Madison MGO 10.055 allows Landmark Tree designation based on size, species, or historical significance. Listed trees cannot be removed without Landmarks Commission approval. Dane County has no formal heritage tree program. State champion trees are tracked by DNR but lack regulatory protection.
Madison General Ordinances 10.055 establishes a Landmark Tree program administered by the Parks Division and Landmarks Commission. Trees may be designated based on diameter (typically 30+ inches DBH), species rarity, age, or historical or cultural significance. Designation requires owner consent and provides legal protection against removal or significant pruning without Landmarks Commission approval. Construction near Landmark Trees must include root-zone protection meeting ANSI A300 standards. Dane County, Sun Prairie, Fitchburg, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton, and Monona do not maintain formal heritage tree ordinances. The Wisconsin DNR's Champion Tree program (Wis. Stat. §28.03) tracks record-size trees by species but offers recognition only, not regulatory protection. Bur oak, white oak, and eastern white pine specimens of exceptional age are common Landmark candidates in Dane County due to the region's historic oak savanna ecosystem.
Unauthorized removal of Landmark Tree: $1,000 to $10,000 per tree plus replacement cost at full appraised value. Damage during construction: $500 to $5,000 plus remediation under MGO 10.055.
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See how Dane County's heritage & protected trees rules stack up against other locations.
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