The City of Sheboygan is being given nearly $175,000 to preserve its reputation as a city of trees. The $174,616.42 Urban Forestry Grant for reforestation and tree retention was announced on Monday by Governor Evers and the Wisconsin DNR. The money comes from the USDA Forest Service, intended to reduce stormwater runoff and erosion, improve air quality, reduce heating and cooling demands for energy and improve property values.
Sheboygan was known as the “City of Elms” 80 years ago, before Dutch Elm disease decimated that population, and the many ash trees that replaced some of those were hard-hit by the Emerald Ash Borer in this century. Now, 500 of those mature ash trees will be preserved with insecticide treatments, and 660 new trees will be planted.
The City will begin with an inventory of current planting sites and grinding 220 stumps, with three trees planted for each one removed. The City is encouraging residents to get involved by caring for the newly-planted trees. More information is available at the Sheboygan DPW web page.
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