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Bob Skiera Inducted in to Hall of Fame
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information
Sonia Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
Bob Skiera First Urban Forester in the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame
CHAMPAIGN, IL ((October 23, 2006)- -Robert (Bob) W. Skiera became the first urban forester to be inducted into the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame. The former Milwaukee City Forester was nominated by the Department of Natural Resources as a result of accomplishments spanning a 50-year career in urban forestry. As one of the most prominent and influential municipal tree managers of the 20th Century, Skiera was a major force in the profession of urban forestry.
The posthumous honor was accepted by his family on October 19, 2006. "Dad would have been extremely pleased to accept this honor, not on his own behalf but for the Profession of Urban Forestry," expressed his son Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture. He also acknowledged that if accepting the award himself his father would have replied, "This recognition is mine to share with the people who have advanced urban forestry to where it is today. We have come a long way but there is much more to do. There are many that thought this day would never come, don't let them stop you from realizing your dream. Urban forestry is real forestry".
Appointed Milwaukee City Forester in 1973, Skiera held the position until 1990 when he entered private practice as an urban forestry consultant. As city forester his leadership led to many accomplishments. Milwaukee acquired the first computerized tree inventory program, and one of the early tree management programs. The city also earned a Tree City USA designation early on in 1979.
Bob Skiera recognized the valuable services trees provide as part of a city's infrastructure. He understood the need to develop partnerships not only with citizens, but with policy makers and public works departments. "His firm grasp of both technical and organizational complexities, unrivalled communication skills, and deep sense of dedication to his profession made all the difference in building a strong arboricultural base in Wisconsin," R. Bruce Allison, Allison Tree Care, Inc.
With a passion for urban forestry education, Skiera actively involved himself with universities and industry organizations. Whether serving as an advisor or adjunct instructor, he effectively shared his knowledge with citizens, children, and aspiring urban forestry students.
Skiera's organization affiliations included serving in 1979 as President of the Wisconsin Arborist Association of which he became an honorary life member in 1991. His leadership reputation led him to the presidency of the International Society of Arboriculture in 1988. And he was also active with the American Forests conservation organization serving on the board and as a vice president.
The Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame was founded in 1984 by public and private forestry organizations to recognize individuals who have contributed significantly to the practice and progress of forestry in Wisconsin. Visit the Wisconsin Forestry Hall of Fame under history at www.wisconsinforestry.org.
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