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.
Superior is in compliance with Wisconsin’s “Smart Growth” law for land use planning and resource management effective Jan. 18, 2011 when the Superior Common Council adopted the 2010-2030 Comprehensive Plan of the City of Superior. The City updated their Comprehensive Plan which was voted in by the City Council on January 18, 2022.
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 Superior has legally protected bird habitat by prohibiting residential, commercial or industrial development on two city-owned properties. The Superior Municipal Forest (4,428 acres) was protected on April 7, 1992. Wisconsin Point (229 acres) was protected on Dec. 4, 1996.
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.
Wisconsin Point has been designated as an Important Bird Area by the Wisconsin Important Bird Areas Program. In the spring and fall rare Sabine’s and Franklin Gulls can be seen at Wisconsin Point. Also, Pattison State Park is located 12 miles south of Superior and is listed in the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail Guide. This 1,476 acre area is mostly forested but also includes wetlands, a lake, rivers and Wisconsin’s highest waterfall.
H. Show that the local Chamber of Commerce or a similar group (e.g., an Audubon chapter, Wild Ones, etc.) takes an active role in the planning process for protecting and enlarging favorable bird habitat.
Audobon of the Great Lakes and the Wis DNR are working on a Marsh Breeding Bird Habitat Project in Allouez Bay.
O. Document a program to support the establishment of natural lawns and native landscaping, possibly including public presentations of Audubon’s Plants for Birds Initiative (contact them for a presentation kit).
City of Superior adopted a Water Quality and Wetland Protection Standard which includes native landscaping and natural lawns. Chapter 122, Articel VI, Divsion 2.1, Section 122-670
Community Forest Management
A. Demonstrate that your community has been awarded Tree City USA status by the National Arbor Day Foundation.
The City of Superior continues to be recognized as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation following its initial award in 1999.
C. Document an ongoing community program to incorporate a significant number of native trees, native shrubs, native herbaceous plants, and/or cultivars of native species in public or large-scale private landscaping.
City of Superior planted 233 trees in 2022, 400 trees in 2021, 300 trees and 193 shrubs in 2020, 763 trees in 2019, 323 trees in 2018, and 400 in 2017. The City continues to incorporate green infrastructure with construction projects.
E. Show that your forester, a member of your tree board, or another person currently responsible for managing your community’s trees has completed the Wisconsin DNR’s Wisconsin Tree Management Institute.
Linda Cadotte, Parks, Recreation & Forestry Director completed the Wis DNR's Community Tree Management Institute in 2017-18. Linda also serves on the Wisconsin Urban Forestry State Advisory Council.
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.
Beginning on Oct. 25, 2012, the City of Superior updated the website to include information about Bird City Wisconsin and links to websites with strategies to protect birds from window strikes and cats.
B. Demonstrate that your community provides property owners with information on how to protect birds from window strikes (e.g., online links, brochures).
Beginning on Oct. 25, 2012, the City of Superior includes information about Bird City Wisconsin and links to websites with strategies to protect birds from window strikes and cats.
C. Show that your municipality practices Integrated Pest Management, using natural pest control and the best available science to minimize pesticide and herbicide use.
Superior has an ordinance that requires pet owners to exercise proper control their animals, specifically prohibiting pet owners from allowing their animals to run at large on public or private property. Chapter 22, Article I, Section 22-3
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.
F. Demonstrate that your community understands the critical ecological role of pollinators by documenting your Bee City USA status or by describing another substantial effort to promote pollinator health (for ideas visit the Xerxes Society and the Pollinator Partnership).
University of Wisconsin, Superior (UWS) offers an annual free beekeeping workshop. UWS maintains a hive on campus.
G. Provide a link to your community’s Bird City Wisconsin webpage, which must be visible from the main page of your municipal website (it may be located at the first level of a drop down menu on the main page but cannot be any less visible) OR demonstrate that your Bird City effort has a significant social media presence.
F. Demonstrate that your community participates in a community solar program or that a municipal building receives a significant percentage of its electricity from renewable energy.
Superior Water, Light & Power’s community solar garden plan, with construction of the Superior Solar array. Fence surrounding the project are ahas been construction, Soalr panel installation is schdeuld to begin in 2023.
H. Describe your community’s efforts to educate residents about climate change.
Wisconsin Office of Sustainability & Clean Energy | Economic & Environmental Justice leads the State in addressing the effects of climate cvhange through programs and policies. https://osce.wi.gov/Pages/home.aspx
Lake Superior National Estuarian Research Reserve hosted their 12th Annual St. Louis River Summit which has a variety of speakers that address this topic.
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.
The City of Superior Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department partnered with the Friends of the Lake Superior National Estuarian Reserach Reserve who hosted a two-part celebration with a bird walk and a video preesntaion at the Esturium as part of the World Migratory Bird Celebration on May 14, 2022. The president of the local Audubon Society was the lead for birding discussions. People joined them for a hike and viewing of the birds in the area as well as discussed and upcoming Marsh Bird Breeding Habitat project. The lead on the conversations for the habitat project was the conservation manager for Audobon Great Lakes.
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