Fitchburg Tree Advisory Committee Meeting Summary - June 11, 2026

The Tree Advisory Committee met on June 11, 2026, to discuss the Urban Tree Alliance partnership, Dolly Conservancy woodlot management, and the department's spring planting report. Presentations and deliberations highlighted progress in grant-funded tree planting and the need for long-term maintenance and policy development.

Consent Calendar

• The committee approved the previous meeting's minutes and the current meeting's agenda.

Discussion Items

Urban Tree Alliance Partnership

• Miriam and Tierney presented a follow-up on the Inflation Reduction Act grant-funded partnership with the Urban Tree Alliance (UTA). The project focuses on planting trees in underserved neighborhoods in the greater Madison area, including Fitchburg. Since the grant began in 2024, 170 trees were planted in four Fitchburg neighborhoods in 2025 and 2026, with 117 (approximately 70%) planted through the UTA partnership. The grant covered tree purchase, planting, and first-year maintenance at about $130 per tree. Presenters stressed that after the first year, maintenance responsibility shifts to the city, making ongoing city funding crucial for these trees to mature and provide canopy benefits. Committee members thanked the presenters and noted the partnership's value in reaching private properties, which the city cannot access.

Dolly Conservancy Woodlot Management

• Miriam presented data from a 2023 tree survey of the Dolly Conservancy's wooded triangle (east of Seminole Highway). The survey showed high densities of black locust, white oak, and black cherry, with nearly 400 trees marked for removal due to poor condition. The understory is heavily invaded by buckthorn, garlic mustard, and other invasives. The committee reviewed four goals set in 2022: create an oak woodland with native understory, provide recreation and education opportunities, minimize impacts to neighbors, and use external funding. Proposed management actions include daylighting oaks and continuous invasive species removal. Committee members discussed the need for sustainable management to prevent regrowth and the importance of reopening the conservancy for public use. Funding would likely come from the city's operating budget. Staff will develop specific strategies and budget alternatives for Dolly as part of a city-wide woodlot management policy, with a goal of completing the policy by the end of 2026.

Department Report

• Staff reported spring planting of 263 trees in terraces, new developments, and infill sites, replacing ash trees removed last winter. All warranty replacements from last year were completed. The city's tree inventory has been updated and will be made publicly accessible. Upcoming projects include a grant-funded planting in Chicory Meadows.

Memorial Trees Policy

• The committee discussed the need for a formal policy for memorial tree donations. Currently, staff offers a tree for a $300 donation with no formal website or application process. Committee members shared research from other municipalities (e.g., Sun Prairie charges $450 for combined tree and bench). The committee agreed to draft a formal policy before the next meeting.

Key Outcomes

• The committee acknowledged the successful UTA partnership and emphasized the importance of securing city maintenance funding for newly planted trees.
• Staff will continue developing a woodlot management policy, using Dolly Conservancy as a pilot, and present strategies with budget options at a future meeting.
• Staff will formalize a memorial tree donation policy based on research from other cities.
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for September 10, 2026; there is no July meeting and August 2026 was not scheduled.