A. Comply with Wisconsin's "Smart Growth" law for land use planning and resource management. This criterion is an option only for applications submitted before July 1, 2017.
The City of Menomonie adopted a Comprehensive Plan in 2007 and has made amendments in 2012. They have been in compliance with the Wisconsin “Smart Growth” law since the adoption of their plan.
C. Provide evidence (e.g., official designation of natural areas, easements, etc.) that existing bird habitat within community limits has legal protection. (Exclusions: Leash laws; prohibitions against disturbing nests and wildlife; areas consisting primarily of mowed grass)
The City of Menomonie has multiple ordinances that relate to the protection of habitat for birds and all wildlife alike. The Urban Forestry Board, Public Safety, Public Works and Property, Building Regulations, Zoning Regulations and Shoreland-Wetland Zoning are all involved in providing legal precedents for the creation and protection of all current habitat types.
F. Show that your community offers the public information on how they can control and remove invasive species in order to improve or maintain bird habitat.
The City’s website has information related to the control and removal of invasive species.
G. Document that there is a segment of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail or a designated Important Bird Area within or adjacent to your community.
There are two areas in Menomonie that are considered as Important Bird Areas and appear in the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail Mississippi/Chippewa Rivers Region publication. One is Lake Menomin & Wolskes’ Bay at Lakeside Park & Wakanda Park and the other is Red Cedar State Trail. These areas are home to a wide variety of species such as Goldeneye Ducks, Bobolinks, and Bald Eagles.
N. Show that your community works on public lands to control invasive species that have significant negative impacts on bird habitat.
The city continues to partner with community and U-W Stout to control invasive species on public land. Last year it was along the wetland in Lakeside Park, and this year along the lake bank of Cedaramma Park. Removals of Honey Suckle, Buckthorne, Summac, along with stump treatment. We have enbarked on removal and resteration project on Galloway Creek here in the city.
Community Forest Management
A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
Menomonie continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 1990.
F. OTHER: Demonstrate in a narrative.
The City of Menomonie actively participates in promoting effective community forest management. In 2010, the City captured all city managed trees with a GPS unit and created a database that identifies each tree species, height, diameter, condition, zone location, last pruned, etc. The database helps the City determine future work and budget needs and prepare for threats such as the Emerald Ash Borer. The City also plants trees yearly and replaces all trees that it removes. This year the City embarked on a Emeral Ash Borer treatment plan to retain as many Ash trees as possible. This year (2021) the city has begun thie updating of our tree inventory and data.
Limiting or Removing Threats to Birds
A. Describe your community’s educational program to control free-roaming cats and/or the manner in which you actively publicize the Cats Indoors! initiative.
B. Demonstrate that your community provides property owners with information on how to protect birds from window strikes (e.g., online links, brochures).
The City’s website links to information on protecting birds from window strikes.
Public Education
B. Provide web links or a community newsletter demonstrating that your community educates property owners on methods to create and enhance backyard habitat for birds.
The City’s website also has information on creating backyard habitat.
N. OTHER: Demonstrate in a narrative.
Each Earth Day, the City identifies a project that the School Forest Coordinator, in conjunction with the Menomonie Middle School, helps complete to preserve native plant species and wildlife habitat. In the past, these projects have been the removal of invasive species, tree plantings, shoreline restoration, park clean-ups, some illegal dumping clean-up, stream monitoring, and drain stenciling.
The Dunn County Fish and Game Association build Wood Duck houses and place them on Lake Menomin as well as other places in the County.
In 2016 we also installed a new rain garden at Lakeside Park to assist in watershed, and create even more bird habitat in the City. We also installed informational signs on our bike trail to tell people about the importance of landscape and wetlands!
In 2020 year the city council passed a resolution for the city to take steps to achieve a zero carbon footprint by 2050.
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD)
A. This community's municipal body passed the required World Migratory Bird Day resolution.
B. Document and describe your event that incorporates the annual IMBD theme in some fashion. If the event has not yet occurred, please share your detailed plans. For information on the current year’s theme and event materials, please visit the World Migratory Bird Day website. To see what other Bird City communities have done in the past, please view some other profiles on our website.
In 2022 Menomonie continued to support birds by planting over 90 trees. We maintain our storm water ponds, natural vegetation, and wetlands to house as many of our differant species of birds as possible. The Arbor Day/Bird City celebration was held Friday May 6th 2022. Over 20 differant birds were sighted followed by a tree and bench dedication. Our community's actions align with Bird City Wisconsins primary themes of urban conservation and environmental educaton aimed at making communities healthy for birds and people.
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