City Engineering Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan
March 8, 2024 Update
Staff updated the Board of Public Works on March 7, 2024. Staff presented information from the Draft Public Engagement Report including the results of the online survey.
View past project updates »Project Details
Project Information
Project Overview
Stormwater ponds and greenways create a network of vegetated corridors throughout the city. These spaces contribute to both the environment and Madisonian's quality of life.
The purpose of this plan is to create a framework for sustainable and resilient vegetation management. The plan shall reflect anticipated climate change impacts and respond to community concerns. This plan is specific to maintenance and vegetation goals of existing and future stormwater utility land at a citywide scale. This plan shall be evidence-based, incorporate public input, use available data mapping. This plan shall also incorporate research related to ecology, stormwater, biodiversity, and climate. This plan is subject to public comment and will have a final acceptance by the Board of Public Works.
This is NOT a plan for specific construction projects. Construction projects typically have their own public engagement process. Additionally, this plan does not include lands managed by Parks Division or other city, county or state agencies.
Public Involvement
Development of this plan included front-end engagement with the public to identify larger issues, community perceptions, and priorities related to vegetation management. Information in this summary includes input received at:
- East Side: November 1 at Hawthorne Library at 5:00 PM located at 2707 E Washington Avenue, Madison, WI 53704.
- West Side: November 20th at Sequoya Library at 6:00 PM located at 4340 Tokay Blvd., Madison, WI 53711.
- Online Option: November 28, 2023 at 5:30 pm on Zoom.
- Online Survey
- January 24, 2024 – February 22, 2024 (results posted here)
- Table at Wisconsin Science Festival Science on the Square/ Madison Night Market Fusion: October 19, 2023.
- Table at Sustain Dane Annual Event: November 3, 2023
Sign up as a Volunteer Technical Expert!
As part of plan development, the city will be soliciting assistance from experts in the field of land management, stormwater engineering, climate change, conservation, native species, pollinators, water resources and other applicable topics.
We are seeking technical experts to volunteer to:
- Answer a technical questionnaire
- Participate in a Workshop
Please email ENLAND@cityofmadison.com if you are interested in either of these opportunities.
City Process, Meetings
- Board of Public Works: Aug. 23, 2023. City of Madison Engineering staff provided a draft framework for development of the Stormwater Utility Vegetation Management Plan.
- Board of Public Works: March 6, 2024. City of Madison Engineering will provide an update on the public engagement process and next steps.
Project Updates
The City will host three public listening sessions in November 2023. One in-person meeting on the west side, one in-person meeting on the east side, and an online zoom meeting. Register for these meetings below under "Public Involvement." These meetings are the first step in developing a draft plan.
