Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee

Powers & Duties

The Sustainability and Natural Resources Committee is responsible for the following functions:

Reviewing and submitting annually to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources the Village’s Green Tier Legacy Community Annual Report and advising on the implementation of recommended Green Tier strategies.
Advising on the adoption, maintenance, and implementation of the Village’s Sustainability Plan (PDF).
Reviewing and recommending policies, programs, and municipal purchases related to protection of ecologically sensitive areas and sustainability initiatives.
Advising on maintaining a healthy and diverse urban forestry program while fulfilling the requirements as a certified Tree City, USA including the following:
- advising the Village Board in matters relating to trees and shrubs located within street rights-of-way, parks, cemeteries, and other public properties, and nuisance vegetation located on private properties within the Village.
- preparing and maintaining an inventory of trees located on public lands within the Village.
- preparing and recommending a plan for the planting, care and maintenance of public trees to the Village Board.
- making recommendations to the Village Board regarding the selection of the Village Forester and the hiring and retaining of urban forestry contractors to assist with Village tree management activities.
- cooperating, when possible, with neighboring communities in order to procure urban forestry supplies and services more cost-effectively.
- encouraging and providing public education regarding tree care and urban forestry issues within the Village.
- conducting annual Village Arbor Day observances and ceremonies.
- advising the Plan Commission and Village Board on urban forestry issues related to new development.
Advising on acquisition, management, enhancement, and public use of natural and conservancy areas.
Planning and overseeing improvements related to lakes, rivers, wetland, burial mounds and conservation areas.
Promoting volunteerism for restoring natural areas and participating in restoration workdays.
Working with staff to research, seek and, when authorized by the Village Board, apply for alternate funding sources such as grants, donations, and bequests as applicable to sustainability, urban forestry and conservation matters.
Developing both short-term and long-term management plans to help guide the ecological restoration of natural and conservancy areas.
Performing those functions identified in Chapter 59 of the Village Code.