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Urban Forestry Tree Board – 4/16/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 1 of 3 URBAN FORESTRY TREE BOARD MINUTES April 16, 2026 Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order by Chair Ludwig at 4:33 p.m. on April 16, 2026, in Government Center Room 204 & virtually via Microsoft Teams. 1. ROLL CALL Members Present: Ruth Ludwig, Christine Olson, Robert-Jan Quené, Nick Nelson, Richard Kaufman* City Staff Present: Bridgit Maruska, Kara Czapinski, Chris Carlson Others Present: Shelley Nelson, Conor Williams* 2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 2.1. Urban Forestry Tree Board (Meeting held January 15, 2026) MOTION by Olson, second by Kaufman and carried to approve the minutes from January 15, 2026. MOTION by Quené, second by Nelson and carried to move item 4.1 next. 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 Discuss the Rights of Nature Wisconsin Initiative. Christine Olson explained that the Rights of Nature Wisconsin Initiative aims to recognize legal rights for natural entities, referencing past legislative efforts in Wisconsin, such as the 'prove it first' law for mining and a bill to grant legal rights to Devil's Lake State Park. She noted that these bills did not pass but emphasized the importance of continued education and advocacy at the local level. Conor Williams elaborated on the philosophy behind the Rights of Nature movement, highlighting its roots in Native American traditions and its goal to extend legal rights to natural ecosystems. Williams clarified that current resolutions in Wisconsin, such as Milwaukee's, are non-binding and aspirational, but some proposed bills would have been binding if passed. Christine and Conor discussed possible actions for the Urban Forestry Tree Board, including issuing a proclamation of support, advocating for the initiative at the City Council level, and encouraging community education. The board considered drafting a resolution and discussed the importance of making any proposal clear and addressing potential concerns from the public and council members. The board agreed to continue researching the Rights of Nature initiative, review relevant materials, and bring questions, pros and cons, and ideas for further discussion at the next meeting. Chris Carlson joined the meeting at 4:45 p.m. Conor Williams left the meeting virtually at 5:00 p.m. Urban Forestry Tree Board – 4/16/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 2 of 3 3. OLD BUSINESS 3.1 Update on RFP for Invasive Species Management Plan for SMF. Director Maruska informed that Mark Pranckus, a senior ecologist from Inter-Fluve, has provided a preliminary estimate of $51,600 for the invasive species management plan, with $30,000 already allocated as a potential match for grants. Inter-Fluve gathered the quote to include in the Headwaters Sustainability Partnership Landscape Stewardship Vision Plan. Maruska, along with Deanna Erickson from the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, are working to identify appropriate grant opportunities, highlighting that the available funding surpasses the usual 50% match requirement. The implementation of the plan is anticipated to proceed by next year, contingent upon grant timelines and deadlines. While no immediate action is required from the board, Maruska will keep them updated as new grant opportunities arise and the project develops. 3.2 Update from Superior Trails/COGGS. Richard Kaufman announced that Barr Engineering has submitted the initial draft of the trail plan, which has been reviewed by city staff, former members of the Superior Trails Initiative, and local residents. The feedback gathered from a site visit and document analysis is being integrated into a revised draft, with the aim of presenting a final version at the upcoming Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. This proposed trail is designed to link the Osaugie Trail to the municipal forest, traversing areas such as Central Park and school zones. The design prioritizes the efficient use of public land, seeks to limit the impact on private properties, and accommodates various activities, including biking and walking. During discussions, Director Maruska and Kaufman emphasized the significance of public perception, highlighting that similar initiatives in other cities have elicited varied responses. To address this, the team intends to underscore the community benefits and will actively involve private landowners and the public as the project progresses. Approval from the Urban Forestry Tree Board is necessary before advancing to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council. Kaufman urged board members to gather any questions or concerns, especially regarding tree removal and environmental implications, for Barr Engineering to consider. 3.3 Planning for Arbor Day/Heritage Tree Program. The Arbor Day and Heritage Tree program event is set for May 30th, featuring music, educational presentations, food, and a proclamation reading by the Mayor. Residents and board members will contribute food and some seating, while a special presentation will highlight the featured crabapple tree. Maruska has outlined a publicity strategy that includes announcements on the city website, social media platforms, a Facebook event, and the community calendar in the local newspaper. Kaufman has volunteered to distribute printed flyers at local businesses and community venues. Additionally, Maruska is utilizing this event as part of a CTMI course, developing materials to assist other communities in replicating the program. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in educational activities and receive crabapple saplings. Plans are also in place to Urban Forestry Tree Board – 4/16/2026 Meeting * Attended the meeting virtually Page 3 of 3 capture a photograph of the 2026 Heritage Tree, with potential locations including the hallway of the government center. 5. RECURRING BUSINESS 5.1 Director’s Update 5.1.1 The grand reopening of the Heritage Skate Park is scheduled for May 30th, with a backup date set for the following Saturday in case of rain. The celebration will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, food trucks, live music, skateboarding demonstrations, and a best trick contest, attracting an anticipated crowd of 200 to 300 attendees. Tree Board members will be present to sell established trees, and donor recognition plaques will be installed at the skate park. The objective is to sell between 12 and 15 trees; should demand surpass availability, contact information will be gathered for future plantings or to guide donors to the Tribute Tree program. 5.1.2 Attended the Minnesota Shade Tree Conference at Bethel University alongside Superintendent Wintlend and other Park staff. The conference highlighted the importance of pruning trees within the initial three years of planting to promote healthy growth, a practice that city staff intends to prioritize. Additionally, the event featured sessions focused on species selection and facilitated community roundtable discussions. 5.2 Superintendent’s Update 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 Princess Theater Tree Planting 5.3.5 Update on Arbor Day Celebration/Heritage Tree Program 5.3.6 Election of Officers 5.4 Confirm the next meeting date as Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. in Room 204 of the Government Center. 6. ADJOURNMENT Councilor Ludwig announced the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kara Czapinski