Our Low Impact Development projects at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute involve getting out into regional communities, working with partners to encourage low impact development, and thinking collaboratively.  Our projects include:

Ashland and Washburn Community Urban Forestry Initiative

With the establishment of a Tree Management Advisory Board, the City of Ashland began its urban forestry initiative in October of 2002. Members of City Council, City Beautification Committee, Park Board, as well as city staff and citizens of Ashland represent the Board, which meets bimonthly to assist the City in planning community forest program development. The initiative was prompted by a 2003 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant, that was administered by the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, which used the backing of city officials, the vision of the city's comprehensive plan, and the involvement of interested citizens to develop momentum towards a social, economical, and ecologically balanced urban forestry strategic action plan. Institute interns assisted urban forestry consultant Kelli Tuttle of Bluestem Forestry Consulting to inventory parks, ravines, and other wooded areas of the city. This combined inventory data forms the framework of the strategic action plan. The City and Institute have also revised the ordinances for regulating trees and shrubs, prepared an application for Tree City USA certification, and issued an annual Arbor Day proclamation and celebration.

Project Scope

The planning process has indicated a need for the public to better engage in the significant roles they can play in supporting public forestry efforts, in addition to private land stewardship and landscaping. Further expanding urban forestry awareness through interpretive hikes along Ashland’s waterfront, parks and Bay City Creek corridor, along with developing fact sheets and maps to interpret existing conditions will help communicate strategies for enhancement and restoration.

Project Partners:

City of Ashland
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

Other Projects:

AmericInn Landscape and Stormwater Basin
Proposed Wal-Mart Stormwater Bio-retention Pond and
      Landscaping

For more information about the Low Impact Development projects at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, contact us at soei@northland.edu, or contact Mike Gardner directly at (715) 682-1481.