Chambana Sun

The Illinois Forestry Development Board has named city of Urbana arborist Michael Brunk as its new councilman.

In his new position, Brunk will make recommendations about how federal funding for urban forestry should be distributed. He will interact with council members representing woodland owners, farmers, the forest/wood products industry, the Legislature, the governor’s office, state and federal agencies, and environmental groups.

“Trees attract people, which attracts business, both of which attract tax dollars to the city,” Brunk said. 

Brunk's biggest challenge today in Urbana -- as it is throughout Illinois -- is battling the Emerald Ash Borer infestation and its threatened destruction of the ash tree population.