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The Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee’s mission is to advance Minnesota’s commitment to the health, care and future of all community forests.

Inside ThIs Issue2 Perspectives Column

5 urban Forest health: Preparing for eAB

8 Dispel-A-Myth: Tree Failure is unpredictable

10 Clip & save: A Day in the Life of a Tree

13 Reforesting the Fairgrounds

15 sTAC Info and Calendar

16 MeTRIA

Visit MnSTAC on the Web at www.mnstac.org

Cargill’s Corporate Campus continued on p. 3

COMMUNITY FOREST PROFILE

ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

By Scott Adams

hen Cargill purchased a personal residence on McGinty Road in Minnetonka, Minnesota in 1944, the

area was forever changed. This residence would eventually become a corporate campus with approximately 1500 employees coming and going each day.

Cargill’s campus is special in many ways. For example, consider what you see while driving through the suburbs. You might see the same types of houses, all in a row, with maybe a neighborhood park here and there. Well, not on McGinty Road. What appears to be just another typical neighborhood unexpectedly becomes a tree farm where all you see are wetlands, trees, trees, and more trees.

The campus site covers approximately 240 acres. The wooded portions encompass close to 150 acres. The property has been registered with the Tree Farm System since the inception of the program in Minnesota in 1950. In fact, it is the southern most tree farm with conifers in Minnesota. Over 150,000 Red and White Pine, White Spruce and Northern White Cedar were planted between 1947 and 1955. Approximately 70 acres are conifers with the remaining 80 acres being various hardwoods.

Managing a forest as a Tree Farm is both challenging and rewarding. The Cargill Farm has been maintained by both nature and nurture since the original planting was done. Cargill uses a forestry management plan developed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The Grounds Team, as part of the Facility Services group, administers the plan to keep this wonderful resource healthy and viable.

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Cargill’s Corporate Campus

VOl. 8, NO. 2

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PERSPECTIVES COLUMN

Spring 2006 • ADVOCATE

By Mike Stanonik

y first experience climbing trees was on a frigid winter morning in Central Wisconsin. My hands were numb,

my toes cold, and my lungs were burning with excitement. I was hooked. As a sophomore at UW–Stevens Point studying for an Urban Forestry degree, I quickly became interested in climbing trees. Climbers were in high demand and I looked at climbing as a way to show tree care companies that I was eager to learn and wasn’t afraid to work.

As a student, the university only offered a weekend introductory climbing course, so I took advantage of the numerous conferences that were available to the students at little or no cost. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), Tree Care Industry Association, Wisconsin Arborist Association, and The Student Society of Arboriculture conferences and trade shows were great places for me to advance my climbing skills and knowledge. In 1998, I was lucky enough to participate in a collegiate ArborMaster training course and skills competition for students who were interested in a climbing career. Meeting climbers from across the state and country also motivated me to learn as much as I could to become a safe and efficient climber. However, one of the biggest motivators, even for me today, is the yearly tree climbing competitions.

Every year, local ISA chapters hold state or regional tree climbing competitions for

arborists. It’s a chance for climbers to test their skills and abilities against other climbers from that area. If you’ve attended one of these competitions, you’ll quickly find out that it is not only a competition, but also it’s also a place for climbers to get together, share ideas and learn from each other. The competition

tests a climber’s ability to set ropes, ascend trees using various methods, maneuverability in the trees, as well as their knowledge of safe work practices. One of the events that receives the most attention is the aerial work climb. During this event, climbers maneuver through a wide-spreading tree crown, performing different tasks at 4 or 5 different stations, before descending and landing in a bulls eye marked on the ground. The good climbers seem to almost glide through the

crown, like a cat jumping from limb to limb, while ringing bells with handsaws and pole pruners that simulate pruning cuts.

Climbers who are crowned a local champion for the year get the chance to compete on the international level at the ISA summer conference. For one weekend a year, the industry’s top climbers from around with world, both men and women, come together to share ideas, new equipment, cheer each other on, and see how they stack up against each other.

Not just for the professionals anymore, recreational tree climbing groups are gaining in popularity.

Office With A View

Office With A View continued on p. 4

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Cargill’s Corporate Campus from p. �

ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

Over the years, the trees have weathered Pine Bark Beetles, Dutch Elm Disease, and Blister Rust. The Grounds Team is proud of the fact that, with proper management and control efforts, damage was always minimal. However, in the late 1970’s, the campus did lose 145 cords of Elm to Dutch Elm Disease.

Common Buckthorn has been the hardest hurdle for the team. This plant, brought over from Europe years ago as a landscape hedge, invaded native forests relentlessly. It grows anywhere, under any conditions, and completely overtakes everything around it. Since the late 1990’s, Cargill has made a large investment in the removal of this invasive and destructive plant. Cargill took the necessary steps to save its wetlands and forests from the Buckthorn and, in the process, developed a model for others to use.

Using loaders with large brush cutters, tractors with brush cutters, and weed whips with metal blades to fight the battle, the Grounds Team has removed 25’ Buckthorn trees measuring up to 10” in diameter. Main seed producers are removed by chainsaw and placed in a wood chipper. When an area is cleared of Buckthorn, it is then sprayed with Garlon 4 to kill any remaining plants and host roots. This chemical has proven to be a powerful weapon that kills the Buckthorn in one application.

Yet, to illustrate how insidious this plant can be, there are still many berries in the area and spraying continues on a regular basis. This work will likely go on for many years and may not ever end for this campus, however Cargill and the Grounds Team are committed to success. On a more positive note, as soon as the Team establishes good control of the Buckthorn in a given area, they replant native trees for the future.

The Grounds Team is also responsible for the other approximately 90 acres of buildings, wetlands, grass areas, paved surfaces, and plantings. Cargill maintains around 35 acres of manicured lawns and garden areas. The Team employs two full time Grounds maintenance staff and several seasonal workers. Cargill values the outdoor features of this property as much as the indoor office space. It is an important resource for employees and visitors.

A recently completed two-mile fitness walking path meanders through the trees and

gardens. Employees enjoy the natural beauty of the forests and plants while improving their health and fitness. During path construction, the project team worked closely with local officials, the Grounds Crew and a local contractor to minimize construction impact to the forest, wetlands, and habitat areas.

Cargill continues to collaborate with the DNR and a local tree company to scrutinize the health and vigor of the trees. Currently, Cargill and its tree contractor have been working on a tree survey. Many of the trees have been identified and mapped. Maintenance such as pruning, fertilizing, and other care is tracked through the survey process. During the last few years, Dutch Elm Disease re-emerged and several majestic and beautiful trees were lost. As a result, the Grounds Crew learned that being proactive and vigilant is more important than ever. They have invested thousands of dollars in Dutch Elm treatment. In addition, quick response helped save many other at-risk elms.

Many corporations, large and small, give back to their communities in a variety of ways. Cargill embraces this idea by supporting community-based organizations such as the McKnight Foundation and the United Way. The corporate campus is another way that Cargill supports the community. Finding 240 undeveloped acres, in the middle of a busy suburban area, is a rare

Cargill’s Corporate Campus continued on p. 4

Carg

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thing. Another company may have built up the land up or sold it for development. The forest, wetlands, and habitats are wonderful natural resources that have been well maintained in the past and to which Cargill is committed to preserving for the present and the future.

Cargill’s Corporate Campus from p. �

If someone is interested in becoming a climbing arborist, there are several places to get information and training. Tree climbing can be very dangerous for someone who has not learned proper techniques and safe work practices, which is why it is very important to get your information and training from a qualified instructor or climber. If you were to ask, most climbers will tell you a great place to learn is from other climbers at the local ISA chapter conferences and trade shows. For myself, The Wisconsin Arborist Association was a great place to see climbing demonstrations and chat with other climbers. Mid-State technical college in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin offers a two year program to become an Urban Forestry Technician. Graduates of the program are trained in planting, pruning, maintaining and removing urban trees. An aerial component is included in the curriculum for students who are physically and mentally capable of ascending a tree. Elective courses include a series of aerial tree pruning and rigging courses. These classes feature rope and saddle techniques along with bucket truck operation to prune trees of all sizes.

Tree climbing is not only just for the professionals anymore; recreational tree climbing groups are gaining in popularity. A sense of

Scott Adams is a Grounds Supervisor with Cargill.

Mike Stanonik is a Certified Arborist for the City of Appleton, Wisconsin, and an adjunct instructor for Mid-State Technical College. He was the 2003 Tree Climbing Champion for the Wisconsin Arborist Association. He can be reached at happytrees@earthlink.net

Office With A View from p. 2 adventure and a love of the outdoors are the biggest attractors for most recreational tree climbers. I’ve been a part of several recreational tree climbs ranging from sleeping overnight in a 200-foot Douglas fir to showing my nephews and nieces how to climb grandpa’s 20-foot sugar maple with a rope and saddle. With advancements in climbing equipment and techniques, tree climbing is becoming easier and easier for the professionals as well as the weekend enthusiast.

Climbing trees on a daily basis can be very demanding both physically and mentally but the rewards are worth it. When I get paid for a job that some people do for fun and adventure on the weekends, I’m reminded that I’ve found something very unique.

Ca

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�ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

f you’re involved in the forestry community in the Midwest, you’d have to have lived

on a desert island not to be aware of emerald ash borer (EAB) and the havoc it has wrought in Michigan and its neighboring states. Over 15 million ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and southwestern Ontario have been destroyed by EAB since its Detroit, Michigan discovery in 2002 (it is speculated that the beetle had more than 10 years to become established before the infestation was detected). It is certain that many more trees will be lost before scientists discover an effective control. Pragmatically speaking, the likelihood exists that EAB will get here, too, eventually.

To see first-hand what EAB damage really looks like, learn how to spot infested trees in the field and observe current research projects, a team of nursery inspectors and invasive species staff from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) visited Michigan in July, 2005. Scientists at Michigan State University (and elsewhere) are researching questions regarding EAB host range and preference, dispersal, survey methods, EAB survivability in wood chips, insecticidal and biological control methods and more.

Our colleagues at the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan State University showed the Minnesota team some of the more devastated areas around Detroit, where every ash tree on some boulevards showed classic symptoms of EAB infestation: thinning crowns, flagging and profuse epicormic sprouting. At the entrance to a regional park, we stared in awe at 50-foot ash trees devoid of bark, riddled with the twisting, serpentine galleries of EAB larvae. Once

we knew what to look for, even we novices could walk up to a symptomatic tree, find the bark crack and peel the bark to find the winding galleries or spot the tell-tale D-shaped exit

holes of the adult beetles. I have to admit, it was morbidly fascinating to see all this evidence of EAB close up. The experience had a

profound effect on the Minnesota staff, as we pictured our own neighborhoods and urban and natural woodlands peppered with dying ash trees.

In November 2005, MDA’s Invasive Species Program staff completed their first EAB detection tree survey, currently the only survey tool available. In a cooperative agreement with the USDA Forest Service and working with cooperators from nine local units of government (thanks to Anoka County Department of Parks and Recreation, Carver County Parks, City of Duluth, City of Rochester, Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Ramsey County Parks and Recreation, Three Rivers Park District and Washington County Parks Division), Invasive Species Program staff girdled 54 ash trees in May and June, 2005. Girdling stresses a tree, making it more attractive to adult EAB. Detection trees were located in urban areas

considered to be at high risk for EAB introduction in the seven-county metro area, Duluth and Rochester. In the fall, cooperators helped fell and peel the girdled trees in search of signs of EAB larvae. Using the same methods, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conducted surveys in state parks around the state.

No evidence of EAB was found in the

There is ongoing cause for concern,

since ash is planted

extensively in urban areas and

is one of the most common hardwood trees in Minnesota

forests.

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uRBAN FOResT heALTh

Preparing for Emerald Ash BorerBy Val Cervenka

Emerald Ash Borer continued on p. 6

6 Spring 2006 • ADVOCATE

surveys. There is ongoing cause for concern, however, since ash is planted extensively in urban areas and is one of the most common hardwood trees in Minnesota forests. Based on the 2003 Forest Resources Inventory, there are in excess of 821 million black, green, and white ash trees in Minnesota’s forests. The ash species group makes up approximately ten percent of all hardwood trees and seven percent of all tree species in Minnesota. Black ash is by far the most abundant of the ash species, accounting for about 667 million trees, and is the second most abundant hardwood tree and fourth most abundant of all tree species. There are approximately 151 million green ash trees, making green ash the twelfth most abundant hardwood tree and seventeenth most abundant of all species (see entire report at http://ncrs2.fs.fed.us/4801/fiadb/index.htm ). Since all native ash trees are susceptible to EAB attack, this exotic pest has the potential to cause

major economic and ecologic damage in our state. Early detection and immediate eradication of EAB introductions are the best way to prevent this damage. We hope to repeat our detection tree survey in 2006.

Another worry is Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) change in the procedures required when dealing with an infestation of EAB. According to a January 25, 2006 press release, in the past when an infestation was found, Indiana’s DNR oversaw the required removal of ash trees in a one-half mile radius of the infestation. The tree removal was used to slow the spread of the pest, but under the new protocols adopted through a new rule, Indiana will no longer require nor fund the removal of trees in an infested area. “The removal of ash trees surrounding an infested area has not proved to be an effective approach to controlling the emerald ash borer because of the near impossibility

Emerald Ash Borer continued from p. �Da

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EAB larva in the fall.

Emerald ash borer.

�ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

in detecting a new infestation,” said State Entomologist Dr. Robert Waltz in the release. Time and money were two important factors influencing the decision. Instead, movement of ash trees and products will be restricted. Infested areas will continue to be monitored and delineated.

To continue our efforts at early detection of harmful invasive insects such as EAB and gypsy moth, MDA Invasive Species Program staff members are conducting a firewood survey early in 2006 to help determine where firewood sold in Minnesota originates, how it is used, and dealers’ level of awareness of potentially harmful invasive forest species. As with gypsy moth, EAB can move only short distances on its own, but with help from people, it can move from one state to another in a matter of hours. MDA will be relying on tree inspectors, foresters, tree trimmers and homeowners to report possible infestations. The public can also help slow the spread of EAB by not moving firewood or by burning all campfire wood when visiting campgrounds.

Val Cervenka is the Invasive Species Program Coordinator at the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division.

For more information on EAB, including current research, quarantine updates, replacement trees and homeowner fact sheets, please visit www.emeraldashborer.info

Epicormic sprouts.

Dead sprouts.

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By Lara Newberger

any experiences this past summer dampened our usual enthusiasm for trees.

It was the night before the much-anticipated county fair opening day in Anoka, and it was wet. People hustled through the rain with their 4-H projects protected in garbage bags, and the fairgrounds crews were troubleshooting in their slickers.

I got a call from across the fairgrounds to perform a little Tree Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) work. One 30-inch cottonwood at the end of a fencerow had chosen this inopportune moment to tip over. A ticket booth lay smashed to smithereens under its trunk. The tree’s branches sprawled on top of a now leaking, recently brand new RV/office, and a bent Fear Factory ride. Four feet from the tree trunk was an intact vendor booth with one very grateful individual inside.

Twelve hours until the fair opens. I stepped into the pouring rain and began my Tree CSI. The mammoth tree had popped out of the ground like a carrot. Roots seemed to be missing altogether. Dry rot. A large conk at three feet above ground seemed to mock us as if it said, “I tried to warn you.” Yep, the tree’s failure was predictable.

The next day, as the last bits of the tree were picked up and the fair opened, the story of the great tree falling and the damage it caused made the front page of the

local paper and mention in the big city paper. No mention of the dry rot, or the conk.

A short time later, another summer storm ravaged a family’s favorite cottonwood in the front yard along a main road. The front page of

the newspaper showed the family holding hands encircling what remained of their tree. It did not show the obvious signs of decay at the point of failure that I was able to see from two blocks away.

On the evening of September 21, in a matter of a few hours, raging storms swept through the northern suburbs destroying more trees than Dutch elm disease does in a whole season. These storms gave cities solid

work for months, just cleaning up the mess. This time, trees were just a piece of the media blitz that got national mention.

The Trees Are Falling, The Trees Are Falling, Tree Failure is Unpredictable!!!

DIsPeL-A-MYTh

…tree

failure

can be

predictable.

M

Decay in storm damaged tree.

Lara

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ADVOCATE • Spring 2006 �ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

It struck me that trees are really getting some bad press. The average person tends to start seeing the trees in their yard a bit differently, more suspiciously. Between what they are reading in the newspapers and seeing on the television, coupled with life experiences, tree failure is perceived to be random and vengeful.

The county fairground has 10 remaining cottonwood trees in the fencerows that now have orange “X’s” on them. The “X’s” have caused outcries from the public, and requirements from the insurance agent. The county board has been pining over their decision. I suggested that a careful evaluation might find that some of the trees may be saved. Then, one night, a ten-inch branch came out of a second cottonwood and impaled the car window of the director’s wife. Another tree dropped a branch that totaled a volunteer’s car. This helped seal the fate of the remaining cottonwoods.

How can we prevent further episodes of Tree CSI? With the exception of those incredible incidences, like tornados and straight-line winds, tree failure can be predictable. While experience in the field teaches you that trees don’t always follow the rules that we try to make for them, we do have guidelines for recognizing and correcting hazardous defects.

Arborists have the tools to alleviate the risks, but first, someone has to request their assistance. Storms are often a catalyst to get people to pick up the phone and call an arborist. People’s awareness of trees is peaked. Secondly, they have to act on the arborist’s recommendation. An arborist may recommend cabling, bracing, and/or pruning to keep some of the damaged trees in better condition and less likely to become hazards. Some trees should be removed because they are assessed as hazardous due to their condition and position.

What action is taken oftentimes depends on how convincingly the recommendation is delivered. People may be hesitant to remove trees

for one reason or another. In the wake of the storm, survivor trees take on a new value. The landscape suddenly is so barren that anything with green leaves is a welcome sight. Emotions must be set aside when there is substantial risk to life or property.

I drive through Anoka daily. A storm in the summer of 1996 devastated many of the large old trees in the historic city. Still remaining along my route are trees that perhaps should have been removed after the storm took its toll on their crowns. Some are Tree CSI episodes waiting for a timeslot. Just yesterday, I passed one of those survivor trees with a three by two foot hole at the base. In hindsight, ten-year-old healthy trees could be in that space instead of a hazardous reminder of a harrowing afternoon storm.

Trees demand our respect. Treat them right and they will repay you tenfold. Ignore them and you will pay tenfold.

…we

do have

guidelines

for

recognizing

and

correcting

hazardous

defects.

Lara Newberger is with the City of Plymouth. She can be reached at 763-509-5945.

A new, fully illustrated training guide is available that provides communities with a systematic approach to conducting cyclic tree risk inspections and initiating timely removal or corrective treatments for defective trees. The new guide, Urban Tree Risk Management: A Community Guide to Program Design and Implementation, is available on the Web at www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo

�0�0 Spring 2006 • ADVOCATE

Tree Health

here’s a little office on the St. Paul campus of the University of Minnesota that houses the College of Natural

Resources–Forest Resources Extension “Call Center.” This is where residents of Minnesota (and sometimes residents of other states) call or email to ask questions and get information on a variety of tree care topics.

A common theme for the questions that we answer centers around the topic of how one should care for their beloved trees—newly planted or mature. Unfortunately, there are some circumstances that the concerned owner cannot overcome, and then they are directed to an ISA Certified Arborist who can remedy the situation with a chainsaw. For a majority of the cases, we can offer some manageable guidelines and recommendations for the homeowners to follow on a routine basis. The suggestions that are given below are suitable for the growing conditions in Minnesota and most of the upper Midwest.

Water

Watering is theoretically one of the simplest activities a homeowner can do to either benefit the tree or lead to the tree’s demise. We first tell them the importance of watering, and then proceed to recommendations that emphasize monitoring watering needs (which are determined by the climatic conditions and the soil properties that the tree is growing in) throughout the growing season. Information is given concerning: where the tree should be watered and how the tree’s root system requires infrequent but intense watering schedules. Never for any reason do we make a blanket statement about the amount of water that should be delivered since there can be a significant margin of error depending on the soil situation, the climate and the tree. We also emphasize the damage that can be done with overwatering, especially on a poorly drained soil.

MulchAnother practice that we advocate is

the correct use of mulch. For mulch, blanket recommendations are given that include:

• A ring of organic mulch 2-4” deep should be laid around the tree as wide as you can tolerate and not against the trunk.

• Mulching can aid in water retention, weed control, prevent lawn-mower and weed-whipper blight, add organic matter to the soil, and buffer in compaction situations.

• Make sure the soil is adequately moist before mulch is laid down. Mulch retains moisture, it doesn’t create it.

A Day in the life of a Tree—Keeping it as Healthy as PossibleBy Rebecca Koetter

T

Dave

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��ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

Compaction SituationsIf necessary or appropriate, concerned

residents will hear about how heavy objects or machines can compact their soil and lead to root suffocation. Recommendations are given to avoid soil compaction. When soil density is increased, making it hard for roots to grow and absorb soil nutrients, it’s very difficult to correct the problem. Homeowners are told that compaction events should be avoided in order for their trees to prosper from year to year.

Stem GuardsDepending on the homeowner’s situation,

stem guards are recommended for young trees in order to prevent winter mechanical damage from abrasive materials thrown from snow plows or from rubbing and feeding damage from animals. Recommendations include:

• Protect your young and susceptible tree from winter mechanical and animal damage by using hardware cloth, spiral plastic tree guards or tree shelters.

Non-compacted and Compacted SoilsSoil Particles

Water

Air

Non-compacted Compacted

U of

MN

Exten

sion

Watering can either benefit the tree or lead to the tree’s demise.

A Day in the Life of a Tree continued on p. 12

• The protective material must be removed before each growing season so that the stem is not damaged from retained moisture or girdled from attachments. The protective materials are not touted

to prevent sunscald or frost cankers.

Pruning“A year in the life of a tree” does not

mean that we tell every person that every year they need to go out and prune their trees. Pruning is a general recommendation that varies depending on situation (e.g., age and disease susceptibility) and includes:

• Prune off dead and broken branches if not in a naturalized area.

• Or, prune diseased wood from the tree at the proper time (e.g., oak wilt).

• Or, structural pruning of young trees promotes well-spaced and well-angled branch attachments that lead to healthy and mature trees with one central leader.

Judy

Slat

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�2 Spring 2006 • ADVOCATE

• Never remove more than one-third of the live crown in one year. We offer the above recommendations for

pruning, but nothing is complete without directing them to publications that graphically display how pruning cuts should be made. Large scale pruning needs, of course, are directed to companies with ISA Certified Arborists.

Observation

The final thing that homeowners are told that they can do on a regular basis is to regularly monitor for changes within the tree from year to year. Recommendations include:

• Monitoring for new health and safety problems should be done year round. Particular attention needs to be given after wind and ice storms.

• New problems include animal and snow/ice damage, broken branches, and browned evergreen foliage.

• “Scout” weekly during the growing season for insect and disease problems. Homeowners are told that some problems

caught early are cheaper to treat and can effectively be treated with the help from a qualified ISA Certified Arborist. Never under any circumstance are dosages or specific brands of any

A Day in the life of a Tree... from p. ��

Rebecca Koetter is a Graduate Student at the College of Agriculture and Environmental Science at the University of Minnesota. She can be reached at band0036@umn.edu

Further information from the Forest Resources Extension can be found on their Web site: www.cnr.umn.edu/FR/extension

pesticides recommended to treat any problems. Pesticide questions are directed to the Extension Specialist who specializes in pesticides.

The above recommendations are examples of the recommendations given to homeowners who call Forest Resources Extension and want to actively participate in the life of their trees. The recommendations are given so that these people are aware of the “simple” strategies that can be taken in order to keep their tree as healthy as possible throughout the year and throughout the lifetime of the tree.

Judy

Slat

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��ADVOCATE • Spring 2006

Fairgoers find a relaxing place in the shade of some of the State Fair’s historic elms.

By James Hamilton

o millions of annual visitors, the trees on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds are truly a treasure. The majestic

trees and lush canopies that shade the Minnesota State Fairgrounds have helped to provide an ideal and comfortable outdoor event setting for over 100 years. During the warmest days of August, they play a crucial role in shading visitors and creating an occasional resting spot.

During the 2005 State Fair, Minnesota Tree Care Advisors, Woodland Advisors and volunteer tree experts gathered at 11a.m. each day near the oldest Elm on the Fairgrounds. Each wearing a forest green T-shirt with the message “Ask Me! I’m a Tree Expert,” volunteers prepared to serve as stewards for the trees on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

For the 12 days of the fair, over 25 tree expert volunteers provided instruction on proper

tree care and planting methods through hands-on demonstrations and one-on-one conversations with fairgoers. For many of the experts, it was a great way to connect with the public about their passion for trees. For

volunteers and fairgoers alike, it was a way to learn about the history

and importance of the trees on the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds, however, are still at risk for additional losses to its tree population. In 2002, the State Fairgrounds were home to over

200 elms (some more than 90 years old!) and dozens of other trees. Today, the health of these trees has been jeopardized by recent waves of Dutch Elm Disease and unusual amounts of storm

Reforesting the Fairgrounds

Jam

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Fairgrounds continued on p. 14

Spring 2006• ADVOCATE��

Minnesota Tree Care Advisors and volunteer tree experts answer questions about proper tree care.

damage. In fact, the State Fair predicts that only 80 of these elms will remain by 2006.

To address this growing threat, individuals and organizations from the community have organized to help reforest the Fairgrounds. With lead support from the Xcel Energy Foundation in 2005, the Reforest Your Community—Reforest the Fairgrounds campaign is focused on using community forest guidelines and the expertise of local, professional arborists to create a healthy community forest on the Fairgrounds. The result will be a model community forest management program that educates visitors about community tree management principles and provides an enduring shaded recreation area for millions of visitors and future generations—not to mention a place for fairgoers to catch a snooze.

Jam

es H

amilt

onJames Hamilton is a Project Manager with the Minnesota State Fair Foundation

For more information about getting involved with reforesting the Fairgrounds and future events, contact James Hamilton at (651) 632-2620 or james.hamilton@msffoundation.org.

We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of

thinking we used when we created them.

—Albert Einstein

Fairgrounds from p. ��

ADVOCATE • Spring 2006 ��

sTAC INFO & NeWs

The Complex Forest: Communities, Uncertainties, and Adaptive Collaborative Management. Carol J. Pierce Colfer. 2005. John Hopkins University Press

The Endangered Species Act at Thirty. Dale D. Goble. 2005. Island Press

The Historical Ecology Handbook. Dave Egan and Evelyn A. Howell. 2005. Island Press

The Tallgrass Restoration Handbook. Stephen Packard and Cornelia F. Mutel. 2005. Island Press

Toward Sustainable Communities: Resources for Citizens and Their Governments. Mark Roseland. 2005. New Society Publishers

Web SitesMissouri Forest Heritage Center www.moforest.org/mfhc.htm

North Dakota Tree Information Center www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/trees/ndtreinf.htm

Plant Conservation Alliance www.nps.gov/plants/index.htm

Select A Tree http://selectree.calpoly.edu/searchresults.lasso

The Freshwater Society www.freshwater.org

Tree Care Industry Association www.tcia.org

Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center www.umesc.usgs.gov

Wisconsin Forestry www.wisconsinforestry.org

World Forestry Center www.worldforestry.org

Calendar

For handy up-to-date links to Web sites of interest, be sure to visit www.mnstac.org

About MnsTACThe Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory

Committee (MnSTAC) was established in 1974 by a group of concerned citizens to address the health and well being of community forests. MnSTAC is recognized throughout Minnesota and the country for its expertise, advice, coordination and support for community trees. It is an organization of diverse individuals who represent a broad spectrum of tree-related interests. It fosters and supports local community tree programs across the state so healthy community forests are fully integrated into community development, infrastructure, education and management.

MnSTAC BoArd of direCTorS

President: Ken Simons—763/717-9366Vice President: Michael Max, EnvironMentor Systems, Inc.—763/753-5505Valerie Cervenka, MN Dept. of Agriculture—651/201-6590Emily Barbeau, Mpls. Park & Rec. Board/Forestry—952/988-8421Ken Holman, MN Dept. of Natural Resources/Forestry— 651/259-5269Steve Nicholson, Kunde Company—651/484-0114Gary R. Johnson, U of M/Forest Resources—612/625-3765Robert Slater, MN Dept. of Transportation—507/529-6145Kameron Kytonen, City of Andover—763/767-5137

Regional MnsTAC CommitteesSoutheast STACChair: Henry Sorensen—651/388-3625 or 651/385-3674Sec./Treas.: Katie Himanga, Heartwood Forestry, Lake City —651/380-9680

Northeast STACChair: Kelly Morris, City Forester, City of Grand Rapids —218/326-7481Secretary/Treasurer/Technical Advisor: Dan Jordan,IRRRA Mineland Reclamation—218/254-7967

EventsApril 8-12, 2006, The International Symposium on Hydrology and Measurement of Forested Wetlands, New Bern, North Carolina. Contact Sharon McKnight, email: mcknight @asae.org, phone: 269-428-6333

April 10-12, 2006, Trees and Utilities National Conference, Chicago, Illinois, www.arborday.org

July 29-August 2, 2006, International Society of Arboriculture’s Annual Conference, Minneapolis, Minnesota, www.isa-arbor.com

October 25-29, 2006, Society of American Foresters National Convention, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, www.safenet.org

November 2-6, 2006, Wildlife/Urban Interface Fire Education Conference, Denver, Colorado. Contact Cheryl Blake, email: cblake@nfpa.org, phone: 617-984-7444

November 14-17, 2006, Midwest i-Tree Workshop, Minneapolis, Minnesota. www.itreetools.org

New PublicationsInvasive Plants of the Upper Midwest. Elizabeth J. Czarapata. 2005. University of Wisconsin Press

Investing in Nature. William J. Ginn. 2005. Island Press

Monitoring Ecological Change. Ian Spellerberg. 2004. Cambridge University Press

Nature Friendly Communities. Chris Duerksen and Cara Snyder. 2005. Island Press

Skinny Streets and Green Neighborhoods. Cynthia Girling and Ronald Kellett. 2005. Island Press

Sprawl and Suburbia. William S. Saunders. 2005. University of Minnesota Press

Spring 2006 • ADVOCATE

Presorted Standard

U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 171

St. Paul, MN

Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate

A quarterly newsletter published by the Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee.

Managing Editorial Group: MnSTAC Education Committee (Emily Barbeau, James Burks, Ken Holman, Gary R. Johnson, Lara Newberger, Jeff Rick, Mark Stennes, and Patrick Weicherding)

Editor-in-Chief: Judy Slater judyslater@earthlink.net

Design: Creative Services Unit, MNDNR

Material in this newsletter is not copyrighted. Reproduction for educational purposes is encouraged. Subscriptions are free. Articles, news items, photos and videos are welcome.

This publication was produced with the support of the USDA Forest Service, Northeastern Area; State and Private Forestry.

Address inquiries to:

Minnesota DNRDivision of Forestry500 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155

Printed on recycled paperusing soy-based inks.

Minnesota Shade Tree Advocate500 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155-4044RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

he combined meeting of the Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance (METRIA) and the

Landscape Plant Development Center (LPDC) will be held at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen MN, June 26–28, 2006.

METRIA is an organization founded in 1976 to provide opportunities for collaboration among members in developing better trees for metropolitan landscapes. Meetings to facilitate the presentation of research results and exchange ideas related to developing better trees and tree culture are held every two years in different locations across the United States.

METRIA’s objectives are: 1) To provide information that will enable wiser choices of species or cultivars for particular urban environments and uses; and information

about managerial techniques that will lead to healthier, more beautiful trees. 2) To develop tree cultivars having improved characteristics through breeding, selection and propagation; and preserve valuable germplasm. 3) To promote the utilization of improved cultivars and better cultural techniques.

Membership is open to all individuals who are willing to work in activities with the organization and representatives of organizations that provides financial or other material support. There is no geographic restriction to membership.

Program and registration information are available at the METRIA Web site (www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/programs/nursery/metria/).

We look forward to seeing you in June!

You are invited to the MnSTAC Awards Ceremony on Thursday, April 13, 2006, from 9-11:30am, at the Minnesota Arboretum in Chaska. Continental breakfast will be served. Everyone is welcome.

Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance (METRIA) MeetingMetropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance (METRIA) Meeting

T

MnSTAC Awards