July 2000 General Meeting Minutes

Attendance:
Jason Bass	Pt. Forestry
Michael Brandt	Hennepin County
Kirk Brown	Tree Trust
Lisa Burban	USDA Forest Service
James Burks	City of Crystal & Robbinsdale
Jeff Cordes	City of Eden Prairie
Bekky Hargrave	U of Minnesota
Rich Hauer	Dept of Ag
Ben Johnson	Rainbow Treecare
Gary Johnson	U of Minnesota
Marie Jones	U of Minnesota
Jenny Juzwik	USDA Forest Service, NCRS
John Kyhl	U of Minnesota Entomology
Janet Larson	Private Consultant
Brian Loeffelholz	DNR Forestry
Art Mason	MDA Retired
Steve Seybold	U of Minnesota Entomology & Forest Resources
Mark Schnobrich	City of Hutchinson
Glen Shirley	City of Bloomington
Robert Slater	MN/DOT
Kevin Smith	City of Hastings
Andy Sobert	MG
Mike Sowers	City of Eagan
Kelly Yeager	City of Eden Prairie
Steve Zaloinski	Davey Tree Expert Co.
Mike Zins	U of Minnesota Arboretum

Announcements & Calendar Items:

	Don Mueller announced some the calendar events on the Agency Update. Some of the highlights are August 3^rd & 4^th Vegetation Management Conference, September 9^th -12^th Grass Roots 2000 Summit, focusing on "Honing in on Issues" & there are also scholarships available for the Tree City USA National Conference.
	Gary Johnson a storm damage workshop at the Dakota County Extension on "Prediction, Prevention, Treatment", it is open to all, call Gary for details.
	Ken Holman said the C.A.R.A. bill is going to the House/Senate.
	James Burks announced that a brochure from the Missouri Dept of Ag and Forest Health "Don’t Top Trees Campaign" is available. James has the address for the information packet.

Featured Program:
The University of Minnesota Forest Entomology Department "Research and Results in Oak Wilt Vector". Steve Seybold and John Kyhl shared with MnSTAC that the theme of the research program focuses on the biochemistry and chemical ecology of bark beetles and wood-destroying insects. The long term goal of this research is to develop biorational techniques to manage insects based on non-toxic behavioral chemicals. The U of M is in collaboration with the University of California on a project on sex pheromones of wood-destroying anobiid beetles. New research projects include the study of overland transmission of oak wilt by sap beetles (Nitidulidae) in the Twin Cities metro area and the impact of the spruce budworm on silvicultural practices of Northern Minnesota white spruce stands, and a project on survey, education, and management of subterranean termites in Southern Minnesota. If you wish to contact the forest entomology lab for more information or other aspects of forest entomology, contact the lab at 612-624-3037 or

Committee Reports:

	Don Mueller is in the planning stages of "Trail of Trees" with Tim Womick. Tim is with Treetures, which is a environmental education effort with a direct focus on trees. They are a community of whimsical characters that are dedicated to carrying the message of tree planting and care. The Treeture Program promotes activities held throughout the country that combine environmental education with entertainment for children. This will be a bike tour incorporating the state trails, kicking off the event in St Paul followed by touring five regional Arbor Day events. He is looking for partners such as MnSTAC, SAF, MSA. If you are interested you can contact Don at 651-772-6148.
	Planning Committee: Glen Shirley reviewed overall plans
	Tree Emergency Committee: Gary Johnson
	Regional Committee Reports: None

Agency Updates:

MNDOT - Bob Slater announced that the new planting specification book is out this summer.

	MNDNR Forestry - Ken Holman reported that there is $80,000 to$100,000 dollars left of MNReleaf money to spend. The DNR is looking for projects to fund. The DNR Urban Forestry conducted forums for "Conserving Wooded Areas in Developing Communities" Best Management Practices in Minnesota.
	University of Minnesota - Gary Johnson announced a Planting Depth Research Project. The project will last for 9 years and the Uof M will monitor tree that were planted within that time studying the effects of slashing pot bound roots in containerized stock
	Forest Service - Jenny Juzwik informed us on a new research project studying the "Effects of Developing on Oak Health in Minnesota.
	MDA - Rich Hauer said that the oak wilt consultant book is out, updated and delivered, also the contractors list created by Bekky Hargrave is available on the U of M Extension Service and ISA web site.

Field Reports:

	Mark Schnobrich reported on some issues with the Colorado Blue spruce. Some problems reported from out West. Has anyone heard about this?
	Gary Johnson is concerned with the red oaks (15years old) boulevard planting. They have been tested positive for oak wilt. Should oaks replace oaks when planting. Something to think about. Questionable.