Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee

Monthly Meeting Minutes

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

90 West Plato Blvd., St. Paul, MN

February 19, 2004 – 9:30 - 11:30 A.M.

ATTENDANCE: Anderson, Chris Anderson, Doug Bass, Jason Brown, Kirk Burks, James Burks, Sue Carroll, Mike Damerow, Wayne Davis, David Friisoe, Geir Gullickson, Dan Gustafson, Jean Hanson, Dave Hermann, James Himanga, Katie Holman, Ken Jabs, Reese Johnson, Gary Kerber, Amy Kay Kleinhuizen, David

Larson, Janet Markeson, Tina Max, Michael McCartney, Sandy Mouelle, Jean Mueller, Don Newberger, Lara Nozal, Gail Schnobrich, Mark Shirley, Glen Simons, Ken Splinter, Jon Stennes, Mark Sundmark, Dave Swanson, Erick Thielen Cremers, Kimberly VanWieren, Rebekah Westerman, Curt Widin, Katherine Zumeta, Dave

Call to Order. The program was started by President Ken Simons @ 9:33 A.M.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS:

Gary Johnson introduced Erick Swanson, a student at the U of M.

Mark Stennes introduced Reese Jabs.

Ken Holman introduced Curt Westerman and John Splinter from the Minnesota DNR. Ken also introduced Rebekah VanWieren from Tree Trust as the administrative support contact for MnSTAC.

Additional guests included: David W. Davis, Woodland Advisor

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CALENDAR ITEMS:

Ken Holman announced the Rochester Urban Forestry Workshop. It will be held at the Heintz Center on Friday February 27^th. The theme will be Big Trees. Speakers will include: Gary Johnson, Jay Maier, Tom Dunlap, Lance Sorensen and Ed Hayes. Contact Ed Hayes @ ed.hayes@dnr.state.mn.us or call him @ 507-285-7431 if you would like more information

Kimberly Thielen-Cremers announced the MNLA Insects of Mass Destruction seminar. It will held on March 2^nd and several experts will talk about Asian long-horn beetle, gypsy moth, emerald ash borer and Japanese beetle. For more information and to register online go to www.mnla.biz

Dave Sundmark announced St. Paul’s Festival of Trees on April 24^th, 9 A.M. – 4 P.M. at Como Park. This Arbor Day celebration will include educational seminars, garden shows, and family events. Mark Stennes thanked all the partners that organized the event. For more information contact David Sundmark @ P.651.632.2429 or dave.sundmark@ci.stpaul.mn.us

Steve Nicholson presented information about Forests for Humanity. Through this program, individuals can donate their timber to be harvested and sold to build homes as part of the Habitat for Humanity program. Contact Steve Nicholson at P. 651.484.0114 for more information.

Approval of Minutes. The minutes of January 15, 2004 meeting were reviewed. Sandy McCartney noted that Ken Simon’s organization should be changed from Ramsey County Parks and Recreation to Heritage Shade Tree Consultants. The minutes were approved with the correction. Motion/ Second: Michael Max/Kirk Brown/Passed

Elections. The following people are elected to membership in MNSTAC: Erick Swanson, David Davis, Curt Westerman, John Splinter, Reese Jabs. David Kleinhuizen. Motion/ Second: Ken Holman/Mark Stennes/ Passed

AGENCY UPDATES:

MN Department of Agriculture. Kimberly Thielen-Cremers reported that Gypsy Moth and Exotic Species jobs are now available for the summer. Contact Kimberly Thielen-Cremers at P. 651.296.6692 for more information.

FEATURED PRESENTATION: (One CEU applied for) “State of the Urban Forest” by Mike Carroll.

Mike outlined the current priorities of state forestry and the strategic goals for the community forestry program. He continued to encourage MnSTAC Members to meet with both local legislators and council members to advocate for community forestry.

The following individuals also reported on accomplishments through federal funding. Refer to their handouts for further detail. Note: All handouts from presenters are in the MnSTAC Archives at Tree Trust.

Ken Holman, Minnesota DNR – Ken focused on specific allocation percentages for DNR and project partners. Accomplishments include Mn ReLeaf, Tree City USA communities, DNR community assistance and training.

Gary Johnson, University of Minnesota – Prepared handout with accomplishments including the Tree

Care Advisor and Master Gardner programs, Certified Tree Inspector program, cooperative events, cooperative research and technology transfer projects. Gary highlighted the summary of the Tree Care Advisor program in the Tree Care Advisor Newsletter put together by Dave Hanson.

Kirk Brown, Tree Trust – Kirk described three Tree Trust programs funded by federal funds: Inner City

Grant Program – Neighborhood Urban Forestry Initiative, National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council – Asian Initiative for Urban and Community Forestry, and Forestry Innovation – Plymouth Avenue: Visioning a Pathway. See handout for details about each program.

Lisa Burban, USFS – Lisa highlighted various resources developed by the USFS that are now available. Jill Mahon talked about the Midwest Center for Urban & Community Forestry past and upcoming workshops. Lisa also presented the USFS Urban and Community Forestry Blueprint for the Future.

Dave Zumeta, Minnesota Forest Resource Council – Dave explained the vision and role of the Minnesota Forest Resource Council (FRC). He talked about how the FRC collaborates between public and private sectors in forest resource management through their Landscape Program. He also explained the “forested areas”, as defined by FRC, where FRC focuses their efforts. Members Mark Stennes and Michael Max suggested it would be beneficial for MnSTAC to schedule a meeting with the FRC to establish a better partnership.

Adjournment. M/S/Carried to adjournment: Michael Max/Jim Hermann. The meeting was adjourned at 11:30 a.m.