Trees First. Wood Next - Realizing the Highest and Best Use for the Products of Urban Forests

Along with providing beauty and environmental benefits for the 80% of Americans who live in urban areas, urban and community forests provide a habitat for wildlife and, arguably, even greater ecological benefits as trees reach end of life. When trees in the urban forest are removed for reasons other than harvest, their “urban wood” can be captured and incorporated back into the built environment, completing this virtuous circle.

Opportunities to maximize utilization of urban and community trees are scalable and can be found in almost all communities. Changing attitudes and practices to maximize utilization of urban forest products can develop a supply of raw material that can feed both established and newly created markets.

Join us to learn about the successful solid wood waste program developed by Milwaukee Forestry Services and discuss their strategies, practices, and partnerships that have reduced operation and disposal costs while building community awareness and connection to the essential qualities of urban and community forests and their resources.