The great lakes basin forest health collaborative is expanding its work across the western great lakes to help protect iconic tree species from invasive pests by developing seed sources with…

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources $272,500 under the Cooperative Forestry Assistance program (CFDA 10.664) on June 18, 2026, to expand the Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Collaborative's work protecting iconic tree species from invasive pests across the western Great Lakes.

The recipient will identify and propagate lingering ash, elm, beech, and hemlock trees with improved pest resistance by building partnerships across Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota. Work includes grafting trees to create seed orchards and breeding networks for forest restoration, training partners, establishing monitoring plots, and developing the next generation of pest-resistant trees to sustain regional forests. The project is structured as a multi-year effort running through January 1, 2029, to allow time for hiring a coordinator, developing a local partnership network, and setting up monitoring infrastructure.

Performance occurs in Wisconsin. The assistance type is a Project Grant.

The great lakes basin forest health collaborative is expanding its work across the western great lakes to help protect iconic tree species from invasive pests by developing seed sources with improved resistance for planting across the great lakes basin. Work includes identifying and propagating lingering ASH, ELM, beech, and hemlock trees by building partnerships across wisconsin, michigan, and minnesota. They intend to graft trees to create seed orchards and breeding networks needed to restore healthy, resilient forests. This project links research with management actions by training partners, establishing monitoring plots, and developing the next generation of pest resistant trees to sustain our regions forests for the long term. This is a multi year project as time is needed to hire a coordinator, develop a network with local partners, and set up monitoring plots.