City of Wausau in Disadvantaged Community Areas Can Apply to Have Ash Trees Removed

Wednesday, December 18th, 2024 -- 8:00 AM

The Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department is now accepting applications from City of Wausau residents in disadvantaged community areas to have ash trees removed from private property.

This initiative is funded as part of a $498,482.08 grant awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and supported by the Federal Inflation Reduction Act.

Notably, this is the largest grant amount awarded among Wisconsin communities out of the $4 million available. The grant, which spans three years and does not require matching funds, is designated for urban forestry projects in specific disadvantaged areas of Wausau.

The funding will be used to address three key priorities:

• Public Right-of-Way Tree Planting: Approximately 900 trees will be planted to replace those lost to Emerald Ash Borer infestations, storms, and natural attrition.
• Private Ash Tree Removal: $100,000 is allocated to help qualifying residents remove ash trees from private properties.
• Education and School Tree Planting: The department will collaborate with the Wausau School District to provide educational programs and tree-planting initiatives at local schools.

Funding for private ash tree removal is available on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible residents. Application forms and eligibility criteria can be found at: www.marathoncounty.gov/urbanforestry.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.