​ ​receiving​ ​either​ ​direct​ ​or​ ​indirect​ ​benefits​ ​from​ ​the​ ​new​ ​trees. This​ ​ordinance​ ​is​ ​geared​ ​to​ ​give​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​of​ ​certified​ ​arborists​ ​the​ ​best tools​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​further​ ​the​ ​City​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh's​ ​Sustainability​ ​Plan.​ ​This​ ​means​ ​the​ ​possibility​ ​of​ ​a larger​ ​staff​ ​and​ ​a​ ​larger​ ​budget​ ​to​ ​help​ ​them​ ​successfully​ ​plant​ ​and​ ​manage​ ​all​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​within the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​It​ ​has​ ​already​ ​been​ ​noted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Wisconsin​ ​DNR​ ​through​ ​the​ ​use​ ​of​ ​the i-Tree​ ​software​ ​that​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​represent​ ​roughly​ ​a​ ​300%​ ​return​ ​on​ ​investment​ ​over their​ ​lifetime​ ​(i-tree,​ ​Oshkosh).​ ​Annually​ ​Oshkosh​ ​already​ ​receives​ ​$335,268​ ​in​ ​total​ ​benefits from​ ​the​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​(i-tree,​ ​Oshkosh).​ ​This​ ​is​ ​broken​ ​down​ ​into​ ​$109,762​ ​from​ ​increased property​ ​value,​ ​$103,138​ ​from​ ​energy​ ​savings,​ ​$92,722​ ​from​ ​stormwater​ ​management,​ ​$16,332 from​ ​improved​ ​air​ ​quality,​ ​and​ ​$13,269​ ​from​ ​CO2​ ​reduction.​ ​These​ ​totals​ ​will​ ​only​ ​go​ ​up​ ​if​ ​this ordinance​ ​is​ ​adopted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​The​ ​benefits​ ​described​ ​above​ ​show​ ​that​ ​by​ ​investing​ ​a​ ​small proportion​ ​of​ ​money​ ​into​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​trees​ ​now,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​residents​ ​will​ ​eventually​ ​see​ ​a​ ​return​ ​on their​ ​investment​ ​threefold​ ​in​ ​the​ ​future. 23 Barriers: For​ ​this​ ​specific​ ​project​ ​there​ ​were​ ​not​ ​too​ ​many​ ​significant​ ​barriers.​ ​All​ ​of​ ​the stakeholders​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed​ ​thought​ ​that​ ​the​ ​new​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​good idea.​ ​However,​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stakeholders​ ​did​ ​mention​ ​that​ ​anytime​ ​you​ ​increase​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of construction​ ​or​ ​increase​ ​taxes​ ​you​ ​would​ ​likely​ ​receive​ ​opposition.​ ​The​ ​additional​ ​costs​ ​of implementing​ ​this​ ​new​ ​ordinance​ ​is​ ​probably​ ​the​ ​greatest​ ​barrier.​ ​One​ ​other​ ​issue​ ​that​ ​may​ ​pose a​ ​problem​ ​is​ ​that​ ​the​ ​majority​ ​of​ ​the​ ​time​ ​when​ ​a​ ​street​ ​gets​ ​reconstructed​ ​the​ ​road​ ​also​ ​becomes wider,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​terraces​ ​get​ ​smaller,​ ​if​ ​the​ ​terraces​ ​are​ ​not​ ​removed​ ​completely.​ ​This​ ​ordinance does​ ​not​ ​directly​ ​show​ ​how​ ​the​ ​city​ ​would​ ​work​ ​around​ ​these​ ​issues.​ ​However,​ ​Oshkosh​ ​would have​ ​to​ ​balance​ ​the​ ​need​ ​for​ ​a​ ​wider​ ​street​ ​to​ ​accommodate​ ​more​ ​traffic,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​need​ ​to​ ​have​ ​a barrier​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​blocking​ ​people's​ ​homes.​ ​This​ ​comes​ ​down​ ​to​ ​an​ ​issue​ ​of​ ​safety​ ​and​ ​some​ ​of​ ​the homeowners​ ​that​ ​were​ ​interviewed​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​when​ ​Jackson​ ​St.​ ​was​ ​widened,​ ​the​ ​traffic​ ​speeds increased​ ​on​ ​the​ ​road.​ ​They​ ​did​ ​not​ ​want​ ​the​ ​same​ ​situation​ ​on​ ​their​ ​streets​ ​if​ ​or​ ​when​ ​they​ ​get reconstructed.​ ​Oshkosh​ ​also​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​weigh​ ​the​ ​economic​ ​costs​ ​and​ ​benefits​ ​of​ ​the​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​to determine​ ​what​ ​is​ ​best​ ​for​ ​the​ ​city​ ​as​ ​a​ ​whole.​ ​Another​ ​barrier​ ​that​ ​was​ ​identified​ ​is​ ​existing infrastructure​ ​and​ ​how​ ​that​ ​infrastructure​ ​needs​ ​to​ ​be​ ​worked​ ​around.​ ​When​ ​a​ ​street​ ​is reconstructed​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the​ ​infrastructure​ ​has​ ​already​ ​identified​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​project. Therefore,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​a​ ​prime​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​where​ ​the​ ​existing​ ​infrastructure​ ​is not​ ​located. 24 Significance​ ​for​ ​Sustainability: ​ ​The​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​aims​ ​to​ ​contribute​ ​to​ ​the​ ​sustainability​ ​goals​ ​set​ ​forth​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city of​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​Sustainability​ ​Advisory​ ​Board.​ ​These​ ​goals​ ​reflect​ ​the​ ​three​ ​pillars​ ​of sustainability:​ ​environmental​ ​health,​ ​society,​ ​and​ ​economics.​ ​Trees​ ​provide​ ​environmental benefits​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city​ ​by​ ​improving​ ​air​ ​quality,​ ​water​ ​quality,​ ​stormwater​ ​management,​ ​and​ ​much more.​ ​They​ ​provide​ ​economic​ ​benefits​ ​by​ ​increasing​ ​property​ ​values​ ​and​ ​provide​ ​a​ ​substantial return​ ​on​ ​investment​ ​through​ ​ecosystem​ ​services.​ ​Trees​ ​also​ ​provide​ ​social​ ​benefits​ ​through​ ​their aesthetic​ ​value,​ ​as​ ​well​ ​as​ ​fostering​ ​community​ ​relationships. Mitigation​ ​of​ ​Diseases/Invasive​ ​Pests Tree​ ​disease​ ​is​ ​an​ ​ongoing​ ​issue​ ​that​ ​city​ ​planners​ ​and​ ​urban​ ​foresters​ ​must​ ​face.​ ​There are​ ​a​ ​wide​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​diseases​ ​and​ ​fungi​ ​which​ ​are​ ​transferred​ ​by​ ​invasive​ ​species,​ ​wood products,​ ​and​ ​much​ ​more.​ ​Understanding​ ​the​ ​economic​ ​and​ ​ecological​ ​impact​ ​of​ ​various​ ​tree diseases​ ​will​ ​be​ ​extremely​ ​important​ ​in​ ​shaping​ ​future​ ​tree​ ​related​ ​ordinances.​ ​Our​ ​research​ ​was focused​ ​on​ ​North​ ​American​ ​tree​ ​diseases,​ ​what​ ​causes​ ​these​ ​diseases,​ ​how​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​tree​ ​disease, and​ ​solutions​ ​cities​ ​can​ ​implement​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​a​ ​healthy​ ​urban​ ​forest.​ ​Many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​studies​ ​we examined​ ​were​ ​conducted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Midwest​ ​United​ ​States​ ​or​ ​Canada​ ​and​ ​focused​ ​on​ ​many​ ​species of​ ​trees​ ​currently​ ​found​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​maples,​ ​oaks,​ ​elms,​ ​and​ ​ash​ ​trees.​ ​Using​ ​the information​ ​from​ ​within​ ​these​ ​various​ ​articles,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​will​ ​be​ ​better​ ​able​ ​to​ ​include​ ​tree diversity.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​will​ ​also​ ​be​ ​able​ ​to​ ​implement​ ​management​ ​techniques​ ​to​ ​combat​ ​tree diseases​ ​and​ ​invasive​ ​pests,​ ​thus​ ​leading​ ​to​ ​a​ ​healthier​ ​urban​ ​forest. 25 The​ ​most​ ​common​ ​trend​ ​found​ ​throughout​ ​many​ ​of​ ​the​ ​articles​ ​examined,​ ​was​ ​that​ ​tree diversity​ ​is​ ​an​ ​extremely​ ​important​ ​topic.​ ​Monoculture​ ​plantings​ ​or​ ​the​ ​dominance​ ​of​ ​one​ ​tree species​ ​can​ ​lead​ ​to​ ​rapid​ ​disease​ ​outbreak​ ​and​ ​a​ ​higher​ ​susceptibility​ ​to​ ​invasive​ ​pests.​ ​One​ ​of the​ ​many​ ​examples​ ​of​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​devastation​ ​due​ ​to​ ​monoculture​ ​plantings​ ​involves​ ​the American​ ​elm​ ​tree,​ ​which​ ​was​ ​once​ ​prolifically​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​cities​ ​across​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States,​ ​due​ ​to its​ ​aesthetic​ ​value​ ​and​ ​tall​ ​widespread​ ​canopy.​ ​Dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease​ ​(DED)​ ​was​ ​introduced​ ​to​ ​the United​ ​States​ ​around​ ​1930,​ ​and​ ​by​ ​1976,​ ​approximately​ ​56%​ ​of​ ​American​ ​elms​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​areas were​ ​killed,​ ​resulting​ ​in​ ​the​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​almost​ ​40​ ​million​ ​American​ ​elms​ ​by​ ​1980​ ​(Dreistadt​ ​et​ ​al.). Diversity​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​effective​ ​management​ ​tool​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​diseases.​ ​Many​ ​studies also​ ​stress​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​routine​ ​observations​ ​and​ ​tree​ ​maintenance.​ ​Trees​ ​that​ ​are​ ​inspected or​ ​tested​ ​regularly​ ​by​ ​experts​ ​can​ ​easily​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​if​ ​sick,​ ​or​ ​provided​ ​with​ ​maintenance​ ​if needed.​ ​A​ ​significant​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​authors​ ​also​ ​suggest​ ​immediate​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​infected​ ​trees​ ​to prevent​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​disease​ ​via​ ​roots,​ ​invasive​ ​pests,​ ​or​ ​airborne​ ​pathways.​ ​Experts​ ​also​ ​suggest routine​ ​pruning​ ​and​ ​in​ ​some​ ​cases​ ​pruning​ ​of​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​may​ ​allow​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​to​ ​stay​ ​alive,​ ​so long​ ​as​ ​the​ ​disease​ ​does​ ​not​ ​reach​ ​the​ ​main​ ​stem.​ ​A​ ​study​ ​concerning​ ​effective​ ​routes​ ​of​ ​tree maintenance​ ​suggests​ ​that​ ​the​ ​majority​ ​of​ ​pruning​ ​and​ ​tree​ ​maintenance​ ​be​ ​kept​ ​to​ ​early​ ​spring and​ ​winter​ ​months,​ ​and​ ​if​ ​possible​ ​to​ ​avoid​ ​trimming,​ ​pruning,​ ​or​ ​cutting​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​during​ ​spring and​ ​summer​ ​when​ ​diseases,​ ​pests,​ ​and​ ​spores​ ​are​ ​particularly​ ​active​ ​(Marciulyniene​ ​et​ ​al.). Urban​ ​foresters​ ​and​ ​city​ ​planners​ ​will​ ​also​ ​face​ ​another​ ​hurdle​ ​for​ ​the​ ​future,​ ​climate change.​ ​Climate​ ​change​ ​is​ ​expected​ ​to​ ​rapidly​ ​allow​ ​the​ ​movement​ ​of​ ​invasive​ ​pests​ ​and​ ​diseases to​ ​areas​ ​which​ ​are​ ​currently​ ​unaffected.​ ​Invasive​ ​pests​ ​are​ ​often​ ​times​ ​the​ ​carriers​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​diseases and​ ​have​ ​been​ ​spread​ ​around​ ​the​ ​world​ ​via​ ​plant​ ​trade,​ ​lumber​ ​trade,​ ​and​ ​much​ ​more.​ ​Human 26 actions​ ​are​ ​the​ ​number​ ​one​ ​factor​ ​causing​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​invasive​ ​species,​ ​in​ ​this​ ​case​ ​the​ ​ones that​ ​affect​ ​trees.​ ​Due​ ​to​ ​short​ ​life​ ​cycles,​ ​capacity​ ​for​ ​dispersal,​ ​generally​ ​high​ ​reproductive​ ​rates, and​ ​sensitivity​ ​to​ ​changing​ ​temperatures,​ ​pests​ ​and​ ​pathogens​ ​have​ ​the​ ​potential​ ​to​ ​expand rapidly​ ​and​ ​adapt​ ​to​ ​new​ ​areas​ ​where​ ​they​ ​previously​ ​may​ ​not​ ​have​ ​been​ ​present.​ ​Trees,​ ​on​ ​the other​ ​hand,​ ​which​ ​are​ ​generally​ ​long​ ​lived,​ ​adapt​ ​much​ ​more​ ​slowly​ ​to​ ​changes​ ​in​ ​their​ ​local environment​ ​and​ ​makes​ ​them​ ​more​ ​vulnerable​ ​than​ ​ever​ ​to​ ​rapidly​ ​changing​ ​and​ ​moving organisms​ ​(Tubby​ ​&​ ​Webber).​ ​Tubby​ ​and​ ​Webber​ ​suggest​ ​that​ ​increased​ ​monitoring​ ​activities be​ ​conducted​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​green​ ​spaces​ ​by​ ​plant​ ​health​ ​specialists​ ​and​ ​also​ ​that​ ​monitoring​ ​should​ ​be increased​ ​concerning​ ​arboriculture​ ​and​ ​horticulture​ ​trade​ ​that​ ​may​ ​transfer​ ​non-native​ ​pests​ ​and diseases.​ ​Some​ ​studies​ ​suggest​ ​that​ ​even​ ​native​ ​pests,​ ​molds,​ ​fungi,​ ​etc.​ ​that​ ​currently​ ​have​ ​a symbiotic​ ​relationship​ ​with​ ​trees​ ​may​ ​develop​ ​into​ ​new​ ​strains​ ​which​ ​are​ ​overpopulated​ ​or deadly​ ​to​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​(Sturrock).​ ​Although​ ​climate​ ​change​ ​seems​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​vicious​ ​downward cycle,​ ​the​ ​literature​ ​suggested​ ​the​ ​best​ ​combatant​ ​to​ ​climate​ ​change​ ​related​ ​tree​ ​diseases​ ​was planning​ ​for​ ​the​ ​future​ ​by​ ​providing​ ​a​ ​broad​ ​base​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​genetics. The​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​is​ ​experiencing​ ​some​ ​detrimental​ ​tree​ ​loss,​ ​especially with​ ​ash​ ​trees.​ ​Congruent​ ​with​ ​the​ ​review​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​disease​ ​literature,​ ​an​ ​interview​ ​we​ ​had​ ​with Oshkosh’s​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm,​ ​solidified​ ​the​ ​hypothesis​ ​that​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​urban​ ​forest contains​ ​diseased​ ​trees.​ ​Sturm​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​elm​ ​trees​ ​were​ ​previously​ ​the​ ​main​ ​focus​ ​of​ ​disease​ ​and removal,​ ​but​ ​recently​ ​the​ ​city​ ​has​ ​seen​ ​an​ ​increase​ ​in​ ​emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer​ ​affecting​ ​the​ ​health​ ​of ash​ ​trees.​ ​Sturm​ ​stated​ ​that​ ​it​ ​has​ ​been​ ​a​ ​hard​ ​issue​ ​to​ ​mitigate​ ​due​ ​to​ ​the​ ​fact​ ​that​ ​him​ ​and​ ​his team​ ​can​ ​not​ ​go​ ​onto​ ​private​ ​property​ ​to​ ​treat​ ​infested​ ​trees.​ ​Encouraging​ ​homeowners​ ​to​ ​treat​ ​or remove​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​has​ ​proven​ ​to​ ​be​ ​difficult,​ ​therefore​ ​trees​ ​that​ ​are​ ​not​ ​treated​ ​on​ ​private 27 property​ ​are​ ​likely​ ​to​ ​aid​ ​in​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​pests​ ​to​ ​city​ ​owned​ ​trees.​ ​The​ ​Wisconsin Department​ ​of​ ​Natural​ ​Resources​ ​provides​ ​data​ ​that​ ​specifically​ ​addresses​ ​street​ ​tree​ ​benefits​ ​for the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Within​ ​their​ ​article​ ​they​ ​state,​ ​“A​ ​diverse​ ​palette​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​helps​ ​guard​ ​against catastrophic​ ​loss​ ​to​ ​insects​ ​and​ ​diseases​ ​or​ ​environmental​ ​stresses.​ ​A​ ​general​ ​guideline​ ​for​ ​urban forest​ ​diversity​ ​is​ ​no​ ​more​ ​than​ ​5%​ ​of​ ​any​ ​one​ ​species,​ ​10%​ ​of​ ​any​ ​one​ ​genus.​ ​Ash,​ ​maple,​ ​and crabapple​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​over-represented​ ​on​ ​Oshkosh’s​ ​streets”​ ​(WDNR).​ ​​ ​Based​ ​on​ ​the overwhelming​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​data​ ​supporting​ ​tree​ ​diversity​ ​as​ ​imperative​ ​to​ ​the​ ​health​ ​of​ ​urban forests,​ ​Oshkosh​ ​should​ ​strongly​ ​consider​ ​implementing​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​different​ ​tree​ ​species​ ​other than​ ​ash,​ ​maple,​ ​or​ ​crabapple​ ​when​ ​planting​ ​new​ ​trees​ ​along​ ​reconstructed​ ​roads. Air​ ​Quality One​ ​of​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​to​ ​increasing​ ​urban​ ​canopy​ ​cover​ ​through​ ​terrace​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​is​ ​the mitigation​ ​of​ ​air​ ​pollution.​ ​The​ ​Wisconsin​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Natural​ ​Resources​ ​quantify​ ​pollutant removal​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​to​ ​total​ ​$16,332​ ​annually,​ ​234​ ​pounds​ ​of​ ​particulate​ ​matter reduction,​ ​423​ ​pounds​ ​of​ ​ozone​ ​reduction,​ ​19​ ​pounds​ ​of​ ​sulfur​ ​dioxide​ ​reduction,​ ​and​ ​71​ ​pounds of​ ​nitrogen​ ​oxides.​ ​Nowak​ ​et​ ​al.​ ​(2006)​ ​quantified​ ​national​ ​pollutant​ ​removal​ ​provided​ ​by​ ​urban trees​ ​to​ ​total​ ​an​ ​annual​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​$3.8​ ​billion​ ​dollars​ ​on​ ​a​ ​national​ ​level.​ ​This​ ​amount​ ​includes externality​ ​costs​ ​such​ ​as​ ​avoided​ ​medical​ ​costs.​ ​It​ ​also​ ​reflects​ ​economic​ ​and​ ​social​ ​benefits​ ​in regards​ ​to​ ​sustainability,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​pollution​ ​mitigation​ ​is​ ​important​ ​for​ ​the​ ​environmental​ ​aspect​ ​of sustainability.​ ​These​ ​nationwide​ ​statistics​ ​can​ ​be​ ​improved​ ​through​ ​sustainability​ ​efforts​ ​like those​ ​being​ ​implemented​ ​and​ ​suggested​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh.​ ​Currently,​ ​the​ ​vast​ ​majority​ ​of pollutant​ ​removal​ ​(96.3%)​ ​occurs​ ​by​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​rural​ ​land,​ ​however​ ​the​ ​human​ ​health​ ​benefits​ ​are 28 concentrated​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​areas​ ​(Nowak​ ​et​ ​al,​ ​2006).​ ​Urban​ ​trees​ ​become​ ​more​ ​important​ ​as​ ​they mitigate​ ​pollutants​ ​near​ ​the​ ​source,​ ​rather​ ​than​ ​pollutants​ ​needing​ ​to​ ​travel​ ​to​ ​rural​ ​areas​ ​to​ ​be removed. While​ ​tree​ ​diversity​ ​has​ ​already​ ​been​ ​mentioned,​ ​it​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​tie​ ​in​ ​the​ ​relationship between​ ​tree​ ​diversity​ ​and​ ​maintaining​ ​a​ ​high​ ​level​ ​of​ ​air​ ​quality.​ ​For​ ​example,​ ​American​ ​elm trees​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Minneapolis​ ​stored​ ​about​ ​18.6​ ​percent​ ​of​ ​the​ ​carbon​ ​stored​ ​by​ ​trees,​ ​however they​ ​also​ ​faced​ ​risks​ ​of​ ​Dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease.​ ​Another​ ​study​ ​by​ ​Donovan​ ​(2013)​ ​illustrated​ ​an increase​ ​in​ ​cardiovascular-related​ ​mortality​ ​and​ ​the​ ​death​ ​of​ ​ash​ ​trees​ ​caused​ ​by​ ​disease. Maintaining​ ​urban​ ​tree​ ​density​ ​and​ ​diversity​ ​is​ ​important​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​maintain​ ​the​ ​air​ ​quality benefits​ ​that​ ​can​ ​be​ ​reduced​ ​by​ ​tree​ ​disease. Stormwater​ ​Management In​ ​regards​ ​to​ ​urban​ ​planning,​ ​literature​ ​discussed​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​and​ ​limitations​ ​of​ ​urban green​ ​infrastructure.​ ​Adult​ ​trees​ ​retain​ ​water,​ ​increase​ ​transpiration​ ​of​ ​surrounding​ ​vegetation, and​ ​increase​ ​watershed​ ​retention​ ​capacity.​ ​Trees​ ​can​ ​offer​ ​improvements​ ​to​ ​gray​ ​infrastructure by​ ​intercepting​ ​precipitation​ ​and​ ​runoff​ ​before​ ​it​ ​enters​ ​into​ ​a​ ​wastewater​ ​system​ ​(Berland​ ​et.al). Kollin​ ​and​ ​Schwab​ ​(2009)​ ​stated,​ ​“​Trees​ ​and​ ​soils​ ​function​ ​together​ ​to​ ​reduce​ ​stormwater​ ​runoff. Trees​ ​reduce​ ​stormwater​ ​flow​ ​by​ ​intercepting​ ​rainwater​ ​on​ ​leaves,​ ​branches,​ ​and​ ​trunks.​ ​Some​ ​of the​ ​intercepted​ ​water​ ​evaporates​ ​back​ ​into​ ​the​ ​atmosphere,​ ​and​ ​some​ ​soaks​ ​into​ ​the​ ​ground reducing​ ​the​ ​total​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​runoff​ ​that​ ​must​ ​be​ ​managed​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​areas”​ ​(4).​ ​​Urban​ ​forestry improves​ ​water​ ​quality​ ​above​ ​and​ ​below​ ​the​ ​ground,​ ​assists​ ​plant​ ​and​ ​animal​ ​wellbeing,​ ​and reduces​ ​soil​ ​erosion​ ​and​ ​pollutant​ ​washout.. 29 In​ ​one​ ​expert​ ​tree​ ​study,​ ​root​ ​depth,​ ​growth​ ​rate,​ ​and​ ​nutrient​ ​levels​ ​were​ ​measured​ ​while being​ ​subjected​ ​to​ ​stormwater​ ​and​ ​tap​ ​water.​ ​In​ ​nearly​ ​all​ ​measurements,​ ​stormwater​ ​supplies nutrients,​ ​and​ ​benefits​ ​tree​ ​growth​ ​better​ ​than​ ​tap​ ​water.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​also​ ​the​ ​case​ ​for​ ​saturation​ ​levels of​ ​water​ ​in​ ​soil.​ ​More​ ​saturated​ ​soils​ ​result​ ​in​ ​higher​ ​levels​ ​of​ ​nutrients,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​nitrogen. (Denman​ ​et​ ​al.​ ​2015).​ ​Oshkosh​ ​nitrogen​ ​levels​ ​are​ ​high​ ​and​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​a​ ​cost​ ​effective​ ​method​ ​to regulate​ ​and​ ​remove​ ​pollutants​ ​and​ ​excess​ ​nutrients,​ ​such​ ​as​ ​those​ ​from​ ​runoff.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​of Oshkosh​ ​has​ ​acknowledged​ ​the​ ​importance​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​their​ ​sustainability​ ​plan.​ ​Because​ ​Lake Winnebago​ ​is​ ​classified​ ​as​ ​an​ ​“impaired​ ​body​ ​of​ ​water,”​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​is​ ​Federally required​ ​to​ ​manage​ ​stormwater,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​be​ ​a​ ​cost​ ​effective​ ​way​ ​to​ ​do so. Aesthetics There​ ​is​ ​also​ ​a​ ​large​ ​social​ ​benefit​ ​that​ ​trees​ ​achieve​ ​through​ ​their​ ​aesthetic​ ​value,​ ​which has​ ​been​ ​noted​ ​throughout​ ​this​ ​document​ ​in​ ​both​ ​the​ ​benchmarking​ ​cities​ ​and​ ​the​ ​stakeholder interviews.​ ​While​ ​the​ ​literature​ ​on​ ​green​ ​space​ ​and​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​for​ ​human​ ​and​ ​community​ ​health is​ ​abundant,​ ​the​ ​benefits​ ​of​ ​green​ ​space​ ​can​ ​also​ ​be​ ​extended​ ​into​ ​terrace​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​urban​ ​canopy cover.​ ​The​ ​Wisconsin​ ​DNR​ ​i-Tree​ ​analysis​ ​showed​ ​that​ ​street​ ​trees​ ​increase​ ​property​ ​values​ ​in Oshkosh​ ​by​ ​a​ ​total​ ​of​ ​$109,762​ ​annually.​ ​Besides​ ​fostering​ ​community​ ​relationships,​ ​the aesthetic​ ​value​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​can​ ​be​ ​quantified​ ​in​ ​property​ ​values,​ ​reflective​ ​of​ ​both​ ​social​ ​and economic​ ​benefits​ ​regarding​ ​sustainability​ ​goals.​ ​According​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Oshkosh​ ​sustainability​ ​plan, the​ ​city​ ​aims​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​more​ ​trees​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​natural​ ​appearance,​ ​which​ ​coincides​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Vision 30 Oshkosh​ ​community​ ​survey.​ ​The​ ​proposed​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​be​ ​an​ ​efficient​ ​way​ ​to achieve​ ​these​ ​goals. Summary/Conclusion In​ ​conclusion,​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​a​ ​vital​ ​component​ ​to​ ​any​ ​ecosystem.​ ​They​ ​provide​ ​many​ ​services to​ ​both​ ​people​ ​and​ ​wildlife.​ ​Trees​ ​help​ ​reduce​ ​the​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​stormwater​ ​that​ ​the​ ​city​ ​has​ ​to manage,​ ​while​ ​at​ ​the​ ​same​ ​time​ ​reducing​ ​pollutants​ ​in​ ​the​ ​air​ ​and​ ​increasing​ ​overall​ ​air​ ​quality. Having​ ​a​ ​diverse​ ​tree​ ​population​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city​ ​helps​ ​to​ ​mitigate​ ​diseases​ ​and​ ​harmful​ ​pests. Trees​ ​increase​ ​the​ ​overall​ ​aesthetics​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​and​ ​help​ ​to​ ​build​ ​a​ ​sense​ ​of​ ​community​ ​for​ ​the city’s​ ​residents.​ ​The​ ​proposed​ ​tree​ ​planting​ ​ordinance​ ​would​ ​help​ ​improve​ ​all​ ​of​ ​these​ ​previously mentioned​ ​positive​ ​attributes.​ ​What​ ​this​ ​proposed​ ​ordinance​ ​will​ ​primarily​ ​focus​ ​on,​ ​is improving​ ​the​ ​resources​ ​that​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​and​ ​his​ ​team​ ​will​ ​have​ ​to​ ​manage​ ​the​ ​city’s trees​ ​effectively​ ​and​ ​efficiently.​ ​This​ ​ordinance​ ​will​ ​give​ ​Bill​ ​Sturm​ ​a​ ​structural​ ​platform​ ​to implement​ ​his​ ​expertise​ ​in​ ​regards​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​further​ ​the​ ​city’s​ ​sustainability goals.​ ​With​ ​many​ ​streets​ ​in​ ​Oshkosh​ ​currently​ ​undergoing​ ​construction​ ​or​ ​scheduled​ ​for reconstruction​ ​in​ ​the​ ​near​ ​future,​ ​this​ ​is​ ​an​ ​opportune​ ​time​ ​to​ ​implement​ ​a​ ​new​ ​tree​ ​planting ordinance.​ ​Envision​ ​a​ ​city​ ​street​ ​lined​ ​with​ ​many​ ​luscious,​ ​healthy,​ ​and​ ​diverse​ ​trees;​ ​this​ ​is​ ​a vision​ ​the​ ​city​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​should​ ​strive​ ​to​ ​improve​ ​upon,​ ​and​ ​an​ ​image​ ​that​ ​would​ ​come​ ​to​ ​mind if​ ​you​ ​picture​ ​an​ ​ideal​ ​example​ ​of​ ​a​ ​certified​ ​Tree​ ​City,​ ​USA. 31 Works​ ​Cited Berland,​ ​A.,​ ​Shiflett​ ​S.​ ​A.,​ ​Shuster,​ ​W.​ ​D.,​ ​Garmestani,​ ​A.​ ​S.,​ ​Goddard,​ ​H.​ ​C.,​ ​Herrmann,​ ​D.​ ​L., Hopton,​ ​M.​ ​E.​ ​(2017).​ ​The​ ​role​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​stormwater​ ​management.​ ​​Landscape​ ​and Urban​ ​Planning​,​ ​162,​ ​167-177. City​ ​of​ ​Appleton​ ​Street​ ​Tree​ ​Benefits.​​ ​Retrieved​ ​from https://www.itreetools.org/resources/reports/WDNR_Appleton_reports.pdf City​ ​of​ ​Oshkosh​ ​Street​ ​Tree​ ​Benefits.​​ ​Retrieved​ ​from https://www.itreetools.org/resources/reports/​WDNR_Oshkosh_reports.pdf Denman,​ ​L.,​ ​May,​ ​P.​ ​B.,​ ​Breen,​ ​P.​ ​F.​ ​(2006).​ ​An​ ​investigation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​potential​ ​to​ ​use​ ​street​ ​trees and​ ​their​ ​root​ ​zone​ ​soils​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​nitrogen​ ​from​ ​urban​ ​stormwater.​ ​​Australasian​ ​Journal of​ ​Water​ ​Resources,​ ​10​(3),​ ​303-311. Donovan,​ ​G.​ ​H.,​ ​Butry,​ ​D.​ ​T.,​ ​Michael,​ ​Y.​ ​L.,​ ​Prestemon,​ ​J.​ ​P.,​ ​Liebhold,​ ​A.​ ​M.,​ ​Gatziolis,​ ​D.,​ ​& Mao,​ ​M.​ ​Y.​ ​(2013).​ ​The​ ​Relationship​ ​Between​ ​Trees​ ​and​ ​Human​ ​Health:​ ​Evidence​ ​from the​ ​Spread​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Emerald​ ​Ash​ ​Borer.​ ​American​ ​Journal​ ​of​ ​Preventative​ ​Medicine,​ ​44(2), 139-145. Dreistadt,​ ​S.​ ​H.,​ ​Dahlsten,​ ​D.​ ​L.,​ ​&​ ​Frankie,​ ​G.​ ​W.​ ​(1990).​ ​Urban​ ​forests​ ​and​ ​insect ecology:​ ​Complex​ ​interactions​ ​among​ ​trees,​ ​insects,​ ​and​ ​people. ​BioScience,​ ​40​(3),​ ​192- 198. Gromke,​ ​C.,​ ​&​ ​Ruck,​ ​B.​ ​(2007).​ ​Influence​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​the​ ​dispersion​ ​of​ ​pollutants​ ​in​ ​an​ ​urban street​ ​canyon—Experimental​ ​investigation​ ​of​ ​the​ ​flow​ ​and​ ​concentration​ ​field. Atmospheric​ ​Environment,​​ ​​41​(16),​ ​3287-3302. Kollin,​ ​C.,​ ​&​ ​Schwab,​ ​J.​ ​(2009).​ ​Bringing​ ​Nature​ ​into​ ​the​ ​City.​ ​​Planning​ ​Advisory​ ​Service ​ ​Report,​​ ​(555),​ ​1-24. Marciulyniene,​ ​D.,​ ​Davydenko,​ ​K.,​ ​Stenlid,​ ​J.,​ ​&​ ​Cleary.​ ​M.​ ​(2017).​ ​Can​ ​pruning​ ​help​ ​maintain vitality​ ​of​ ​ash​ ​trees​ ​affected​ ​by​ ​ash​ ​dieback​ ​in​ ​urban​ ​landscapes?​ ​​Urban​ ​Forestry​ ​& Urban​ ​Greening,​​ ​​27​,​ ​69-75. Nadolski,​ ​E.​ ​(2017).​ ​A​ ​Losing​ ​Battle:​ ​Emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer​ ​changes​ ​city’s​ ​landscape.​ ​​Burlington Standard​ ​Press,​​ ​​1​,​ ​4.​ ​​ ​Print. 32 Nowak,​ ​D.​ ​J.,​ ​Crane,​ ​D.​ ​E.,​ ​&​ ​Stevens,​ ​J.​ ​C.​ ​(2006).​ ​Air​ ​pollution​ ​removal​ ​by​ ​urban​ ​trees​ ​and shrubs​ ​in​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States.​ ​Urban​ ​Forestry​ ​&​ ​Urban​ ​Greening,​ ​4,​ ​115-123. Sturrock,​ ​R.​ ​(2012).​ ​Climate​ ​change​ ​and​ ​forest​ ​diseases:​ ​Using​ ​today's​ ​knowledge​ ​to​ ​address future​ ​challenges. ​Forest​ ​Systems,​ ​21​(2),​ ​329-336. Tubby,​ ​K.,​ ​&​ ​Webber,​ ​J.​ ​(2010).​ ​Pests​ ​and​ ​diseases​ ​threatening​ ​urban​ ​trees​ ​under​ ​a​ ​changing ​ ​climate. ​Forestry,​ ​83​(4),​ ​451-459. 33 Other​ ​Wisconsin​ ​City​ ​Ordinances Appleton,​ ​WI​ ​Ordinance Chapter​ ​21​ ​Vegetation ARTICLE​ ​I.​ ​​ ​IN​ ​GENERAL Reserved................................................................................................................21-1​ ​–​ ​21-25 ARTICLE​ ​II.​ ​​ ​PUBLIC​ ​TREES​ ​AND​ ​SHRUBS DIVISION​ ​1.​ ​GENERALLY Purpose​ ​of​ ​article.......................................................................................................​ ​21-26 Definition...................................................................................................................​ ​21-27 Committee​ ​authority​ ​and​ ​duties.................................................................................​ ​21-28 Street​ ​tree plan............................................................................................................................​ ​21-29 Injuring​ ​trees​ ​prohibited............................................................................................​ ​21-30 Reserved..............................................................................................................21-31​ ​–​ ​21-45 DIVISION​ ​2.​ ​​ ​PLANTING,​ ​MAINTENANCE​ ​AND​ ​REMOVAL Assessment​ ​of​ ​costs​ ​to​ ​abutting​ ​property​ ​owner.......................................................​ ​21-46 Planting,​ ​care​ ​or​ ​removal​ ​by​ ​private​ ​persons............................................................​ ​21-47 Permit​ ​required.................................................................................................21-47(a) Issuance​ ​of​ ​permit;​ ​conditions​ ​........................................................................21-47(b) Form​ ​and​ ​duration​ ​of​ ​permit​ ​..........................................................................​ ​21-47(c) Work​ ​by​ ​public​ ​utilities................................................................................... 21-47(d) Planting​ ​and​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​trees....................................................................................​ ​21-48 Street​ ​widening​ ​...............................................................................................​ ​21-48(a) New​ ​streets......................................................................................................​ ​21-48(b) Established​ ​streets​ ​..........................................................................................​ ​21-48(c) Other​ ​sites​ ​......................................................................................................​ ​21-48(d) Reserved........................................................................................................21-49​ ​–​ ​21-65 ARTICLE​ ​III.​ ​​ ​TREE​ ​INSECTS​ ​AND​ ​DISEASE Introduction.....................................................................................................................​ ​21-66 Declaration​ ​of​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​.............................................................................​ ​21-66(b) Penalty​ ​for​ ​violation​ ​of​ ​article.........................................................................................​ ​21-67 34 Declaration​ ​of​ ​nuisance...................................................................................................​ ​21-68 Inspection.........................................................................................................................​ ​21-69 Abatement........................................................................................................................​ ​21-70 Notification​ ​required​ ​prior​ ​to​ ​abatement​ ​on​ ​private​ ​property.............................. 21-70(a)​ ​Abatement​ ​procedure​ ​......................................................................................... 21-70(b) Notice​ ​.........................................................................................................21-70(b)(1) Reserved..........................................................................................................................​ ​21-71 Assessment​ ​of​ ​costs.........................................................................................................​ ​21-72 Transport​ ​of​ ​wood prohibited.........................................................................................................................​ ​21-73 Pruning​ ​of​ ​oak trees...................................................................................................................................21-74 ARTICLE​ ​I.​ ​​ ​IN​ ​GENERAL Secs.​ ​21-1​ ​–​ ​21-25.​ ​Reserved. ARTICLE​ ​II.​ ​PUBLIC​ ​TREES​ ​AND​ ​SHRUBS​ ​DIVISION​ ​1.​ ​GENERALLY Sec.​ ​21-26.​ ​​ ​Purpose​ ​of​ ​article. The​ ​policy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City​ ​is​ ​to​ ​regulate​ ​and​ ​control​ ​the​ ​planting,​ ​transplanting,​ ​removal, maintenance​ ​and​ ​protection​ ​of​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​eliminate​ ​and guard​ ​against​ ​dangerous​ ​conditions​ ​which​ ​may​ ​result​ ​in​ ​injury​ ​to​ ​persons​ ​using​ ​the​ ​streets, alleys,​ ​sidewalks​ ​or​ ​property​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​to​ ​promote​ ​and​ ​enhance​ ​the​ ​beauty​ ​and​ ​general welfare​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​to​ ​prevent​ ​damage​ ​to​ ​any​ ​public​ ​sewer​ ​or​ ​watermain,​ ​street,​ ​sidewalk​ ​or other​ ​public​ ​property,​ ​and​ ​to​ ​protect​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​located​ ​in​ ​the​ ​public​ ​areas​ ​from undesirable​ ​and​ ​unsafe​ ​planting,​ ​removal,​ ​treatment​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​practices.​ ​(Code​ ​1965, §13.04(1)​ ​;​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-20-12) Sec.​ ​21-27.​ ​Definition. For purposes of this article,public trees and shrubs means all trees or shrubs planted or to be planted on any park,playground or other property owned or controlled by the City or on any public street,alley,sidewalk or highway within the public right-of-way,but shall not include school​ ​sites. 35 (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(2);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-20-12) Cross​ ​reference(s)​ ​–​ ​​Definitions​ ​and​ ​rules​ ​of​ ​construction​ ​generally,​ ​§1-2. Sec.​ ​21-28.​ ​​ ​Committee​ ​authority​ ​and​ ​duties. Enforcement of this article shall be shared between the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Municipal Services Committee.These committees shall have the duty of carrying out all of the provisions of this article.The Municipal Services Committee shall have jurisdiction over all trees located within street right-of-way.The Parks and Recreation Committee shall have jurisdiction over all trees located in any other City-maintained public place within the City.The Committees are hereby directed and given the right to maintain any tree or shrub falling under their respective jurisdictions to preserve a function or beauty of such public place in accordance with the art of good arboriculture.The Committees shall have the authority to trim,remove,prune,spray,fertilize or otherwise treat any tree or shrub falling under their respective jurisdictions when in the opinion of the Committee such treatment will promote the general​ ​welfare,​ ​improve​ ​the​ ​City’s​ ​appearance​ ​or​ ​alleviate​ ​any​ ​unsafe​ ​conditions. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(3);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-20-12) Sec.​ ​21-29.​ ​​ ​Street​ ​tree​ ​plan. The​ ​Municipal​ ​Services​ ​Committee​ ​is​ ​directed​ ​to​ ​develop​ ​and​ ​establish​ ​a​ ​plan​ ​for​ ​the orderly​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​other​ ​public​ ​use​ ​of​ ​the​ ​streets,​ ​to​ ​facilitate​ ​care​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City’s​ ​trees and​ ​to​ ​make​ ​the​ ​City​ ​more​ ​attractive.​ ​(Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(4);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-20-12) Sec.​ ​21-30.​ ​​ ​Injuring​ ​trees​ ​prohibited. No person shall remove,destroy,cut,deface or injure any tree existing on any public place in the City,nor shall any person attach any rope,wire,chain,sign or any other device whatsoever​ ​to​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​on​ ​any​ ​public​ ​place​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(10);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-20-12) Cross​ ​reference(s)​ ​​–​ ​Citation​ ​for​ ​violation​ ​of​ ​certain​ ​ordinances,​ ​§1-17;​ ​schedule​ ​of​ ​deposits for​ ​citation,​ ​§1-18. Sec.​ ​21-31​ ​–​ ​21-45.​ ​Reserved. 36 DIVISION​ ​2.​ ​PLANTING,​ ​MAINTENANCE​ ​AND​ ​REMOVAL Sec.​ ​21-46.​ ​Assessment​ ​of​ ​costs​ ​to​ ​abutting​ ​property​ ​owner. All or part of the cost of any work done on trees and shrubs located between the lot line and curb or improved portion of any street or alley may be assessed to the abutting owners in accordance​ ​with​ ​W.S.A.​ ​§66.0627​ ​or W.S.A.​ ​§27.09. Sec.​ ​​ ​21-47. Planting,​ ​​ ​care​ ​​ ​or​ ​​ ​removal​ ​​ ​by​ ​​ ​private​ ​persons. (a) Permit​ ​required.​ ​​No​ ​person,​ ​except​ ​upon​ ​order​ ​of​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction shall​ ​plant,​ ​transplant,​ ​move,​ ​spray,​ ​brace,​ ​trim,​ ​prune,​ ​cut​ ​above​ ​or​ ​below​ ​ground,​ ​disturb, alter​ ​or​ ​do​ ​surgery​ ​on​ ​any​ ​public​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​within​ ​the​ ​City​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​such​ ​acts​ ​to​ ​be​ ​done​ ​by orders​ ​without​ ​first​ ​obtaining​ ​a​ ​written​ ​permit​ ​for​ ​such​ ​work​ ​from​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​as​ ​provided in​ ​this​ ​section.​ ​This​ ​subsection​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​apply​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​public​ ​utilities​ ​or​ ​their​ ​agents. (b) Issuance​ ​of​ ​permit;​ ​conditions. (1)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​If​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction​ ​determines​ ​that​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​work​ ​or​ ​planting​ ​described in​ ​an​ ​application​ ​for​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​is​ ​necessary​ ​and​ ​in​ ​accord​ ​with​ ​the​ ​purposes​ ​of​ ​this​ ​article,​ ​taking into​ ​account​ ​the​ ​safety,​ ​health​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public,​ ​location​ ​of​ ​utilities,​ ​public​ ​sidewalks, driveways​ ​and​ ​street​ ​lights,​ ​general​ ​character​ ​of​ ​the​ ​area​ ​in​ ​which​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​is​ ​located​ ​or proposed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​located,​ ​type​ ​of​ ​soil,​ ​characteristics​ ​and​ ​physiological​ ​needs​ ​of​ ​the​ ​species​ ​or variety​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub,​ ​it​ ​shall​ ​issue​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​to​ ​the​ ​applicant. (2)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​allowed​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​any​ ​public​ ​tree​ ​without​ ​replacing​ ​such trees​ ​with​ ​trees​ ​of​ ​equivalent​ ​dollar​ ​value​ ​in​ ​the​ ​vicinity​ ​of​ ​the​ ​removed​ ​trees. Pruning,​ ​abuse​ ​or​ ​damage​ ​to​ ​any​ ​public​ ​tree​ ​by​ ​any​ ​deliberate​ ​or​ ​negligent​ ​act​ ​that has​ ​devalued​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​will​ ​be​ ​evaluated​ ​and​ ​the​ ​responsible​ ​party​ ​will​ ​be​ ​liable​ ​for​ ​the loss​ ​of​ ​value​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​to​ ​the​ ​community.​ ​The​ ​value​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​determined by​ ​the​ ​Forestry​ ​Division​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Department​ ​of​ ​Public​ ​Works​ ​by​ ​using​ ​the​ ​current Guide​ ​for​ ​Establishing​ ​Values​ ​of​ ​Trees​ ​and​ ​Shrubs​ ​as​ ​prepared​ ​by​ ​the​ ​International Society​ ​of​ ​Arboriculture.​ ​If​ ​no​ ​suitable​ ​location​ ​exists​ ​in​ ​the​ ​vicinity​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tree removed​ ​or​ ​if​ ​the​ ​replacement​ ​tree​ ​is​ ​of​ ​lesser​ ​value,​ ​the​ ​person​ ​causing​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​to be​ ​removed​ ​shall​ ​make​ ​a​ ​compensatory​ ​payment​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City​ ​equal​ ​to​ ​the​ ​difference in​ ​value​ ​between​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​removed​ ​and​ ​any​ ​replacement​ ​tree. 37 (c)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​Form​ ​and​ ​duration​ ​of​ ​permit.​ ​​Every​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​issued​ ​by​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of jurisdiction​ ​on​ ​forms​ ​prepared​ ​by​ ​it​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​include​ ​a​ ​description​ ​of​ ​the​ ​work​ ​to​ ​be​ ​done​ ​and shall​ ​specify​ ​the​ ​species​ ​or​ ​variety,​ ​size,​ ​nursery​ ​grade​ ​and​ ​location​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​to​ ​be planted,​ ​if​ ​any.​ ​Any​ ​work​ ​done​ ​under​ ​such​ ​permit​ ​must​ ​be​ ​performed​ ​in​ ​strict​ ​accordance​ ​with the​ ​terms​ ​thereof​ ​and​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​article.​ ​Permits​ ​issued​ ​under​ ​this​ ​section​ ​shall​ ​expire six​ ​(6)​ ​months​ ​after​ ​the​ ​date​ ​of​ ​issuance. (d) Work​ ​by​ ​public​ ​utilities. (1)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​committees​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction​ ​annually,​ ​or​ ​as​ ​often​ ​as​ ​it​ ​deems​ ​necessary,​ ​shall​ ​meet​ ​with representatives​ ​designated​ ​by​ ​public​ ​utilities​ ​engaged​ ​in​ ​tree​ ​trimming​ ​or​ ​removal​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City​ ​to discuss​ ​clearance​ ​practices​ ​and​ ​particularly​ ​any​ ​practices​ ​the​ ​committees​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction​ ​shall​ ​find not​ ​in​ ​the​ ​best​ ​interests​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City. (2)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​At​ ​the​ ​annual​ ​meeting,​ ​permission​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​granted​ ​in​ ​writing​ ​by​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of jurisdiction​ ​to​ ​each​ ​utility​ ​to​ ​cover​ ​any​ ​clearance​ ​work​ ​done​ ​in​ ​the​ ​next​ ​twelve-​ ​(12-)​ ​month period. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(9);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-21-12) Sec.​ ​21-48.​ ​​ ​Planting​ ​and​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​trees. (a) Street​ ​widening. (1) When​ ​trees​ ​are​ ​removed​ ​in​ ​preparation​ ​for​ ​widening​ ​of​ ​any​ ​established​ ​street,​ ​new​ ​trees will​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​provided​ ​that,​ ​in​ ​the​ ​opinion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction,​ ​there​ ​is​ ​adequate land​ ​in​ ​the​ ​terrace​ ​to​ ​reasonably​ ​support​ ​tree​ ​growth.​ ​The​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​this​ ​replanting​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by the​ ​City.​ ​The​ ​committee​ ​shall​ ​determine​ ​the​ ​location​ ​of​ ​each​ ​tree​ ​to​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​and​ ​the​ ​species. (2) The​ ​committee​ ​may​ ​also​ ​plant​ ​trees​ ​at​ ​City​ ​cost​ ​on​ ​private​ ​property​ ​abutting​ ​the​ ​widened streets​ ​if​ ​the​ ​terrace​ ​does​ ​not​ ​contain​ ​sufficient​ ​land​ ​to​ ​support​ ​tree​ ​growth​ ​and​ ​the​ ​property owner​ ​provides​ ​written​ ​permission​ ​to​ ​enter​ ​and​ ​plant​ ​trees.​ ​When​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​has​ ​been completed,​ ​maintenance​ ​and​ ​care​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​private​ ​property​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​the property​ ​owner. 38 (b) New​ ​streets.​ ​​Following​ ​the​ ​installation​ ​of​ ​curbing​ ​and​ ​sidewalks,​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of jurisdiction,​ ​either​ ​by​ ​request​ ​of​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​by​ ​resolution​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Common​ ​Council, shall​ ​cause​ ​trees​ ​to​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​terraces​ ​of​ ​such​ ​streets​ ​in​ ​the​ ​proper​ ​season.​ ​The​ ​location of​ ​each​ ​tree,​ ​the​ ​species​ ​and​ ​size​ ​of​ ​stock​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​determined​ ​by​ ​the​ ​committee.​ ​All​ ​or​ ​part​ ​of the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​such​ ​planting​ ​may​ ​be​ ​assessed​ ​against​ ​each​ ​lot​ ​or​ ​parcel​ ​of​ ​adjacent​ ​property​ ​in accordance​ ​with​ ​W.S.A.​ ​§27.09​ ​or W.S.A.§66.0627.The committee shall replace any tree planted under the plan which does not survive​ ​a​ ​period​ ​of​ ​two​ ​(2)​ ​years​ ​at​ ​no​ ​additional​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​owners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​adjacent​ ​property. (c) Established​ ​streets.​ ​​Either​ ​by​ ​request​ ​of​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​by​ ​resolution​ ​of​ ​the Common​ ​Council,​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction​ ​shall​ ​cause​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​additional​ ​trees​ ​or the​ ​removal​ ​or​ ​replacement​ ​of​ ​unsightly​ ​or​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​the​ ​terrace​ ​of​ ​any​ ​established street.​ ​The​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​the​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​existing​ ​trees​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by​ ​the​ ​City.​ ​All​ ​or​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the cost​ ​of​ ​such​ ​replanting​ ​may​ ​be​ ​assessed​ ​against​ ​owners​ ​of​ ​adjacent​ ​property​ ​in​ ​accordance with​ ​W.S.A.​ ​§27.08​ ​or​ ​W.S.A.​ ​§66.0627.​ ​The​ ​committee​ ​shall​ ​replace​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​planted​ ​under this​ ​plant​ ​which​ ​does​ ​not​ ​survive​ ​a​ ​period​ ​of​ ​two​ ​(2)​ ​years​ ​at​ ​no​ ​additional​ ​cost​ ​to​ ​the​ ​owners of​ ​the​ ​adjacent​ ​property. (d) Other​ ​sites.​ ​​Should​ ​any​ ​owner​ ​of​ ​adjacent​ ​property​ ​desire​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​on​ ​any​ ​public place,​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​obtained​ ​from​ ​the​ ​committee​ ​of​ ​jurisdiction​ ​in​ ​which​ ​the​ ​species,​ ​size of​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​and​ ​location​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​designated.​ ​The​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​such​ ​planting​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by​ ​the property​ ​owner. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.04(5)​ ​–​ ​(8);​ ​Ord​ ​24-12,​ ​§1,​ ​2-21-12) Secs.​ ​21-49​ ​–​ ​21-56.​ ​Reserved. ARTICLE​ ​III.​ ​​ ​TREE​ ​INSECTS​ ​AND​ ​DISEASE Sec.​ ​21-66.​ ​Introduction. (a) Whereas,​ ​the​ ​Common​ ​Council​ ​has​ ​determined​ ​that​ ​the​ ​health​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​within​ ​the City​ ​may​ ​be​ ​threatened​ ​by​ ​insects​ ​or​ ​disease​ ​and​ ​that​ ​the​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​growing​ ​upon​ ​public and​ ​private​ ​premises​ ​would​ ​substantially​ ​depreciate​ ​the​ ​market​ ​value​ ​of​ ​property​ ​within​ ​the City​ ​and​ ​impair​ ​the​ ​safety,​ ​welfare​ ​and​ ​convenience​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public,​ ​the​ ​Council​ ​hereby​ ​declares its​ ​intention​ ​to​ ​control​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​such​ ​insects​ ​or​ ​disease. 39 (b) Declaration​ ​of​ ​public​ ​nuisance​.​ ​The​ ​existence​ ​of​ ​trees,​ ​shrubs​ ​and​ ​other​ ​flora within​ ​the​ ​city​ ​are​ ​determined​ ​to​ ​be​ ​valuable​ ​public​ ​and​ ​private​ ​assets​ ​which​ ​substantially enhance​ ​the​ ​public​ ​welfare​ ​and​ ​are​ ​aesthetically​ ​significant​ ​and​ ​economically​ ​important​ ​in terms​ ​of​ ​increased​ ​value​ ​which​ ​accrue​ ​to​ ​public​ ​and​ ​private​ ​lands​ ​as​ ​a​ ​result​ ​of​ ​their​ ​existence. The​ ​continued​ ​existence​ ​of​ ​injured​ ​or​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​other​ ​plantings,​ ​or​ ​the​ ​failure​ ​to​ ​properly treat​ ​the​ ​same​ ​if​ ​treatment​ ​is​ ​available,​ ​which​ ​is​ ​likely​ ​to​ ​cause​ ​the​ ​spread​ ​of​ ​disease​ ​or endanger​ ​persons​ ​because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​deteriorated​ ​condition,​ ​is​ ​hereby​ ​declared​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​public nuisance​ ​requiring​ ​abatement. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05;​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Sec.​ ​21-67.​ ​​ ​Penalty​ ​for​ ​violation​ ​of​ ​article. Any​ ​person​ ​who​ ​shall​ ​violate​ ​any​ ​provision​ ​of​ ​this​ ​article​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​subject​ ​to​ ​a​ ​penalty​ ​as provided​ ​in​ ​§1-16.​ ​(Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.06) Sec.​ ​21-68.​ ​​ ​Declaration​ ​of​ ​nuisance. (a)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​following​ ​conditions​ ​are​ ​exemplary,​ ​but​ ​not​ ​an​ ​inclusive​ ​list,​ ​of​ ​matters​ ​declared​ ​to be​ ​public​ ​nuisances​ ​under​ ​this​ ​section: (1) Any​ ​dead​ ​tree. (2) Any​ ​elm​ ​tree​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​the​ ​Dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease​ ​fungus​ ​or​ ​which​ ​harbors​ ​any​ ​carrier​ ​of the​ ​same. (3)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​Any​ ​oak​ ​tree​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​the​ ​oak​ ​wilt​ ​fungus​ ​or​ ​which​ ​harbors​ ​any​ ​carrier​ ​of​ ​the​ ​same. (4)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​Any​ ​ash​ ​tree​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​Emerald​ ​Ash​ ​Borer. (5) Any​ ​tree,​ ​bush,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​other​ ​plant​ ​which​ ​is infected​ ​with​ ​an​ ​insect​ ​or​ ​disease​ ​capable​ ​of​ ​infecting​ ​other​ ​plants. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05(1),​ ​(2)​ ​;​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Sec.​ ​21-69.​ ​Inspection. 40 (a)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​The​ ​City​ ​Forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​inspect​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​to​ ​be​ ​inspected​ ​all​ ​premises and​ ​places​ ​to​ ​determine​ ​whether​ ​any​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​as​ ​defined​ ​in​ ​this​ ​article​ ​exists​ ​thereon, and​ ​shall​ ​also​ ​inspect​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​to​ ​be​ ​inspected​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​reported​ ​or​ ​suspected​ ​to​ ​be​ ​infected with​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​insects. (b) The​ ​City​ ​Forester​ ​may​ ​enter​ ​upon​ ​private​ ​premises​ ​at​ ​all​ ​reasonable​ ​times​ ​for​ ​the purpose​ ​of​ ​carrying​ ​out​ ​any​ ​of​ ​the​ ​provision​ ​of​ ​this​ ​article,​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​acquiring​ ​of​ ​a​ ​special inspection​ ​warrant. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05(3),​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Cross​ ​reference(s)​ ​–​ ​​Nuisances,​ ​ch.​ ​12. Sec.​ ​21-70.​ ​Abatement. (a)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​Notification​ ​required​ ​prior​ ​to​ ​abatement​ ​on​ ​private​ ​property.​ ​​Whenever​ ​the​ ​Forester shall​ ​find​ ​with​ ​reasonable​ ​certainty​ ​on​ ​examination​ ​or​ ​inspection​ ​that​ ​any​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​as defined​ ​in​ ​this​ ​article​ ​exists​ ​on​ ​private​ ​property​ ​within​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​the​ ​Forester​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​cause such​ ​nuisance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​abated​ ​in​ ​any​ ​manner​ ​before​ ​notification​ ​to​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner. (b)​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​Abatement​ ​procedure. (1)​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​Notice.​ ​​If​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Forester​ ​determines​ ​that​ ​a​ ​dead​ ​or​ ​diseased​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​plant exists​ ​on​ ​any​ ​private​ ​property​ ​in​ ​violation​ ​of​ ​this​ ​section,​ ​a​ ​notice​ ​may​ ​be issued,​ ​in​ ​writing,​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Forester​ ​to​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​directing,​ ​as appropriate,​ ​that​ ​such​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​or​ ​treated​ ​as​ ​therein​ ​specified​ ​to protect​ ​surrounding​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​plants.​ ​A​ ​notice​ ​issued​ ​under​ ​this​ ​section​ ​shall provide​ ​a​ ​reasonable​ ​period​ ​of​ ​time​ ​within​ ​which​ ​to​ ​perform.​ ​The​ ​notice​ ​shall also​ ​state​ ​that​ ​the​ ​existence​ ​of​ ​the​ ​facts​ ​which​ ​give​ ​rise​ ​to​ ​the​ ​notice​ ​constitute​ ​a public​ ​nuisance​ ​which​ ​may​ ​be​ ​abated​ ​by​ ​the​ ​City​ ​upon​ ​failure​ ​of​ ​the​ ​property owner​ ​to​ ​comply​ ​with​ ​the​ ​terms​ ​of​ ​the​ ​notice. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05(4);​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Sec.​ ​21-71.​ ​Reserved. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05(5);​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Sec.​ ​21-72.​ ​​ ​Assessment​ ​of​ ​costs. 41 (a) All​ ​or​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​abating,​ ​spraying​ ​or​ ​otherwise​ ​treating​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​in accordance​ ​with​ ​this​ ​article​ ​may​ ​be​ ​charged​ ​to​ ​and​ ​assessed​ ​against​ ​the​ ​parcel​ ​or​ ​lot​ ​abutting​ ​on the​ ​street,​ ​alley,​ ​boulevard​ ​or​ ​parkway​ ​upon​ ​which​ ​​ ​such​ ​​ ​tree​ ​​ ​stands​ ​​ ​in​ ​​ ​accordance​ ​​ ​with W.S.A. §66.0627​ ​or​ ​W.S.A.​ ​§27.09. (b) The​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​abating​ ​any​ ​such​ ​nuisance​ ​or​ ​spraying​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​part​ ​thereof​ ​which is​ ​located​ ​in​ ​or​ ​upon​ ​any​ ​park​ ​or​ ​public​ ​grounds​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by​ ​the​ ​City. (c) The​ ​City​ ​Forester​ ​shall​ ​keep​ ​strict​ ​account​ ​of​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​work​ ​done​ ​under​ ​this article​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​report​ ​monthly​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Clerk​ ​all​ ​work​ ​done​ ​for​ ​which​ ​assessments​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be made,​ ​stating​ ​and​ ​certifying​ ​the​ ​description​ ​of​ ​the​ ​land,​ ​lots,​ ​parts​ ​of​ ​lots​ ​or​ ​parcels​ ​of​ ​land​ ​and the​ ​amounts​ ​chargeable​ ​to​ ​each.​ ​The​ ​Clerk​ ​shall​ ​include​ ​in​ ​his​ ​report​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Common​ ​Council the​ ​aggregate​ ​amounts​ ​chargeable​ ​to​ ​each​ ​lot​ ​or​ ​parcel​ ​so​ ​reported,​ ​and​ ​such​ ​amounts​ ​shall​ ​be levied​ ​and​ ​assessed​ ​against​ ​the​ ​parcels​ ​or​ ​lots​ ​in​ ​the​ ​same​ ​manner​ ​as​ ​other​ ​special​ ​taxes.​ ​(Code 1965,​ ​§13.05(6);​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) Sec.​ ​21-73.​ ​​ ​Transport​ ​of​ ​wood​ ​prohibited. No person shall transport within the City any bark bearing wood or material that is infested with any​ ​insect​ ​without​ ​first​ ​securing​ ​the​ ​written​ ​permission​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Forester. (Code​ ​1965,​ ​§13.05(7);​ ​Ord​ ​169-11,​ ​§1,​ ​8-9-11) 42 La​ ​Crosse,​ ​WI​ ​Ordinance ARTICLE​ ​V.​ ​-​ ​TREES​ ​ON​ ​PUBLIC​ ​PROPERTY Cross​ ​reference—​ ​​Environment​ ​and​ ​natural​ ​resources,​ ​ch.​ ​16. Sec.​ ​34-142.​ ​-​ ​Authority​ ​of​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation. The​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation,​ ​subject​ ​to​ ​the​ ​supervision​ ​and​ ​control​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Park Commissioners,​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​exclusive​ ​jurisdiction,​ ​authority,​ ​control,​ ​supervision​ ​and​ ​direction​ ​over​ ​all trees,​ ​shrubs​ ​and​ ​plants,​ ​planted​ ​or​ ​growing​ ​in​ ​or​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​public​ ​highways​ ​and​ ​public​ ​places​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City and​ ​the​ ​planting,​ ​removal,​ ​care,​ ​preservation,​ ​protection,​ ​removal​ ​and​ ​control​ ​thereof.​ ​The​ ​Director​ ​of Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​is​ ​empowered​ ​to​ ​plant,​ ​transplant,​ ​remove,​ ​trim,​ ​spray​ ​and​ ​otherwise​ ​care​ ​for​ ​and protect​ ​all​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​on​ ​or​ ​in​ ​that​ ​part​ ​of​ ​every​ ​street,​ ​the​ ​grade​ ​of​ ​which​ ​has​ ​been​ ​established, between​ ​the​ ​lot​ ​line​ ​and​ ​the​ ​curb​ ​and​ ​on​ ​the​ ​center​ ​or​ ​side​ ​plots​ ​of​ ​all​ ​boulevards​ ​and​ ​parkways​ ​and​ ​in​ ​all public​ ​parks​ ​or​ ​grounds​ ​belonging​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City​ ​and​ ​the​ ​control​ ​of​ ​such​ ​planting,​ ​removing,​ ​trimming, spraying,​ ​or​ ​other​ ​work​ ​by​ ​others.​ ​In​ ​discharging​ ​these​ ​duties​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​shall be​ ​designated​ ​City​ ​Forester​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​governed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​Wis.​ ​Stat.​ ​§​ ​27.09. (Code​ ​1980,​ ​§​ ​10.04(A)) Sec.​ ​34-143.​ ​-​ ​Damage​ ​to​ ​trees. (a)​ ​ No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​prune,​ ​cut,​ ​molest,​ ​break,​ ​deface,​ ​destroy,​ ​spray,​ ​repair​ ​or​ ​do​ ​surgery​ ​work​ ​upon any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​part​ ​thereof,​ ​or​ ​in​ ​any​ ​manner​ ​interfere​ ​with,​ ​disturb,​ ​or​ ​injure​ ​any​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​upon​ ​the public​ ​highways​ ​or​ ​places​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City;​ ​nor​ ​shall​ ​any​ ​chemical​ ​be​ ​used​ ​for​ ​the​ ​control​ ​of​ ​insects​ ​or​ ​other diseases,​ ​or​ ​for​ ​any​ ​other​ ​reason,​ ​nor​ ​shall​ ​any​ ​person​ ​permit​ ​any​ ​chemical,​ ​either​ ​solids​ ​or​ ​fluids,​ ​to​ ​seep, drain​ ​or​ ​be​ ​emptied​ ​on​ ​or​ ​about​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​that​ ​is​ ​now​ ​or​ ​may​ ​hereafter​ ​be​ ​growing​ ​upon​ ​any public​ ​highway​ ​or​ ​place​ ​within​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​without​ ​first​ ​obtaining​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and Recreation;​ ​provided,​ ​further,​ ​that​ ​nothing​ ​in​ ​this​ ​section​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​construed​ ​so​ ​as​ ​to​ ​apply​ ​to​ ​the​ ​removal, under​ ​the​ ​direction​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation,​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Public​ ​Works,​ ​or​ ​any​ ​other department​ ​or​ ​subdivision​ ​thereof,​ ​of​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​thereof,​ ​when​ ​such​ ​removal​ ​shall​ ​be necessary​ ​for​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​any​ ​sidewalk,​ ​sewer,​ ​street,​ ​water​ ​main,​ ​conduit,​ ​or​ ​public​ ​improvement. (b)​ ​ No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​permitted​ ​to​ ​hitch​ ​any​ ​animal​ ​to​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub,​ ​nor​ ​fasten​ ​to​ ​for​ ​the​ ​purpose of​ ​anchorage,​ ​any​ ​wire,​ ​rope,​ ​chain​ ​or​ ​cables,​ ​nor​ ​shall​ ​any​ ​person​ ​nail,​ ​tie​ ​or​ ​in​ ​any​ ​manner,​ ​fasten​ ​any cards,​ ​signs,​ ​posters,​ ​boards​ ​or​ ​any​ ​other​ ​article​ ​to​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​that​ ​is​ ​now​ ​or​ ​may​ ​hereafter​ ​be growing​ ​upon​ ​any​ ​public​ ​highway​ ​or​ ​public​ ​place​ ​within​ ​the​ ​City. (Code​ ​1980,​ ​§​ ​10.04(B)) Sec.​ ​34-144.​ ​-​ ​Regulations​ ​for​ ​planting​ ​and​ ​care​ ​of​ ​trees. (a)​ ​ Trees​ ​must​ ​not​ ​be​ ​less​ ​than​ ​one​ ​and​ ​a​ ​half​ ​inch​ ​in​ ​diameter​ ​of​ ​trunk​ ​at​ ​a​ ​height​ ​of​ ​four​ ​feet​ ​above​ ​the ground. (b)​ ​ All​ ​trees,​ ​at​ ​the​ ​time​ ​of​ ​installation,​ ​must​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​with​ ​the​ ​root​ ​flare,​ ​not​ ​the​ ​graft​ ​union,​ ​at​ ​or above​ ​ground​ ​level,​ ​staked​ ​with​ ​two​ ​stakes,​ ​and​ ​supported​ ​with​ ​nylon​ ​tree​ ​tape​ ​for​ ​a​ ​period​ ​up​ ​to​ ​12 months. (c)​ ​ No​ ​tree​ ​shall​ ​hereafter​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​within​ ​30​ ​feet​ ​of​ ​each​ ​intersection. (d)​ ​ In​ ​cutting​ ​down​ ​trees,​ ​the​ ​same​ ​must​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​with​ ​root​ ​stump​ ​grubbed​ ​or​ ​cut​ ​out​ ​to​ ​a​ ​depth​ ​of​ ​at least​ ​ten​ ​inches.​ ​If​ ​another​ ​tree​ ​is​ ​to​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​within​ ​three​ ​feet​ ​of​ ​the​ ​stump​ ​it​ ​must​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​in​ ​its entirety. 43 (e)​ ​ Painting​ ​and​ ​water-proofing​ ​of​ ​pruning​ ​cuts​ ​are​ ​prohibited,​ ​with​ ​exception​ ​to​ ​oak​ ​and​ ​elm​ ​tree pruning​ ​during​ ​the​ ​period​ ​of​ ​April​ ​1​ ​to​ ​November​ ​1. (f)​ ​ Good​ ​soil​ ​must​ ​be​ ​provided;​ ​where​ ​soil​ ​is​ ​too​ ​poor​ ​to​ ​ensure​ ​growth​ ​an​ ​amount​ ​equal​ ​to​ ​27​ ​cubic feet,​ ​minimum,​ ​must​ ​be​ ​provided​ ​in​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​hole. (g)​ ​ Future​ ​planting​ ​of​ ​shrubbery​ ​or​ ​evergreens​ ​between​ ​curb​ ​and​ ​sidewalks​ ​is​ ​prohibited. (h)​ ​ No​ ​tree​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​within​ ​six​ ​feet​ ​from​ ​utilities,​ ​or​ ​nearer​ ​than​ ​two​ ​feet​ ​from​ ​the​ ​curb​ ​line​ ​or outer​ ​line​ ​of​ ​the​ ​sidewalk​ ​unless​ ​special​ ​permission​ ​is​ ​granted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Park​ ​Commissioners.​ ​All trees​ ​must​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​line​ ​with​ ​each​ ​other​ ​as​ ​established​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Park​ ​Commissioners. (i)​ ​ The​ ​following​ ​is​ ​a​ ​list​ ​of​ ​approved​ ​varieties​ ​of​ ​trees: TALL SMALL Honeylocust Tree​ ​Lilac​ ​(single​ ​stem) Hackberry Musclewood Linden Amur​ ​Maackia Alder Crabapple River​ ​Birch Hawthorne Ginkgo​ ​(male) Ironwood Amur​ ​Corktree Alder Oak Red​ ​Bud DED​ ​Resistant​ ​Elm Magnolia Kentucky​ ​Coffee​ ​Tree Fruitless​ ​Pear/Plum Hickory Serviceberry Zelkova Dogwood Buckeye Catalpa Tulip​ ​Poplar Turkish​ ​Filbert Sycamore/Plane​ ​Tree (j)​ ​ The​ ​following​ ​tree​ ​varieties​ ​are​ ​prohibited: Evergreens​ ​(conifers) Siberian​ ​Elm Black​ ​Locust Ash Fruit​ ​trees​ ​(bearers) Willow Cottonwood Aspen Russian​ ​Olives Non-DED​ ​Elm Mulberry Any​ ​clump​ ​variety Maple 44 (k)​ ​ No​ ​trees​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​on​ ​any​ ​City​ ​street​ ​until​ ​the​ ​grade​ ​for​ ​such​ ​street​ ​has​ ​been​ ​established​ ​and cut​ ​or​ ​filled​ ​to​ ​the​ ​established​ ​grade. (l)​ ​ In​ ​addition​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Park​ ​Commissioners​ ​may,​ ​from​ ​time​ ​to​ ​time,​ ​establish​ ​other​ ​regulations which​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​may​ ​deem​ ​necessary​ ​to​ ​insure​ ​safety​ ​on​ ​or​ ​preserve​ ​the​ ​symmetry​ ​and​ ​beauty​ ​of​ ​any public​ ​places. (Code​ ​1980,​ ​§​ ​10.04(C);​ ​Ord.​ ​No.​​ ​​5013​​ ​​,​ ​§​ ​I,​ ​8-10-2017) Sec.​ ​34-145.​ ​-​ ​Nuisances. (a)​ ​ The​ ​planting,​ ​preserving​ ​and​ ​maintaining​ ​of​ ​any​ ​trees​ ​which​ ​are​ ​injurious​ ​and​ ​detrimental​ ​to​ ​the health​ ​of​ ​the​ ​community​ ​and​ ​all​ ​such​ ​other​ ​trees​ ​as​ ​may​ ​be​ ​liable​ ​to​ ​fall​ ​upon​ ​any​ ​sidewalk,​ ​street, driveway​ ​or​ ​building​ ​near​ ​to​ ​such​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​which​ ​are​ ​hazardous​ ​or​ ​may​ ​result​ ​in​ ​injury​ ​to​ ​person​ ​or property​ ​because​ ​of​ ​a​ ​defective​ ​or​ ​diseased​ ​condition,​ ​or​ ​contagiously​ ​diseased​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​the​ ​storage​ ​of​ ​cut elm​ ​wood,​ ​unless​ ​debarked​ ​and​ ​the​ ​bark​ ​completely​ ​burned​ ​or​ ​treated​ ​adequately​ ​with​ ​chemicals​ ​so​ ​as​ ​to destroy​ ​any​ ​harbored​ ​insect​ ​pests,​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​deemed​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​and​ ​are​ ​therefore​ ​prohibited. (b)​ ​ The​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​right​ ​to​ ​examine​ ​all​ ​trees,​ ​alive​ ​or​ ​dead, standing​ ​or​ ​fallen,​ ​and​ ​logwood​ ​piles,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​purpose​ ​of​ ​determining​ ​whether​ ​the​ ​same​ ​are​ ​contagiously diseased.​ ​Such​ ​examination​ ​shall​ ​include​ ​the​ ​right​ ​to​ ​take​ ​samples​ ​from​ ​such​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​logwood​ ​piles​ ​for laboratory​ ​testing​ ​purposes.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​hereby​ ​made​ ​the​ ​duty​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​to​ ​give notice​ ​to​ ​the​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​owners​ ​or​ ​the​ ​agent​ ​of​ ​such​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​owners​ ​of​ ​land​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City​ ​whereon​ ​there​ ​are situated​ ​any​ ​trees,​ ​or​ ​tree​ ​conditions​ ​existing,​ ​or​ ​cut​ ​elm​ ​wood,​ ​unless​ ​debarked​ ​and​ ​bark​ ​completely burned​ ​or​ ​treated​ ​adequately​ ​with​ ​chemicals​ ​so​ ​as​ ​to​ ​destroy​ ​any​ ​harbored​ ​insect​ ​pests,​ ​declared​ ​by​ ​said Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​as​ ​defined​ ​above,​ ​and​ ​which​ ​are​ ​not​ ​maintained by​ ​the​ ​City,​ ​to​ ​remove,​ ​prune​ ​or​ ​spray​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​the​ ​same​ ​to​ ​be​ ​removed,​ ​pruned​ ​or​ ​sprayed​ ​within​ ​30 days,​ ​excepting​ ​when​ ​said​ ​notice​ ​applies​ ​to​ ​the​ ​removal,​ ​pruning​ ​or​ ​spraying​ ​of​ ​elm​ ​trees,​ ​such​ ​shall​ ​be done​ ​immediately. (c)​ ​ The​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​power​ ​and​ ​is​ ​hereby​ ​authorized​ ​and​ ​instructed, after​ ​the​ ​expiration​ ​of​ ​the​ ​said​ ​30​ ​days​ ​or​ ​immediate​ ​notice,​ ​as​ ​the​ ​case​ ​may​ ​be,​ ​and​ ​noncompliance therewith,​ ​to​ ​cause​ ​such​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​cut​ ​elm​ ​wood,​ ​unless​ ​debarked​ ​and​ ​the​ ​bark​ ​completely​ ​burned​ ​or​ ​treated adequately​ ​with​ ​chemicals​ ​so​ ​as​ ​to​ ​destroy​ ​completely​ ​any​ ​harbored​ ​insect​ ​pests,​ ​which​ ​are​ ​deemed​ ​to​ ​be a​ ​nuisance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​removed,​ ​pruned​ ​or​ ​sprayed​ ​at​ ​the​ ​expense​ ​of​ ​the​ ​owner​ ​of​ ​the​ ​land​ ​whereon​ ​the​ ​same stand,​ ​and​ ​if​ ​such​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​agent​ ​cannot​ ​be​ ​found​ ​in​ ​this​ ​City​ ​such​ ​trees​ ​may​ ​be​ ​removed,​ ​pruned​ ​or sprayed​ ​by​ ​said​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​at​ ​the​ ​expense​ ​of​ ​the​ ​owner​ ​of​ ​such​ ​land​ ​without​ ​notice. (Code​ ​1980,​ ​§​ ​10.04(D)) Sec.​ ​34-146.​ ​-​ ​Assessments. (a)​ ​ The​ ​entire​ ​or​ ​any​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​protecting,​ ​trimming,​ ​spraying,​ ​planting,​ ​renewing​ ​and removal​ ​of​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant,​ ​may​ ​be​ ​chargeable​ ​to​ ​and​ ​assessed​ ​upon​ ​the​ ​lot​ ​or​ ​parcels​ ​of​ ​land upon​ ​which​ ​such​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​is​ ​growing​ ​or​ ​to​ ​the​ ​owner​ ​of​ ​the​ ​abutting​ ​lot​ ​or​ ​parcel​ ​of​ ​land. (b)​ ​ When​ ​so​ ​chargeable,​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​shall​ ​keep​ ​a​ ​strict​ ​account​ ​of​ ​costs​ ​of planting,​ ​protecting,​ ​renewing,​ ​removing,​ ​trimming,​ ​spraying​ ​and​ ​caring​ ​for​ ​trees,​ ​shrubs,​ ​or​ ​plants​ ​in front​ ​of​ ​or​ ​on​ ​each​ ​parcel​ ​of​ ​land​ ​abutting​ ​on​ ​any​ ​street,​ ​avenue​ ​or​ ​boulevard,​ ​and​ ​prior​ ​to​ ​November​ ​1​ ​in each​ ​year,​ ​such​ ​Director​ ​shall​ ​make​ ​a​ ​report​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Comptroller​ ​of​ ​all​ ​work​ ​done​ ​for​ ​which assessments​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​made,​ ​stating​ ​and​ ​certifying​ ​the​ ​descriptions​ ​of​ ​land,​ ​lots,​ ​parts,​ ​of​ ​lots​ ​or​ ​parcels​ ​of land​ ​abutting​ ​on​ ​a​ ​street,​ ​avenue​ ​or​ ​boulevard​ ​in​ ​which​ ​any​ ​such​ ​work​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​been​ ​done​ ​and​ ​the amount​ ​chargeable​ ​to​ ​each​ ​such​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​property;​ ​and​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Comptroller​ ​shall​ ​include​ ​therein​ ​the special​ ​assessments​ ​as​ ​reported​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Comptroller​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​with​ ​the amount​ ​chargeable​ ​thereon​ ​for​ ​work​ ​done​ ​the​ ​preceding​ ​year. 45 (c)​ ​ The​ ​amounts​ ​so​ ​reported​ ​to​ ​the​ ​City​ ​Comptroller​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​levied​ ​on​ ​said​ ​lots​ ​or​ ​parcels​ ​of​ ​land respectively​ ​to​ ​which​ ​they​ ​are​ ​chargeable​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​constitute​ ​a​ ​lien​ ​thereon​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​collected​ ​as​ ​other special​ ​taxes​ ​are​ ​levied​ ​and​ ​collected​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City. (d)​ ​ The​ ​public​ ​hearings​ ​and​ ​notices​ ​required​ ​by​ ​Wis.​ ​Stat.​ ​ch.​ ​27​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​had. (Code​ ​1980,​ ​§​ ​10.04(E)) Sec.​ ​34-147.​ ​-​ ​Permits. (a)​ ​ Any​ ​person​ ​desiring​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​a​ ​live​ ​tree​ ​from​ ​a​ ​boulevard​ ​for​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​walks,​ ​drives, buildings​ ​or​ ​other​ ​structures​ ​for​ ​such​ ​person's​ ​own​ ​gain,​ ​shall​ ​first​ ​obtain​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Parks​ ​and Recreation​ ​Department​ ​and​ ​such​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​trees​ ​must​ ​be​ ​removed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​person​ ​gaining​ ​at​ ​such​ ​person's own​ ​expense​ ​in​ ​the​ ​manner​ ​prescribed​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​and​ ​to​ ​agree​ ​to​ ​hold​ ​the City​ ​harmless​ ​in​ ​case​ ​of​ ​accident​ ​or​ ​on​ ​account​ ​of​ ​any​ ​danger​ ​arising​ ​from​ ​the​ ​granting​ ​of​ ​such​ ​permit. (b)​ ​ It​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​unlawful​ ​for​ ​any​ ​person​ ​to​ ​plant,​ ​set​ ​out​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant,​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​to​ ​authorize​ ​or procure​ ​any​ ​person​ ​to​ ​plant​ ​or​ ​set​ ​out​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​in​ ​or​ ​upon​ ​any​ ​part​ ​of​ ​any​ ​public​ ​highway, park​ ​or​ ​public​ ​place​ ​without​ ​first​ ​obtaining​ ​a​ ​written​ ​permit​ ​so​ ​to​ ​do​ ​and​ ​without​ ​complying​ ​in​ ​all​ ​respects with​ ​the​ ​conditions​ ​set​ ​forth​ ​in​ ​such​ ​written​ ​permit​ ​and​ ​with​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​article.​ ​All​ ​applications for​ ​such​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​made​ ​on​ ​blanks​ ​furnished​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​Department​ ​and​ ​shall describe​ ​the​ ​work​ ​to​ ​be​ ​done​ ​and​ ​the​ ​variety,​ ​size​ ​and​ ​precise​ ​location​ ​of​ ​each​ ​tree.​ ​After​ ​the​ ​receipt​ ​of such​ ​an​ ​application,​ ​the​ ​Director​ ​of​ ​Parks​ ​and​ ​Recreation​ ​or​ ​representative​ ​shall​ ​investigate​ ​the​ ​locality where​ ​the​ ​trees,​ ​shrubs​ ​or​ ​plants​ ​are​ ​to​ ​be​ ​placed​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​grant​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​only​ ​if,​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Director's judgment​ ​the​ ​location​ ​is​ ​such​ ​as​ ​to​ ​permit​ ​the​ ​normal​ ​growth​ ​and​ ​development​ ​of​ ​each​ ​tree.​ ​Such​ ​permit shall​ ​specify​ ​the​ ​location,​ ​variety​ ​and​ ​grade​ ​of​ ​each​ ​tree​ ​and​ ​method​ ​of​ ​planting,​ ​including​ ​among​ ​other things​ ​the​ ​supplying​ ​of​ ​suitable​ ​soil.​ ​The​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​good​ ​only​ ​for​ ​the​ ​season​ ​stated​ ​in​ ​the​ ​same,​ ​in the​ ​year​ ​issued​ ​and​ ​no​ ​charge​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​made​ ​for​ ​the​ ​same.​ ​Before​ ​any​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​issued​ ​for​ ​planting more​ ​than​ ​25​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​any​ ​one​ ​permit,​ ​the​ ​Park​ ​Director​ ​may​ ​request​ ​from​ ​the​ ​applicant​ ​a​ ​detailed declaration​ ​of​ ​intentions​ ​either​ ​in​ ​the​ ​form​ ​of​ ​a​ ​planting​ ​plan​ ​or​ ​written​ ​statement​ ​in​ ​duplicate.​ ​One​ ​copy of​ ​each​ ​plan​ ​or​ ​statement​ ​of​ ​intention​ ​shall,​ ​when​ ​approved​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Park​ ​Director,​ ​be​ ​returned​ ​to​ ​the applicant​ ​and​ ​the​ ​other​ ​copy​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​kept​ ​on​ ​file.​ ​All​ ​planting​ ​plans​ ​shall​ ​show​ ​accurately: (1)​ ​ The​ ​proposed​ ​street​ ​width​ ​together​ ​with​ ​its​ ​subdivision​ ​of​ ​pavement,​ ​curb,​ ​gutter,​ ​parking​ ​strip​ ​and sidewalk​ ​areas​ ​to​ ​a​ ​definite​ ​scale. (2)​ ​ The​ ​proposed​ ​location​ ​of​ ​each​ ​and​ ​every​ ​proposed​ ​tree​ ​together​ ​with​ ​the​ ​location​ ​of​ ​each​ ​and​ ​every existing​ ​tree​ ​within​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​street​ ​line​ ​in​ ​scaled​ ​relation​ ​to​ ​the​ ​other​ ​features​ ​of​ ​the​ ​plan. (3)​ ​ The​ ​location​ ​and​ ​position​ ​of​ ​existing​ ​trees,​ ​shrubs​ ​and​ ​plants​ ​for​ ​a​ ​distance​ ​of​ ​20​ ​feet​ ​inside​ ​the proposed​ ​lines. (4)​ ​ The​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​each​ ​and​ ​every​ ​tree​ ​proposed​ ​to​ ​be​ ​planted​ ​and​ ​of​ ​those​ ​already​ ​existing​ ​within​ ​the proposed​ ​street​ ​lines​ ​either​ ​indicated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​plans​ ​or​ ​referred​ ​with​ ​a​ ​number​ ​to​ ​key​ ​list. (5)​ ​ The​ ​distance​ ​between​ ​trees​ ​in​ ​any​ ​one​ ​row​ ​in​ ​feet. (6)​ ​ The​ ​nature​ ​of​ ​the​ ​soil​ ​in​ ​planting​ ​space​ ​to​ ​a​ ​depth​ ​of​ ​3½​ ​feet​ ​and​ ​all​ ​existing​ ​and​ ​proposed​ ​surface or​ ​subsoil​ ​drainage​ ​system. (c)​ ​ All​ ​statements​ ​filed​ ​in​ ​lieu​ ​of​ ​planting​ ​plan​ ​shall​ ​contain​ ​the​ ​same​ ​information​ ​as​ ​required​ ​on​ ​the plan. (d)​ ​ Except​ ​upon​ ​order,​ ​no​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​hereafter​ ​trim,​ ​prune,​ ​remove,​ ​maim,​ ​treat,​ ​spray,​ ​dust,​ ​fertilize, brace,​ ​do​ ​surgery​ ​work,​ ​cut​ ​above​ ​or​ ​below​ ​ground​ ​or​ ​otherwise​ ​disturb​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​shrub,​ ​or​ ​plant​ ​in​ ​any highway,​ ​park​ ​or​ ​public​ ​place​ ​in​ ​the​ ​City​ ​nor​ ​cause​ ​such​ ​acts​ ​to​ ​be​ ​done​ ​by​ ​others,​ ​without​ ​first​ ​obtaining a​ ​written​ ​permit​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Park​ ​Director,​ ​who​ ​shall​ ​issue​ ​the​ ​permit​ ​if,​ ​in​ ​the​ ​Director's​ ​judgment,​ ​the desired​ ​work​ ​is​ ​necessary,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​method​ ​of​ ​workmanship​ ​thereof​ ​is​ ​of​ ​a​ ​satisfactory​ ​nature. The​ ​persons​ ​receiving​ ​such​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​abide​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Arboricultural​ ​Specifications​ ​and​ ​Standards​ ​of Practice​ ​adopted​ ​by​ ​the​ ​Board​ ​of​ ​Park​ ​Commissioners​ ​of​ ​the​ ​City​ ​of​ ​La​ ​Crosse. 46 Eau​ ​Claire,​ ​WI​ ​Ordinance Chapter​ ​8.20 TREES* Sections: 8.20.010​ ​Title. 8.20.020​ ​Purpose​ ​and​ ​necessity. 8.20.030​ ​Definitions. 8.20.040​ ​City​ ​forester. 8.20.050​ ​Permits. 8.20.060​ ​Protection. 8.20.070​ ​Public​ ​nuisance​ ​abatement. 8.20.090​ ​Tree​ ​maintenance. 8.20.100​ ​Trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​prohibited. 8.20.110​ ​Violation. _______________________________ *​ ​For​ ​statutory​ ​provisions​ ​defining​ ​nuisances​ ​and​ ​granting​ ​powers​ ​of​ ​abatement​ ​and​ ​penalties​ ​therefor, see​ ​WSA​ ​146.14. (Eau​ ​Claire​ ​12/2008)​ ​181-2 8.20.010--8.20.030 8.20.010​ ​Title.​ ​This​ ​chapter​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​known​ ​and​ ​may​ ​be​ ​cited​ ​as​ ​the​ ​municipal​ ​shade​ ​tree​ ​ordinance of​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​(Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 8.20.020​ ​Purpose​ ​and​ ​necessity.​ ​It​ ​is​ ​the​ ​intent​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​to​ ​assume​ ​control​ ​of​ ​the​ ​planting, maintenance,​ ​and​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​growing​ ​on​ ​public​ ​places​ ​in​ ​the​ ​city​ ​and​ ​to​ ​define​ ​public nuisances​ ​and​ ​provide​ ​for​ ​their​ ​abatement​ ​in​ ​order​ ​to​ ​provide​ ​the​ ​following: A.​ ​An​ ​urban​ ​environment​ ​which​ ​is​ ​in​ ​ecological​ ​harmony​ ​with​ ​the​ ​surrounding​ ​natural​ ​and​ ​agricultural environments; B.​ ​An​ ​urban​ ​environment​ ​which​ ​brings​ ​the​ ​positive​ ​qualities​ ​of​ ​the​ ​natural​ ​environment​ ​into​ ​the​ ​city​ ​for the​ ​benefit​ ​of​ ​its​ ​residents; C.​ ​Protection​ ​of​ ​city​ ​watercourses​ ​from​ ​excessive​ ​runoff​ ​and​ ​erosion; D.​ ​Protection​ ​to​ ​the​ ​residents​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​from​ ​the​ ​adverse​ ​effects​ ​of​ ​air​ ​pollution,​ ​dust,​ ​noise, excessive​ ​heat​ ​and​ ​glare; E.​ ​The​ ​conservation​ ​of​ ​energy​ ​by​ ​minimizing​ ​the​ ​impact​ ​of​ ​winter​ ​extremes; F.​ ​Assurance​ ​that​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​planted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​public​ ​right-of-way​ ​or​ ​in​ ​the​ ​vision​ ​triangle,​ ​as defined​ ​herein,​ ​do​ ​not​ ​interfere​ ​with​ ​the​ ​orderly​ ​and​ ​safe​ ​passage​ ​of​ ​vehicular​ ​and​ ​pedestrian​ ​traffic; G.​ ​Future​ ​compensation​ ​for​ ​the​ ​loss​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​and​ ​their​ ​beneficial​ ​aspects​ ​to​ ​public improvements; H.​ ​Assurance​ ​that​ ​this​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​natural​ ​environment,​ ​on​ ​which​ ​man​ ​is​ ​dependent,​ ​be​ ​maintained​ ​in such​ ​a​ ​way​ ​as​ ​to​ ​insure​ ​its​ ​quality​ ​for​ ​future​ ​generations​ ​of​ ​city​ ​residents.​ ​(Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 8.20.030​ ​Definitions.​ ​In​ ​this​ ​chapter,​ ​unless​ ​the​ ​context​ ​clearly​ ​requires​ ​otherwise,​ ​the​ ​following words​ ​and​ ​terms​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​defined​ ​as​ ​follows: A.​ ​"City​ ​forester"​ ​means​ ​the​ ​qualified​ ​designated​ ​city​ ​official​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​assigned​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​out​ ​the enforcement​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​under​ ​the​ ​supervision​ ​of​ ​the​ ​director. B.​ ​"Director"​ ​means​ ​the​ ​director​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​parks​ ​and​ ​recreation​ ​department. C.​ ​"Dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease"​ ​means​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​more​ ​particularly​ ​defined​ ​as​ ​follows: 1.​ ​Any​ ​living​ ​or​ ​standing​ ​elm​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​part​ ​thereof​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​the​ ​dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease​ ​fungus, Ceratocystis​ ​ulmi​ ​(Buisman),​ ​or​ ​which​ ​harbors​ ​any​ ​elm​ ​bark​ ​beetle,​ ​Scolytus​ ​multistriatus​ ​(Eichh),​ ​or 47 hylurgopinus​ ​rufipes​ ​(Marsh); 2.​ ​Any​ ​dead​ ​elm​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​part​ ​thereof,​ ​to​ ​include​ ​logs,​ ​branches,​ ​stumps,​ ​and/or​ ​firewood​ ​that is​ ​not: a.​ ​Buried; b.​ ​Consumed​ ​by​ ​burning; c.​ ​Debarked;​ ​or d.​ ​Completely​ ​enclosed​ ​with​ ​a​ ​6​ ​mil.​ ​polyethylene​ ​material​ ​from​ ​May​ ​1​ ​to​ ​October​ ​1. D.​ ​"Park"​ ​means​ ​all​ ​public​ ​parks,​ ​playgrounds,​ ​waterfront,​ ​buffer​ ​areas,​ ​beaches,​ ​and​ ​leisure-time areas​ ​having​ ​individual​ ​names. E.​ ​"Planting​ ​strip"​ ​means​ ​the​ ​public​ ​place​ ​lying​ ​between​ ​the​ ​curb,​ ​or​ ​proposed​ ​curb,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​lot​ ​line. F.​ ​"Public​ ​nuisance"​ ​means​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​which​ ​is​ ​specifically​ ​designated​ ​as​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​in this​ ​chapter​ ​or​ ​part​ ​of​ ​which​ ​is​ ​on​ ​public​ ​or​ ​private​ ​property​ ​which​ ​by​ ​reason​ ​of​ ​its​ ​condition​ ​interferes with​ ​the use​ ​of​ ​any​ ​public​ ​place,​ ​is​ ​infected​ ​with​ ​an​ ​injurious​ ​plant​ ​disease,​ ​or​ ​is​ ​infested​ ​with​ ​an​ ​injurious​ ​insect or other​ ​pest,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​detrimental​ ​to​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​public​ ​improvements,​ ​or​ ​endangers​ ​the​ ​life,​ ​health, safety or​ ​welfare​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​or​ ​its​ ​property. G.​ ​"Public​ ​place"​ ​means​ ​that​ ​part​ ​of​ ​every​ ​street,​ ​highway,​ ​avenue,​ ​alley,​ ​between​ ​the​ ​lot​ ​line​ ​and curb​ ​and​ ​from​ ​property​ ​line​ ​to​ ​property​ ​line,​ ​and​ ​any​ ​other​ ​land​ ​owned​ ​or​ ​controlled​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​including tree planting​ ​easements.​ ​(Ord.​ ​4556​ ​§1,​ ​1985;​ ​Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 182​ ​(Eau​ ​Claire) 8.20.040--8.20.050 8.20.040​ ​City​ ​forester.​ ​A.​ ​Appointment​ ​and​ ​Qualifications.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​appointed​ ​by the​ ​director​ ​with​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​manager. B.​ ​Authority. 1.​ ​It​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​the​ ​duty​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​under​ ​the​ ​supervision​ ​of​ ​the​ ​director,​ ​to​ ​enforce​ ​the provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter.​ ​In​ ​his​ ​absence,​ ​his​ ​duties​ ​shall​ ​become​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​a​ ​qualified​ ​alternate designated​ ​by​ ​the​ ​director. 2.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​jurisdiction,​ ​authority,​ ​control,​ ​and​ ​supervision​ ​over​ ​all​ ​trees and​ ​shrubs​ ​growing​ ​on​ ​public​ ​places,​ ​to​ ​include​ ​but​ ​not​ ​be​ ​limited​ ​to​ ​planting,​ ​removal,​ ​maintenance​ ​and protection. 3.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​or​ ​his​ ​appointed​ ​representative,​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​enter​ ​upon private​ ​property,​ ​at​ ​reasonable​ ​times,​ ​to​ ​inspect​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​shrubs,​ ​or​ ​parts​ ​thereof,​ ​upon​ ​request​ ​of​ ​the property owner,​ ​upon​ ​complaint,​ ​or​ ​if​ ​he​ ​has​ ​reasonable​ ​cause​ ​to​ ​believe​ ​that​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​may​ ​exist.​ ​He​ ​may take​ ​necessary​ ​samples​ ​for​ ​laboratory​ ​analysis​ ​to​ ​determine​ ​necessary​ ​or​ ​advisable​ ​tree​ ​care​ ​or​ ​removal measures​ ​to​ ​be​ ​taken​ ​at​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner's​ ​expense,​ ​except​ ​that​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​inspection​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by the city. 4.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​grant​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​or​ ​appropriate​ ​license​ ​under​ ​the provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​and​ ​rules​ ​and​ ​work​ ​standards​ ​adopted​ ​hereunder.​ ​He​ ​shall​ ​supervise​ ​all​ ​work done under​ ​any​ ​permit​ ​or​ ​license​ ​issued​ ​under​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​and​ ​may​ ​void​ ​any​ ​permit​ ​and recommend​ ​revocation​ ​of​ ​any​ ​license​ ​if​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​are​ ​not​ ​complied​ ​with. 5.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​cause​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​to​ ​be​ ​abated​ ​in accordance​ ​with​ ​Section​ ​8.20.070​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter. 48 6.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​formulate​ ​a​ ​master​ ​street​ ​tree​ ​plan​ ​as​ ​approved by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​and,​ ​in​ ​connection​ ​therewith,​ ​shall​ ​do​ ​the​ ​following: a.​ ​Make​ ​periodic​ ​inventories​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​growing​ ​on​ ​public​ ​places​ ​and​ ​maintain​ ​all records​ ​appropriate​ ​to​ ​such​ ​inventories; b.​ ​Consider​ ​all​ ​existing​ ​and​ ​future​ ​utility​ ​and​ ​environmental​ ​factors​ ​when recommending​ ​a​ ​specific​ ​species​ ​for​ ​public​ ​places​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city; c.​ ​With​ ​the​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council,​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​amend​ ​and​ ​make additions​ ​to​ ​the​ ​master​ ​street​ ​tree​ ​plan​ ​at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​that​ ​circumstances​ ​make​ ​it​ ​advisable. 7.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​perform​ ​such​ ​other​ ​powers​ ​and​ ​duties​ ​as​ ​are​ ​provided​ ​by​ ​the​ ​laws, rules​ ​or​ ​regulations​ ​of​ ​the​ ​state​ ​of​ ​Wisconsin,​ ​particularly​ ​Section​ ​27.09​ ​of​ ​the​ ​Wisconsin​ ​Statutes. 8.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​have​ ​the​ ​authority​ ​to​ ​suspend​ ​any​ ​license​ ​for​ ​a​ ​period​ ​not​ ​to​ ​exceed five​ ​days​ ​for​ ​just​ ​cause.​ ​In​ ​addition,​ ​he​ ​may​ ​recommend​ ​to​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​that​ ​the​ ​license​ ​be​ ​suspended for​ ​a longer​ ​period​ ​of​ ​time​ ​or​ ​revoked. 9.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​make​ ​himself​ ​available​ ​to​ ​the​ ​private​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​during reasonable​ ​times​ ​to​ ​give​ ​"on​ ​site"​ ​advice​ ​concerning​ ​proper​ ​arborcultural​ ​methods​ ​and​ ​standards.​ ​In addition, he​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​available​ ​to​ ​inform​ ​and​ ​discuss​ ​these​ ​methods​ ​and​ ​standards​ ​with​ ​interest​ ​groups,​ ​the​ ​media, and educational​ ​institutions​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city. 10.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​may​ ​establish​ ​arboricultural​ ​specifications,​ ​with​ ​approval​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city council,​ ​setting​ ​standards​ ​for​ ​the​ ​care,​ ​maintenance​ ​and​ ​protection​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs.​ ​(Ord.​ ​3773 §1(part), 1977). 8.20.050​ ​Permits.​ ​A.​ ​No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​plant,​ ​apply​ ​pesticides,​ ​spray,​ ​prune,​ ​remove,​ ​cut​ ​above​ ​the ground,​ ​prune​ ​roots,​ ​alter​ ​or​ ​do​ ​surgery​ ​on​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​growing​ ​on​ ​a​ ​public​ ​place​ ​without​ ​first procuring​ ​a permit​ ​from​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester. B.​ ​Each​ ​permit​ ​shall​ ​specify​ ​an​ ​expiration​ ​date​ ​not​ ​to​ ​exceed​ ​a​ ​period​ ​of​ ​twelve​ ​months​ ​from​ ​date​ ​of issuance.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​contacted​ ​when​ ​the​ ​work​ ​described​ ​on​ ​the​ ​permit​ ​is​ ​completed. C.​ ​Each​ ​permit​ ​issued​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​on​ ​a​ ​standard​ ​form​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​contain​ ​a​ ​description​ ​of​ ​the​ ​work​ ​to​ ​be done,​ ​size,​ ​location,​ ​species​ ​and​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​involved,​ ​pesticides​ ​to​ ​be​ ​applied​ ​and​ ​dosages​ ​to​ ​be​ ​used. (Eau​ ​Claire)​ ​183 8.20.060--8.20.070 D.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​issue​ ​the​ ​permit​ ​provided​ ​for​ ​in​ ​this​ ​section​ ​if,​ ​in​ ​his​ ​judgment,​ ​the​ ​proposed work​ ​is​ ​desirable​ ​and​ ​if​ ​the​ ​proposed​ ​method​ ​and​ ​workmanship​ ​thereof​ ​are​ ​of​ ​a​ ​satisfactory​ ​nature.​ ​In making this​ ​judgment,​ ​the​ ​forester​ ​shall​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​safety,​ ​health,​ ​and​ ​welfare​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public,​ ​location​ ​of​ ​public utilities, condition​ ​of​ ​public​ ​sidewalks​ ​and​ ​driveways​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​consider​ ​the​ ​nature​ ​of​ ​the​ ​soils,​ ​and​ ​the physiological species​ ​requirements. E.​ ​Whenever​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​is​ ​required​ ​by​ ​a​ ​public​ ​utility​ ​or​ ​contractor,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​with​ ​the​ ​approval​ ​of the​ ​director,​ ​may​ ​assign​ ​an​ ​inspector​ ​to​ ​supervise​ ​the​ ​work​ ​done​ ​under​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter. F.​ ​Copies​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city's​ ​arboricultural​ ​specifications​ ​established​ ​under​ ​subsection​ ​B(10)​ ​of​ ​Section 8.20.040​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​supplied​ ​with​ ​each​ ​permit.​ ​These​ ​specifications​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​amended​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester, with approval​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​as​ ​research​ ​or​ ​new​ ​laws​ ​require. 49 G.​ ​If​ ​an​ ​abutting​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​requests​ ​a​ ​permit​ ​to​ ​perform​ ​tree​ ​work​ ​on​ ​a​ ​planting​ ​strip​ ​and​ ​intends to​ ​complete​ ​the​ ​work​ ​himself,​ ​he​ ​shall​ ​assume​ ​all​ ​responsibility​ ​for​ ​damage​ ​to​ ​the​ ​public's​ ​property​ ​and injury or​ ​death​ ​to​ ​the​ ​public​ ​that​ ​may​ ​be​ ​a​ ​result​ ​of​ ​this​ ​work.​ ​This​ ​liability​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​indicated​ ​on​ ​the​ ​permit. (Ord. 3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 8.20.060​ ​Protection.​ ​Except​ ​as​ ​authorized​ ​by​ ​prior​ ​permission​ ​from​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester,​ ​it​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​a violation​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter​ ​to​ ​perform​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​to​ ​be​ ​performed​ ​the​ ​following​ ​acts​ ​in​ ​any​ ​public​ ​place​ ​within the city; A.​ ​To​ ​attach​ ​any​ ​sign,​ ​poster,​ ​handbill,​ ​electrical​ ​installation,​ ​wire,​ ​or​ ​other​ ​device​ ​or​ ​material​ ​to, around,​ ​or​ ​through​ ​a​ ​tree; B.​ ​To​ ​permit​ ​or​ ​cause​ ​fire​ ​to​ ​burn​ ​where​ ​it​ ​may​ ​kill​ ​or​ ​injure​ ​any​ ​tree; C.​ ​To​ ​allow​ ​any​ ​wire​ ​charged​ ​with​ ​electricity​ ​to​ ​come​ ​in​ ​contact​ ​with​ ​any​ ​tree,​ ​or​ ​to​ ​allow​ ​any​ ​toxic chemical,​ ​smoke,​ ​oil,​ ​gas,​ ​or​ ​other​ ​substance​ ​that​ ​may​ ​kill​ ​or​ ​damage​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​to​ ​come​ ​in​ ​contact​ ​with​ ​its leaves​ ​or​ ​roots; D.​ ​To​ ​use​ ​tree​ ​spurs​ ​or​ ​climbers​ ​when​ ​working​ ​in​ ​healthy​ ​trees; E.​ ​To​ ​remove​ ​any​ ​guard,​ ​stake,​ ​pole​ ​or​ ​other​ ​device​ ​intended​ ​for​ ​the​ ​protection​ ​or​ ​stabilization​ ​of​ ​a public​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​close​ ​or​ ​obstruct​ ​any​ ​open​ ​space​ ​around​ ​the​ ​base​ ​of​ ​a​ ​public​ ​tree​ ​designed​ ​to​ ​permit​ ​access to air,​ ​water,​ ​and​ ​fertilizer; F.​ ​To​ ​erect,​ ​alter,​ ​repair,​ ​raze,​ ​or​ ​move​ ​any​ ​building,​ ​structure​ ​or​ ​other​ ​large​ ​object​ ​without​ ​placing suitable​ ​guards​ ​around​ ​public​ ​trees​ ​which​ ​may​ ​be​ ​injured​ ​by​ ​such​ ​operations.​ ​It​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​the​ ​responsibility of the​ ​owner​ ​thereof​ ​to​ ​repair​ ​or​ ​replace​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​injured​ ​or​ ​killed​ ​by​ ​such​ ​operations.​ ​If​ ​it​ ​is​ ​found​ ​that movement of​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​is​ ​necessary​ ​to​ ​allow​ ​for​ ​such​ ​operations,​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of​ ​this​ ​movement​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​borne​ ​by​ ​the owner​ ​of the​ ​object; G.​ ​To​ ​excavate​ ​any​ ​ditch,​ ​tunnel,​ ​hole,​ ​trench,​ ​or​ ​place​ ​any​ ​drive​ ​within​ ​a​ ​radius​ ​of​ ​1.525​ ​meters​ ​(five feet)​ ​from​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​a​ ​public​ ​place​ ​except​ ​by​ ​those​ ​persons​ ​under​ ​written​ ​permit​ ​from​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​or when​ ​an​ ​emergency​ ​situation​ ​exists.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​may​ ​require​ ​the​ ​posting​ ​of​ ​an​ ​adequate​ ​surety​ ​bond or other​ ​sufficient​ ​security​ ​by​ ​any​ ​person​ ​proposing​ ​to​ ​make​ ​any​ ​such​ ​excavation​ ​to​ ​cover​ ​the​ ​cost​ ​of replacement​ ​of​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​destroyed​ ​as​ ​the​ ​direct​ ​result​ ​of​ ​the​ ​excavation,​ ​as​ ​reasonably​ ​determined​ ​by​ ​the city forester. Any​ ​person​ ​doing​ ​work​ ​on​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​in​ ​a​ ​public​ ​place​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​subject​ ​to​ ​the​ ​supervision​ ​and​ ​direction​ ​of the​ ​city​ ​forester.​ ​(Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 8.20.070​ ​Public​ ​nuisance​ ​abatement.​ ​A.​ ​No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​permit​ ​any​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​to​ ​remain​ ​on any​ ​property​ ​owned​ ​or​ ​controlled​ ​by​ ​him,​ ​including​ ​public​ ​places. B.​ ​Whenever​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​finds​ ​and​ ​declares​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance,​ ​he​ ​shall​ ​notify the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​his​ ​agent​ ​in​ ​writing​ ​that​ ​the​ ​nuisance​ ​must​ ​be​ ​abated​ ​and​ ​the​ ​procedure​ ​required​ ​for the abatement.​ ​In​ ​the​ ​case​ ​of​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​located​ ​in​ ​a​ ​public​ ​place,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​may​ ​summarily abate the​ ​nuisance​ ​without​ ​following​ ​the​ ​procedure​ ​provided​ ​for​ ​herein. C.​ ​Dutch​ ​elm​ ​and​ ​other​ ​diseases.​ ​Trees,​ ​standing​ ​dead​ ​trees,​ ​and​ ​fallen​ ​timber​ ​from​ ​such​ ​trees 50 infected​ ​with​ ​Dutch​ ​elm​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​oak​ ​wilt,​ ​infested​ ​with​ ​emerald​ ​ash​ ​borer,​ ​or​ ​other​ ​disease​ ​or​ ​pest​ ​that threatens​ ​a​ ​significant​ ​portion​ ​of​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​are​ ​declared​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance​ ​and​ ​all​ ​reasonable​ ​efforts shall​ ​be​ ​made​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​and​ ​properly​ ​dispose​ ​of​ ​said​ ​material,​ ​as​ ​determined​ ​by​ ​and​ ​subject​ ​to​ ​the​ ​lawful orders​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester. 184​ ​(Eau​ ​Claire​ ​12/2010) 8.20.090 D.​ ​Procedure.​ ​Other​ ​public​ ​nuisances. 1.​ ​Notice​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​given​ ​to​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​or​ ​his​ ​or​ ​her​ ​agent​ ​for​ ​abatement​ ​within​ ​a period​ ​of​ ​twenty​ ​days.​ ​Immediate​ ​removal​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​permitted​ ​in​ ​the​ ​event​ ​of​ ​a​ ​bona​ ​fide​ ​emergency​ ​which threatens​ ​the​ ​public​ ​safety. 2.​ ​If​ ​abatement​ ​of​ ​the​ ​nuisance​ ​has​ ​not​ ​occurred​ ​following​ ​the​ ​initial​ ​notice,​ ​a​ ​second​ ​notice shall​ ​be​ ​sent​ ​through​ ​certified​ ​mail,​ ​return​ ​receipt​ ​requested,​ ​requiring​ ​abatement​ ​within​ ​ten​ ​days. 3.​ ​If​ ​the​ ​nuisance​ ​has​ ​not​ ​been​ ​abated​ ​within​ ​this​ ​thirty-day​ ​period,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​may​ ​cause the​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​timber​ ​to​ ​be​ ​removed,​ ​ensure​ ​its​ ​proper​ ​disposal,​ ​or​ ​take​ ​such​ ​other​ ​or​ ​additional​ ​actions​ ​to remedy the​ ​public​ ​nuisance.​ ​The​ ​costs​ ​of​ ​this​ ​removal​ ​or​ ​other​ ​abatement​ ​may​ ​be​ ​imposed​ ​against​ ​the​ ​property​ ​in accordance​ ​with​ ​s.​ ​66.0627,​ ​Wis.​ ​Stats.,​ ​and​ ​the​ ​normal​ ​and​ ​usual​ ​special​ ​charges​ ​procedure​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city. E.​ ​Appeal.​ ​Except​ ​in​ ​the​ ​case​ ​of​ ​immediate​ ​emergency​ ​situations,​ ​any​ ​person​ ​receiving​ ​an​ ​order from​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​may​ ​appeal​ ​from​ ​all​ ​or​ ​any​ ​part​ ​thereof​ ​to​ ​the​ ​administrative​ ​review​ ​board​ ​under​ ​the procedures​ ​specified​ ​in​ ​ch.​ ​1.06.​ ​Appeal​ ​shall​ ​stay​ ​the​ ​contested​ ​administrative​ ​determination​ ​pending decision​ ​by​ ​the​ ​board.​ ​(Ord.​ ​6943,​ ​2010;​ ​Ord.​ ​6572​ ​§15,​ ​2005;​ ​Ord.​ ​4556​ ​§2,​ ​1985;​ ​Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part), 1977). 8.20.090​ ​Tree​ ​maintenance.​ ​A.​ ​Specifications.​ ​Any​ ​person​ ​who​ ​intends​ ​to​ ​trim,​ ​remove,​ ​plant, perform​ ​tree​ ​surgery​ ​or​ ​apply​ ​pesticides​ ​to​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​on​ ​a​ ​public​ ​place​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​aware​ ​of​ ​and​ ​comply​ ​with the arboricultural​ ​specifications​ ​for​ ​public​ ​distribution​ ​at​ ​no​ ​cost.​ ​He​ ​shall​ ​suggest​ ​amendments​ ​to​ ​these specifications​ ​at​ ​any​ ​time​ ​that​ ​experience,​ ​new​ ​research​ ​or​ ​laws​ ​indicate​ ​improved​ ​methods. B.​ ​Planting​ ​Strip.​ ​In​ ​consideration​ ​that​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​strip​ ​is​ ​the​ ​property​ ​of​ ​the​ ​public​ ​and​ ​under​ ​the management​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​for​ ​the​ ​trees​ ​planting,​ ​removal,​ ​and​ ​maintenance​ ​is​ ​hereby allocated to​ ​the​ ​following: 1.​ ​It​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​and​ ​trim​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​strip​ ​for​ ​the following​ ​reasons: a.​ ​Trees,​ ​or​ ​parts​ ​thereof,​ ​that​ ​are​ ​considered​ ​by​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​or​ ​city​ ​traffic engineer​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​public​ ​nuisance; b.​ ​Trees,​ ​or​ ​parts​ ​thereof,​ ​that​ ​are​ ​found​ ​to​ ​be​ ​in​ ​conflict​ ​with​ ​city​ ​initiated​ ​public improvements​ ​and​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​the​ ​same. 2.​ ​It​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​the​ ​responsibility​ ​of​ ​the​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​abutting​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​strip​ ​to​ ​remove​ ​or trim​ ​trees​ ​or​ ​parts​ ​thereof​ ​that​ ​interfere​ ​with​ ​sidewalk​ ​or​ ​driveway​ ​replacement,​ ​repair​ ​or​ ​installation,​ ​or with the​ ​movement​ ​of​ ​large​ ​objects,​ ​structures,​ ​or​ ​buildings,​ ​or​ ​the​ ​construction​ ​of​ ​the​ ​same. 3.​ ​The​ ​abutting​ ​property​ ​owner​ ​is​ ​encouraged​ ​to​ ​plant,​ ​and​ ​shall​ ​water,​ ​fertilize,​ ​and​ ​apply pesticides​ ​to​ ​trees​ ​on​ ​the​ ​planting​ ​strip. 4.​ ​If​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​determines​ ​that​ ​a​ ​threat​ ​exists​ ​or​ ​may​ ​in​ ​the​ ​future​ ​exist,​ ​either​ ​manmade or​ ​natural,​ ​to​ ​the​ ​future​ ​of​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​it​ ​may​ ​direct​ ​the​ ​city​ ​forester​ ​to​ ​initiate programs​ ​to insure​ ​planting​ ​or​ ​replacements​ ​of​ ​trees​ ​as​ ​may​ ​be​ ​required. 5.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​may​ ​undertake​ ​pesticide​ ​applications​ ​if​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​determines​ ​that​ ​an 51 environmental​ ​emergency​ ​exists.​ ​If​ ​determined​ ​that​ ​extensive​ ​application​ ​of​ ​pesticides​ ​is​ ​necessary​ ​by​ ​the city,​ ​at​ ​least​ ​a​ ​seven-day​ ​notice​ ​thereof​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​given​ ​to​ ​the​ ​public​ ​in​ ​the​ ​official​ ​city​ ​newspaper. No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​apply​ ​pesticides​ ​contrary​ ​to​ ​federal​ ​or​ ​state​ ​laws. C.​ ​Oak​ ​maintenance.​ ​The​ ​city​ ​council​ ​finds​ ​that​ ​oak​ ​wilt​ ​disease​ ​is​ ​a​ ​tree​ ​disease​ ​that​ ​has​ ​become​ ​a serious​ ​threat​ ​to​ ​the​ ​urban​ ​forest​ ​of​ ​the​ ​city.​ ​Because​ ​of​ ​the​ ​threat​ ​of​ ​such​ ​disease​ ​to​ ​the​ ​population​ ​of​ ​oak trees​ ​within​ ​the​ ​city,​ ​the​ ​city​ ​council​ ​establishes​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​maintenance​ ​restrictions​ ​contained​ ​in​ ​this subsection. Between​ ​April​ ​15​ ​and​ ​July​ ​31,​ ​no​ ​person​ ​shall: 1.​ ​Prune​ ​any​ ​oak​ ​tree​ ​unless​ ​the​ ​pruning​ ​is​ ​required​ ​due​ ​to​ ​one​ ​or​ ​more​ ​of​ ​the​ ​following: removal​ ​or​ ​alteration​ ​of​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​due​ ​to​ ​construction​ ​activities;​ ​to​ ​alleviate​ ​a​ ​serious​ ​hazard;​ ​or​ ​to​ ​repair​ ​a wound​ ​in​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​caused​ ​by​ ​a​ ​natural​ ​or​ ​accidental​ ​casualty. (Eau​ ​Claire​ ​12/2010)​ ​185 8.20.100--8.20.110 2.​ ​Prune​ ​or​ ​wound​ ​any​ ​oak​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​allow​ ​the​ ​stump​ ​to​ ​remain​ ​following​ ​the​ ​removal​ ​of​ ​a​ ​living oak​ ​tree​ ​without​ ​immediately​ ​applying​ ​to​ ​the​ ​wound​ ​or​ ​tree​ ​stump​ ​a​ ​one-time​ ​treatment​ ​of​ ​tree​ ​paint​ ​that is designed​ ​to​ ​prevent​ ​the​ ​entry​ ​of​ ​the​ ​oak​ ​wilt​ ​pathogen​ ​into​ ​the​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​tree​ ​stump. 3.​ ​Store​ ​oak​ ​wilt​ ​infected​ ​firewood​ ​that​ ​has​ ​been​ ​debarked​ ​or​ ​dried​ ​without​ ​completely covering​ ​the​ ​wood​ ​with​ ​plastic​ ​at​ ​least​ ​6​ ​mils​ ​in​ ​thickness.​ ​Such​ ​covering​ ​shall​ ​be​ ​maintained​ ​and​ ​not removed​ ​between​ ​April​ ​15​ ​and​ ​July​ ​1.​ ​(Ord.​ ​5864,​ ​1998;​ ​Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1973). 8.20.100​ ​Trees​ ​and​ ​shrubs​ ​prohibited.​ ​A.​ ​No​ ​person​ ​shall​ ​plant,​ ​grow,​ ​or​ ​maintain​ ​any​ ​tree​ ​or shrub​ ​in​ ​any​ ​yard​ ​of​ ​a​ ​corner​ ​lot​ ​within​ ​twenty​ ​feet​ ​(6.096​ ​meters)​ ​of​ ​the​ ​corner​ ​of​ ​such​ ​lot​ ​that​ ​is​ ​higher than three​ ​feet​ ​above​ ​the​ ​level​ ​of​ ​the​ ​actual​ ​or​ ​proposed​ ​curb​ ​directly​ ​opposite.​ ​This​ ​subsection​ ​shall​ ​not​ ​apply to any​ ​tree​ ​or​ ​shrub​ ​in​ ​existence​ ​on​ ​July​ ​31,​ ​1977. B.​ ​The​ ​following​ ​species​ ​are​ ​declared​ ​to​ ​be​ ​public​ ​nuisances​ ​and​ ​are​ ​prohibited​ ​in​ ​any​ ​place​ ​in​ ​the city,​ ​both​ ​public​ ​or​ ​private: 1.​ ​Acer​ ​negundo​ ​--​ ​Boxelder​ ​(planted​ ​after​ ​1957); 2.​ ​Poplus​ ​deltoides​ ​--​ ​Cottonwood​ ​(planted​ ​after​ ​1957); 3.​ ​Ulmus​ ​parviflolia​ ​--​ ​Chinese​ ​elm​ ​(planted​ ​after​ ​July​ ​31,​ ​1977); 4.​ ​Ulmus​ ​pumila​ ​--​ ​Siberian​ ​elm​ ​(planted​ ​after​ ​July​ ​31,​ ​1977). C.​ ​The​ ​following​ ​genera​ ​and​ ​species​ ​are​ ​declared​ ​to​ ​be​ ​public​ ​nuisances​ ​and​ ​are​ ​prohibited​ ​on​ ​the planting​ ​strip: 1.​ ​Pinus​ ​--​ ​Pines; 2.​ ​Picea​ ​--​ ​Spruces; 3.​ ​Taxus​ ​--​ ​Yews​ ​(includes​ ​shrubs); 4.​ ​Larix​ ​--​ ​Larch​ ​or​ ​tamarack; 5.​ ​Juniperus​ ​--​ ​Red​ ​cedar​ ​(includes​ ​shrubs); 6.​ ​Thuja​ ​--​ ​White​ ​cedar​ ​(includes​ ​shrubs); 7.​ ​Abies​ ​--​ ​Firs; 8.​ ​Tsuga​ ​--​ ​Hemlock; 9.​ ​Pseudotsuga​ ​--​ ​Douglas​ ​fir; 10.​ ​Salix​ ​--​ ​Willows; 11.​ ​Populus​ ​--​ ​Poplars,​ ​aspen,​ ​cottonwoods,​ ​etc.; 12.​ ​Catalpa​ ​speciosa​ ​--​ ​Northern​ ​catalpa; 13.​ ​Morus​ ​--​ ​Mulberry; 14.​ ​Acer​ ​saccharinum​ ​--​ ​Silver​ ​maple; 52 15.​ ​Gleditsia​ ​--​ ​Thorned​ ​species​ ​of​ ​honey​ ​locust; 16.​ ​Betula​ ​--​ ​Birches; 17.​ ​Robinia​ ​pseudo​ ​acacia​ ​--​ ​Black​ ​locust; 18.​ ​Prunus​ ​--​ ​Plum​ ​and​ ​cherry​ ​(except​ ​as​ ​listed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​arborcultural​ ​specifications); 19.​ ​Pyrus​ ​--​ ​Pear; 20.​ ​Malus​ ​--​ ​Apples​ ​(except​ ​as​ ​listed​ ​in​ ​the​ ​arborcultural​ ​specifications); 21.​ ​Elaegnus​ ​--​ ​Olive; 22.​ ​Sorbus​ ​--​ ​Mountain​ ​ash; 23.​ ​Carya​ ​--​ ​Hickory; 24.​ ​Juglans​ ​--​ ​Walnut​ ​and​ ​butternut; 25.​ ​Quercus​ ​--​ ​Oaks​ ​(except​ ​as​ ​listed​ ​in​ ​arborcultural​ ​specifications).​ ​(Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part), 1977). 8.20.110​ ​Violation.​ ​Any​ ​person​ ​who,​ ​either​ ​personally​ ​or​ ​through​ ​an​ ​agent​ ​or​ ​employee,​ ​violates​ ​any of​ ​the​ ​provisions​ ​of​ ​this​ ​chapter,​ ​shall​ ​pay​ ​a​ ​forfeiture​ ​of​ ​not​ ​less​ ​than​ ​$50​ ​and​ ​not​ ​more​ ​than​ ​$500​ ​and,​ ​in default​ ​of​ ​payment​ ​thereof,​ ​be​ ​imprisoned​ ​in​ ​the​ ​county​ ​jail​ ​not​ ​to​ ​exceed​ ​90​ ​days.​ ​A​ ​separate​ ​offense shall be​ ​deemed​ ​to​ ​have​ ​been​ ​committed​ ​on​ ​every​ ​day​ ​on​ ​which​ ​a​ ​violation​ ​occurs​ ​or​ ​continues.​ ​(Ord.​ ​4556, §4, 1985;​ ​Ord.​ ​3773​ ​§1(part),​ ​1977). 53