DNR Announces Catastrophic Storm Grant Recipients

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the recipients of the Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grants to assist with damage sustained during severe winter weather, including heavy ice and snow that took place March 29 through April 1, 2025.

Catastrophic storm grants range from $4,000 to $50,000 and do not require a dollar-for-dollar match. Grant funding was distributed among the following three communities:

• City of Antigo, $50,000
• City of Oconto Falls, $14,322
• City of Rhinelander, $44,000

The DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Storm Grant program funds tree repair, removal or replacement within urban areas following a catastrophic storm event for which the governor has declared a State of Emergency under s. 323.10, Wis. Stats. This round of funding became available after Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #256 on April 1, declaring a State of Emergency following severe winter storms. A catastrophic storm is defined as damage to urban forests caused by snow, ice, hail, wind or tornado.

For more information on future funding opportunities, visit the DNR’s Urban Forestry Catastrophic Grants webpage.

For additional storm-damaged tree care resources, visit the DNR’s Tree Learning Center webpage.