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Urban Forestry Tree Board – 7/23/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 1 of 4 URBAN FORESTRY TREE BOARD MINUTES July 23, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Ludwig at 4:31 p.m. on July 23, 2026, in Government Center Room 204 & virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ruth Ludwig, Christine Olson, Nick Nelson, Robert-Jan Quené*, Vern Northrup* City Staff Present: Bridgit Maruska, Kara Czapinski Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Duluth Monitor* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Urban Forestry Tree Board (Meeting held April 16, 2026) MOTION by Nelson, second by Olson and carried to approve the minutes from April 16, 2026. 3. OLD BUSINESS 3.1 Update on RFP for Invasive Species Management Plan for SMF. Director Maruska indicated that progress on the Invasive Species Management Plan RFP has been minimal; however, funding from 2026 will transfer into future budget and Maruska will update any progress made in the next meeting. 3.2 Update from Superior Trails/COGGS. Director Maruska indicated that COGGS is preparing for the project, with a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) being prepared to delineate responsibilities, particularly in fundraising and project management. This document will undergo review by the city and the Parks and Recreation Commission before being submitted to the Council in September. While the conceptual design for the trail has been finalized, the project encounters substantial funding obstacles. Maruska mentioned the potential for grant writing support, noting that most grants will likely need to be processed through the city, highlighting the collaborative effort between COGGS and the city. The trail alignment remains in a conceptual phase, with the definitive route to be established on-site by professional trail builders, who will consider factors such as watershed permits, private property, and the preservation of mature trees, which the city is unlikely to authorize for removal. The board emphasized the necessity for the Urban Forestry Tree Board to assess the final trail alignment, particularly concerning mature trees and the management of invasive species. Urban Forestry Tree Board – 7/23/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 2 of 4 3.3 Update on Rights of Nature Wisconsin Initiative. Christine Olson inquired whether the members had examined the Rights of Nature Wisconsin materials and website, underscoring their significance to the local environment and advocating for ongoing education and dialogue regarding potential board support. She mentioned a complimentary five-week online course provided by the organization, noting its accessibility and the chance for both board members and the community to engage in continuous educational meetings and discussions. The board concurred to further investigate the initiative, with Olson proposing to distribute links and meeting details, ensuring that the focus remains educational and non-decisional. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 Board Structure Discussion. Director Maruska clarified that current board members will serve until their terms conclude or until new appointments are made, noting that all existing members are interested in renewal, with the mayor and council participating in the appointment process. The board members highlighted the advantages of broadening the board to incorporate individuals with varied expertise, such as professionals in air and water quality, as well as representatives from organizations like the St. Louis River Alliance. There was a shared agreement on the necessity of maintaining a council representative on the board, and Maruska committed to drafting an ordinance to increase the board size from six to seven or eight members, with a final decision anticipated at the next meeting. Nick Olson announced his impending move and resignation, which led to discussions regarding succession planning, potential role transitions, and the procedures for addressing vacancies or expanding the board. 4.2 Election of Officers. 4.1.1 Election of Chair MOTION by Nelson, second by and Olson carried to nominate Ruth Ludwig as Chair. 4.1.2 Election of Vice-Chair MOTION by Quené, second by Northrup and carried to nominate Richard Kaufman as Vice-Chair. 4.3 Update on Arbor Day Celebration/Heritage Tree Program. Robert-Jan Quené reported that the Arbor Day celebration was a success, attracting a large audience and receiving positive feedback, aided by favorable weather, music, and food. Director Maruska highlighted that efforts are underway to promote applications for the Heritage Tree program, with nominations due by year-end; the board will review and select winners during the January meeting, with the results to be announced at the next Arbor Day event. Additionally, Maruska inquired about potential locations for displaying framed photographs of Heritage Trees, proposing the Government Center or Urban Forestry Tree Board – 7/23/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 3 of 4 atrium as possible sites, and committed to exploring these options further to present to the board for a future decision. 4.4 Princess Theater Tree Planting. Director Maruska indicated that the project is currently on hold due to insufficient funding and a lack of responses to the RFP for pavers, with plans to resume in 2027 when circumstances improve. Additionally, Maruska encouraged board members to propose shade-tolerant plants that would be appropriate for the urban plaza, and noted that Ryan's horticulture team will create a planting plan informed by these suggestions. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 Director’s Update 5.1.1 A dedicated Facebook page for Parks, Recreation, and Forestry is being established, with an invitation for board members to contribute content ideas aimed at improving community engagement. 5.1.2 A request has been made for the addition of a full-time staff member to the parks maintenance team, highlighting the necessity for proactive tree maintenance and the challenges posed by current understaffing.. 5.1.3 The completion of a Wisconsin DNR-sponsored urban forestry management course has been achieved, and it is recommended that Superintendent Wintlend and other board members contemplate participating in future sessions. Relevant information regarding these opportunities will be disseminated as they become available. 5.2 Superintendent’s Update 5.2.1 The current initiatives include plans for tree planting in the fall, an examination of tree mortality along 28th Street, which may be attributed to salt spray, and a rise in aphid populations. Recommendations will focus on appropriate species selection to enhance resilience against environmental stressors and effective pest management strategies to mitigate the impact of aphids. 5.3 Future Agenda Items 5.3.1 Update on RFP for Invasive Species Management Plan in the SMF 5.3.2 Update from Superior Trails/COGGS 5.3.3 Update on the Rights of Nature Wisconsin Initiative 5.3.4 Recommendation of Board Structure 5.3.5 Princess Theater Tree Planting 5.4 Confirm the next meeting date as Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. Urban Forestry Tree Board – 7/23/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 4 of 4 6. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Ludwig announced the meeting adjourned at 5:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski