Minnesota Shade Tree Advisory Committee

Call to Order. The program was started by President Ken Simons @ 9:39 A.M.

INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS & NOMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP:

Gary Johnson introduced Xo Vang, U of MN student doing urban forestry research this summer on a McNear Scholarship, and moved to nominate him for membership. Sec. Steven Nicholson. Motion carried.

Jill Sinclair introduced Donald Asleson, summer intern for the City of Chanhassen, and moved to nominate him for membership. Sec. Kirk Brown. Motion carried.

Erick Swanson introduced Mandi Hanks, City of St. Paul Forestry, and moved to nominate her for membership. Sec. Gary Johnson. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes. The minutes of the May 20, 2004 meeting were reviewed. Ken Simons should be added to the attendance list. With the correction, the minutes were approved. M/S/Carried: Kimberly Thielen-Cremers/James Burks.

ANNOUNCEMENTS & CALENDAR ITEMS:

Ken Holman announced that on July 8^th the Conservation Education, Project Learning Tree (PLT) program will be having a workshop for PLT certified teachers on tree risk training. On July 1, urban forestry related agencies and organizations statewide will meet to discuss how they can collaborate on educational efforts and programming on a yearly basis.

Tree Inspector Re-certification Workshop dates and locations have been determined as follows. Contact Gary Johnson for more information.

September 20^th – Rochester Community College

September 22^nd – Staples, Lakeland College

September 24^th – U of MN, Morris, Agricultural Experiment Station

Paul Walvatne announced that MnDOT will be holding a Certified Landscape Specialist workshop on March 1 & 2, 2005. Contact Paul for more information. July 26-28 is the 2004 Minnesota Association of County Agricultural Inspectors (MACAI) Annual Conference in Grand Rapids, MN. The topic is The Future of Noxious Weed Control: Where is it Going?

President Ken Simons announced that the MnSTAC field day will be at the U of MN TRE Nursery on August 19 at 9:30 a.m.

Michael Max inquired about the incidence of DED experienced in cities represented by members. Several members commented that they are continuing to see an increase in incidence, possible due to increased inoculum from volunteer elms as well as several other factors discussed at the May 20^th MnSTAC meeting.

Kameron Kytonen, City of Andover, asked for advice on dealing with poor local nursery stock, especially with incorrect planting depth. Gary Johnson suggested the most effective thing to do is to turn away the stock.

AGENCY UPDATES:

MnDNR

The Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCMR) is currently conducting hearings for next biennium. MN ReLeaf had a very successful hearing on June 16^th, in which legislators suggested considering ReLeaf a permanently funded proposal each biennium along with four other programs like Conservation Partners.

The DNR was awarded $300,000 in Federal Oak Wilt Suppression Funds and will be awarding communities with grants within the next couple weeks. The DNR is almost complete compiling new OW density data based on color infrared.

MDA

Kimberly Thielen-Cremers announced that the second airing of INVADERS AT OUR DOORSTEP: Exotic Pests of the Midwest will be June 22^nd, 7:30-8:00 p.m. on Twin Cities Public Television (TPT), Channel 17.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Awards Committee – The MnSTAC 30^th Anniversary Celebration, in conjunction with the MSA Annual meeting, will be on Thursday, September 30^th at the MN Landscape Arboretum for hors d'oeuvres and dinner banquet. 30 MnSTAC members will receive Growth Awards.

Research & Education Committee – The summer Advocate will be mailed out within the next couple weeks, featuring an article on Lake Wilson & Chandler.

Board of Directors – Ken Simons announced that the Board of Directors is developing a new structure for MnSTAC committees and task forces and will be seeking member participation.

FEATURED PRESENTATION:

What’s New at the Arboretum?: A discussion of new plants and projects underway in 2004

Peter Moe, Director of Operations, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum currently consists of 1040 acres, which includes the arboretum and research grounds. The Arboretum is known for their fruit crop introductions, including the Frontenac Grape (hardy wine grape) and the Honeycrisp Apple, and also have introduced several other trees, shrubs and perennials. Some of the well-known introduction projects have included the Azalea Project (hardy varieties for Minnesota) and the Northwoods Maple.

The Arboretum continues to do extensive research on new introductions that will do will in Minnesota, in which they usually test promising plant specimens at the Arboretum for approximately 15 or more years before introduction. Their newest introductions include:

Orchard Lights Azalea

Lilac Lights Azalea

Garden Glow Dogwood

Summertime Amur Maackia

Firefall Maple

Besides doing plant research, another main purpose of the Arboretum is to provide examples of how to use plants effectively in the landscape. The landscaping helps to inspire and educate people to plant on their own property, through educational plantings and signage. Some of the upcoming Landscape Arboretum projects include:

Rhododendron Garden

New Annual Garden

New Week Garden

Visitor Center

Currently, the Arboretum has a special exhibit, Totally Terrific Treehouses, June 5-October 10^th (see handout). Gary Johnson asked if the Arboretum would consider hosting an exhibit or permanent demonstration about correct tree planting methods. Peter Moe will follow up on the idea.

ADJURNMENT:

Meeting was adjourned at 11:20. M/S. Ken Holman/Kirk Brown. Carried.