As I’m writing this, the eastern redbud has already ushered in spring with its ever-so-early, pinkish-purple bloom. For me, seeing the redbud blooms not only reminds me that spring is here, but also that our work as arborist in the industry is about to ramp up!
Like the redbud, the Southern Chapter also kicked off spring by pulling together another successful Conference and Tradeshow in Chattanooga, TN. The conference was a great achievement, with its impressive registration numbers, innovative exhibitors, and knowledable presenters. It was a great time to get together as arborists, not only to fraternize but to also prime ourselves for the growing season. The TCC again showcased our best tree-athletes; congratulations to our two champions, Shawn Welch and Maria Tranguch.
As we move into summer, you will see some changes to the Southern Chapter board. We have a couple of new state directors, Brian Pope from Arkansas and Dena Whitesides from South Carolina. We will deeply miss Patti Erwin and Sara Hollar as they rotate off the board.
Speaking of changes, this will unfortunately be my last “Message to the Membership” article, as I will now serve in my new role as the Past President. While this is somewhat sad to think about ending my term, it also brings joy thinking about the accomplishments that the board and its committees have made over the past year. The progress and commitment to serving our members will be in good hands, as our incoming president, Matt Searels, and president elect, Hallie Dozier, bring a lot a great experience and enthusiasm. They will do a great job.
Lastly, please be on the lookout for opportunities regarding certifications, TRAQ, WRRQ, tree decay workshops, and CEUs. You can also learn more about these topics by visiting the Southern Chapter website and our social media.
I am thrilled to be stepping in as your President for 2023! There have been so many people before me who have built this incredible Chapter. I intend to honor them by serving the Chapter in the best possible ways today to create future opportunities for us to thrive. I am committed to promoting responsible tree care practices and educating the public about the importance of trees in our communities.
I will continue to encourage the Membership Committee’s initiative to survey and learn from members to drive the greatest value in membership of this Chapter. I will continue to work with the Education Committee to provide education initiatives and bring high-quality, relevant trainings to your local communities. And I will support the Finance Committee to guide us towards an even better plan to fund the existing training programs, workshops, scholarships, Annual Conference, Tree Climbing Championship, and operating infrastructure, and to support a plan for new initiatives developed.
Some of you have already reached out to me directly to see how you can be involved. Thank you for your eagerness! I want to hear from many more of you! Your state representatives, Executive Committee, and I want to be involved with understanding your needs, your concerns, and how we can work together with the many volunteers to best help the great communities within ISA Southern Chapter.
by Skip Kincaid, Southern Chapter Executive Director
Whew ... another great conference is in the books. I hope those that were able to attend the 81st Annual Southern Chapter Conference and Trade Show in Chattanooga, Tennessee, learned a lot and enjoyed their stay in Tennessee! Many thanks to our conference and TCC exhibitors and sponsors!!
We also held the 41st Chapter Tree Climbing Championship in Chattanooga just before the conference. East Lake Park in Chattanooga was a great location for climbers to catch up, learn from each other, and compete! See Scott Winningham’s article in this edition of the newsletter. The TCC attracted several groups of elementary students from the nearby school, and two of the local television stations covered the event.
Our partnerships with other ISA chapters continue. Our third TRAQ virtual renewal course will be held on May 3 and we’ve busted down the virtual doors with record registration numbers. If you currently hold the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), check your expiration date and be sure to renew your credential using the convenient virtual option. Information can be found on the Chapter website. The virtual renewal courses will be offered four times a year.
Remember that you can always check out what’s happening in the Chapter and find workshops, webinars and other learning opportunities on the Chapter website
Check out the Southern Chapter’s online awards page for an impressive list of honorees, award criteria descriptions, and nomination form.
Award of Merit | Award of Achievement | Honorary Life Membership
Award for Excellence in Arboriculture Education
President’s Award | John G. Martin Award
Award of Arboricultural Research | Award for Excellence in Arboriculture
WHEN MOTHER NATURE IS AT HER WORST, ASPLUNDH IS AT ITS BEST. ASPLUNDH’S STORM COORDINATION TEAM MONITORS WEATHER SYSTEMS SO THAT PREPARATIONS ARE BEING MADE TO RESPOND, BEFORE WE RECEIVE THE CALL. ASPLUNDH HAS UNPARALLELED RESOURCES IN SKILLED MANPOWER AND SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT READY TO ASSIST AT ANY HOUR, DAY OR NIGHT.
by Scott Winningham, TCC Chair
The Southern Chapter held its 41st-annual TCC event the weekend of March 24-26 at Eastlake Park in Chattanooga Tennessee. This park, boasting a large pond surrounded by walking trails, play grounds, and many large oaks, hosted the preliminary events. A grove of 200+ year-old white and post oak trees was selected to host the Masters Challenge event on Sunday.
In attendance were 42 competitors, 30 from the Southern Chapter and 12 representing Texas, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, Maryland, Illinois, and Ohio. We had 45 volunteers from the Southern Chapter as well as from New York, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Illinois. Also in attendance were several vendors from the Trade Show that brought their equipment on-site for the Arbor Fair.
We held an awards ceremony on Saturday night and announced the winners of the preliminary events, as well as the finalists who were competing in the Masters Challenge. Gear and equipment was provided from various arborist supply companies and manufacturers and given as prizes to the winners. Several were generous with their winnings, giving them away as gifts to some of the other competitors, which was a true sign of sportsmanship.
The highlight of the evening was the dinner prepared by ISA Certified Arborist Jamie Montgomery, owner of Lagniappe Tree Works from Covington, Louisiana, and co-hosted by Altec. The meal was delicious and the group was pleased to share a homecooked meal with our extended Southern Chapter TCC family. It was a great day that concluded with an evening of friendship, fellowship, and comradery.
The Masters Challenge men’s division was comprised of Shawn Welch and Andre Duarte, North Carolina; Fletcher Harper, Alabama; and Michael Castle, Texas. Maria Tranguch and 2022 defending champion Nicole Harden, both from North Carolina, competed in the women’s Masters Challenge. The MC awards ceremony was held Sunday night at the opening reception of the conference. Shawn Welch and Maria Tranguch were announced as the Champions and will be representing the ISA Southern Chapter at the ITCC in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Congratulations to all who competed. Hope to see you in 2024!
Arborists and urban foresters know that the field of natural resources management has grown significantly during the past 30 years. Environmental challenges in forestry echo those of the green industry at large. The only constant is change and strong leadership in the green industry is needed more than ever.
The Green Communities Leadership Institute (GCLI) was created to meet this need. In the early days of the pandemic in 2020, urban forestry leaders–alongside others in the adjacent fields of natural resources and community planning–met virtually for over a year to craft and shape a leadership experience that could help mid-career professionals take their efforts to the next level.
“We wanted to create something for professionals who were already established leaders but who were also ready to advance further and kick things up a notch,” said Dr. Paul Ries, Director of the Graduate Certificate in Urban Forestry at Oregon State University.
Although there are many leadership trainings for green industry professionals such as the Municipal Forestry Institute and the ISA Leadership Workshop, none had yet been created for those further along in their career and for the broader natural resources and sustainability sectors beyond a focus on trees and urban forestry.
“Some colleagues and I saw the need for a higher-level opportunity that reached across the environmental field, so we reached out to connections who saw the same need and GCLI grew from there,” Ries added.
The idea continued to blossom with the establishment of GCLI’s Core Leadership Team, a shared leadership group of crosssector volunteers from across the country. The team changes a bit from year-to-year by design and includes representatives of business, academia, nonprofit, and governmental sectors from the fields of urban forestry to fisheries management to diversity, equity, and inclusion to urban natural resources management, and more.
The GCLI uses a cohort model, whereby participants apply for slots in the program and are expected to learn from each other as well as from the content and the instructors. The GCLI sessions take place between January and March of each year, and include asynchronous online learning, live webinars, and a three-day faceto-face session. The curriculum follows a multi-tiered approach focusing on expanding personal leadership influence, expanding to organizational impact, and culminating with community-wide leadership and growth. Over the course of the GCLI, the cohort members are exposed to the thoughts and teachings of
more than 30 different instructors. But even with these many and varied presenters, a major focus of the GCLI is the cohort interconnectedness.
“The magic of the GCLI lies within the cohort members themselves and the connections they make with one another along the way,” said Core Leadership Team member Dana Karcher, Project Developer at Davey Resource Group, Inc. “We intentionally and purposefully build in shared learning experiences, networking opportunities, and space for personal growth.”
The inaugural 2022 cohort included diverse professionals hailing from Massachusetts, California, Georgia, Washington, Texas, Minnesota, and beyond. The backgrounds and professional interests of the cohort members were diverse as well, and included a fisheries biologist, a climate scientist, nonprofit organization executives, and natural resource extension staff, as well as arborists and urban foresters. Hosted by Oregon State University (OSU) in Corvallis, Oregon, the 2022 face-to-face session featured Vicki Christiansen, retired Chief of the US Forest Service, and regional speakers including community organizers and planning and parks and recreation directors from cities in the Pacific Northwest.
“It was such a great experience to be part of the GCLI because it changed the course of my career into a completely different direction. I have a consulting business, which is growing, and I also have a tree-planting organization nonprofit which has absolutely taken off because GCLI gave me the courage to know that I could do both, and that I could be successful in both of these endeavors,” said 2022 GCLI alum Lisa Ortega of Great Basin Sage Consulting, LLC, and the nonprofit Nevada Plants.
The 2023 cohort included Southern Chapter ISA past president Kasey Krouse and participants hailing from Vermont to Hawaii. The cohort met in-person at the University of Tennessee (UT) in Knoxville, and included many leaders from local institutions such as UT and the Knoxville mayor’s office. ISA CEO Caitlyn Pollihan was one of the instructors for this session, and she shared her experiences managing organizational change and thoughts on innovation and strategy. Consultant Charlotte King, a long-time communications and outreach expert who has worked with urban forestry professionals for decades, challenged the cohort members to improve their efforts to engage diverse communities.
The application window for the next cohort opens this summer. Learn more at greencommunitiesleadership.org, and follow the Institute on Twitter (@@GCLInstitute) and on LinkedIn
What is killing my tree? If you suspect herbicides, then experts at most of our state universities are available to help. Begin by taking digital photos and describe the types of damage you see. Include surrounding vegetation and note any damage or non-damage. Also provide information on any herbicide applications nearby. With this information contact your local university Extension office.
Expertise within the Extension system will help you make a herbicide damage diagnosis. For more information, see publication by Dr. Brady Self at Mississippi State University. This publication will help you gather this needed information and outline ways to accurately document vegetation damage.
An old friend and colleague of mine, Doug Still, who lives and works in the northeast has started a program called, “This Old Tree.” Doug narrates the stories of unique and important trees. In this episode, Doug tells the story of the Birthing Tree in McMinnville, Tennessee. The piece runs about 50 minutes and it is well worth your time to listen to the story unfold.
The Birthing Tree is a magnificent tree that is associated with a major part of our history, the westward expansion also known as Manifest Destiny. This tree is on a small parcel of land owned by the City of McMinnville. All visitors are welcome.
The Spectacular Lioncrest Room
Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC
APRIL 27-28, 2023
7:30-5:00pm each day
Contrary to whatever you think is currently notable in the world of arboriculture, the most important annual event just wrapped up in March, with a surprising winner having their one shining moment. That’s right, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) dominated the Ahuehuete/Montezuma Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum) to emerge victorious in the annual Larch Madness tournament hosted by Facebook group, Phytomemetics
It was a difficult road to the championship for the extremophile survivor, with upsets against Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), defending champion Sequoia sempervirens, the Cacao tree (Theobroma cacao), and their bracket’s number 1 seed Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides). Experience was key for this tree to weathering the fierce competition; one specimen, Methuselah, has been estimated at 4,800 years old making it possibly the oldest non-clonal organism on earth.
This year’s tournament featured some stunning upsets, such as the King Fern (Angiopteris evecta) (A FERN!) taking down the mighty Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) and eventually making it to the Elite Eight before being crushed by the weight of the Giant Sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum).
I sat down with Nick, the storied event’s founder and ISA certified arborist, to get his insights into how this tournament of trees came to be and get his opinions on the future of tree-based competitions of supremacy.
Chris: Thanks for taking the time to speak with me. First off, what was the inspiration, and what about tree/plant subculture made you think people would be drawn to it?
Nick: There were a few points of inspiration for Larch Madness. Obviously, the NCAA basketball tourney is a big one, but besides that I’d seen the engagement that a few different groups and pages I follow were having and knowing our group I figured people would be about it. I know there’s a lot of passionate people in the group who really care about plants; there’s so much emotion tied up in plants, either from people’s past (cough Tulip Poplar cough) or the ones they care for or love to eat. I was pretty confident people would have a bunch of fun with it.
C: Did you expect the level of response?
N: Yes and no. I expected to get a decent number of reaction votes, but I wasn’t fully prepared for how heavy the comments would get with people supporting or opposing (especially opposing!) various trees. It felt like last year we got a lot more surface level participation. There were definitely more votes on average per poll matchup last year than this year, but it feels like the people who participated REALLY participated. Like, dived in headfirst.
C: What brought you the most satisfaction?
N: Honestly, the most satisfying thing is seeing other people get joy (or in some cases the opposite) from something I put a lot of effort into. Setting up the polls and the bracket is a heavy lift on the front end but it’s so worth it to see how it lands on the group and watch people get into it. I also really like being a heel in the comments, and picking a few specific, popular trees to just antagonize for fun.
C: What does the future hold for Larch Madness?
N: I’ve got plans, and I’m already looking forward to 2024. One of the things that consistently bums me out is the North American and Western European bias. Last year I just opened a poll at the start to get submissions from the group and it definitely skewed the trees that were in the bracket. We tried to compensate this year by scraping the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) database for the most commonly referenced tree species but that had drawbacks too - mostly a bias towards economic value and the inclusion of some plants that are questionable trees. I think next year I’m gonna do open polls again but organized by continent to ensure representation. No matter what, I feel obligated to keep running it for the people who enjoy it, and also because I just love doing it.
So, whether your favorite tree dominated this year, or you’re left with a shattered bracket like many of us were, I know we’ll all be looking forward to next year’s tourney. To look at a detailed breakdown of how the various matchups transpired, simply search #larchmadness on Facebook and scroll through some epic battles and the impassioned pleas of the various supporters of these wonderful organisms. And if you’re a fan of plant-based memes, joining the group will not be the worst mistake you make this year. That honor goes to any of the trolls who voted for Pyrus calleryana, which was deservedly trounced.
by Grace Holland, Auburn University
When colonists arrived in America, they began cutting the seemingly endless forests with reckless abandon to build houses, wagons, and other comforts. In response to the rapid deforestation, townsfolk began intentionally planting trees, with the first planting on record in 1686. The late 18th century was named the “village improvement era” as individuals took action to make their towns look better by planting trees and maintaining urban landscapes. Philadelphia hired its first arborist in 1896, widely considered to be the first urban forester in the U.S. In the early 1800s there were efforts to improve cemeteries by designing them to resemble parks, which protected the trees within since they were on sacred grounds. Private societies also started to form around this time to organize individual efforts towards large, town-wide projects. City forestry associations and conservation groups created a legacy that led to what we now consider urban forestry.
The new era of industrialization brought public health concerns from increased pollution and higher population density. As a result, there was a push for urban tree planting and public parks which created an urban forestry movement. Women took much responsibility in the beautifying or “greening” of their cities since botany and gardening were deemed feminine sciences and activities. Making a city clean and livable was seen as an extension of housekeeping. Women, often those in higher society, would advocate, fundraise, and care for the plants in public spaces. In the new century, private businesses also realized the importance of trees with some like the Bartlett family investing in research. Nebraska celebrated the first arbor day in 1872 and many states followed with their own arbor days until it was declared a national holiday nearly a century later in 1970. The ISA and the Society of American Foresters (SAF) helped propel efforts in the early twentieth century by building professionalism and supporting research in the urban forest.
As cities became dense centers of political capital, governmental agencies sought to please the urbanites. In 1965, President Johnson held a Conference on Natural Beauty in which he spoke of the inherent value of nature and the need for conservation as well as the threat urbanization posed on the land. He advocated for bringing nature into cities so children and adults alike may benefit from it and urged local, state, and federal agencies to help their citizens. In the same year, Professor Erik Jorgensen coined the term “urban forestry” to describe the practice of managing trees within city limits. Soon after in 1978 the U.S Forest Service provided funding to state agencies and nongovernmental organizations to increase research into the topic. President Bush also enacted the America the Beautiful program with the 1990 Farm Act creating a National Tree Trust, a National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, and the Urban and Community Forestry Assistance program, which provides funding to this day.
Urban forestry is a growing field! Initially, research into urban forestry remained relatively low. The 1970s saw some increase, but since the turn of the century research in urban forestry has been booming. Last year, Southern University and A&M College’s Urban Forestry Degree Program became the first in the nation to be accredited by the SAF and the Southern Association of Colleges and School. Also last year, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed which allocated $1.5 billion towards funding equitable tree cover in urban areas through the U.S. Forest Service’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. With this investment, America can make its way towards a cleaner, greener, and more equitable future.
With National Arbor Day approaching, now is a good time to look around at your local city trees and appreciate all the people who saw the value in keeping American cities green despite deforestation and urban development, from the settlers who began it all to the arborists who carry on the work today.
Check out all the new CEU opportunities listed in the next few pages of this publication. This list is kept current on the Southern Chapter website as well. Save the site to your “favorites” as an easy access portal for events and registration information. If you know of opportunities we haven’t listed, please share! Email skincaid@isasouthern.org and we’ll get it posted. While many of the face-to-face workshops and conferences have been canceled, we have worked hard to partner with organizations to be sure you get a wide range of opportunities to stay sharp. This list contains upcoming events that we are aware of. All the courses and conferences listed provide opportunities to earn ISA CEUs that help you maintain your ISA certifications. ISA is also offering no cost quizzes for articles to give you more opportunities to earn CEUs.
TREE Fund
Urban Forestry Today
Forestry Webinars
Urban Forest Connections USDA Forest Service
Utility Arborist Association
North Carolina Urban Forest Council
Arborjet Webinars
Professional Arborists Association of MS (PAAM)
Alabama Extension
Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements Webinars
Educational Events
April 20, 2023
11:00am-noon Central
WEBINAR:
Most events are approved for ISA CEUs. Check each registration site for details.
April 27, 2023
Noon-1:00pm Central
WEBINAR: Tough Trees for Tough Sites
What to Expect with Urban Tree Pests in 2023
Instructor: Dr. Katie Kilborne
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council has great monthly webinars! Join Dr Kilborne to get a jump on pests for 2023! Information available HERE
April 27-28, 2023
8:30am-5:00pm Eastern
ONLY A FEW SPOTS LEFT - REGISTER SOON
Tree Biomechanics - Tree Decay Testing Workshop
Lioncrest Ballroom at the Biltmore, Asheville, NC Instructors: Dr. Chris Luley and Frank Rinn
This is a premier event! These two are recognized as THE experts in the world of tree decay, decay assessment, decay testing. A great combination for two full days of absorbing some great knowledge from two masters. Lodging is available at Village Hotel at Biltmore for $199 until March 28 or until the block sells out. Hotel reservations can be made by calling (866) 779-6277 M-F btw 8:30-5:00 and referencing ISA Southern. A light breakfast, coffee, and lunch will be provided each day. More information and registration available HERE.
Instructor: Krista Quinn
The Arkansas Urban Forestry Council has a couple of great webinars set up over the next couple of months! This episode addresses tree selection topics for arborists. Information available HERE
May 1-3, 2023
Executive Arborist Workshop
Francis Marion Hotel
Charleston, SC
Tree care professionals are invited to attend the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) Executive Arborist Workshop in Charleston, South Carolina, from May 1-3, 2023. This event is a great opportunity for tree care workers to cultivate their business growth, create a positive company culture and learn how to build and educate their workforce. Participants will grow their network, join in educational sessions, and learn from other business owners in industry roundtables. More information and registration available HERE.
May 3, 2023
TRAQ Renewal VIRTUAL Course
8:00am - 3:00pm Eastern
Class is full - Registration Closed
May 18, 2023
11:00am-noon Central
WEBINAR: When (and how to) Hire an Arborist
Instructor: Skip Kincaid
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council has great monthly webinars! This episode covers the classic topic of how and why to hire an arborist. Skip will include information valuable to current ISA Certified Arborists that may help them to promote the value of their credential. Information available HERE
May 18, 2023
Noon-1:00pm Central
WEBINAR: Hazardous Trees ID and Management
Instructor: Krista Quinn
Another webinar offering in the Arkansas Urban Forestry Council series. This episode addresses a topic we can all use: hazardous trees. Information available HERE.
June 15, 2023
WEBINAR: How Trees Really Work
Instructor: Dr. Jennifer Franklin
11:00am-noon Central
The Tennessee Urban Forestry Council has great monthly webinars! This episode covers the true story of how trees work. Information available HERE.
Southern Chapter Memorial Scholarship Program categories
n 4-year college student scholarship: $2,000
n 2-year or community college student scholarship: $2,000
n Master’s degree student travel scholarship: up to $2,000 to attend the SCISA or ISA Conference
Each applicant is responsible for all of the following materials being received by the Scholarship Selection Committee on or before May 1 of the year of the award:
n Completed and sign a scholarship application form;
n Letter of recommendation from a faculty member in the college/university;
n An official transcript(s) of courses and grades covering a period of at least one full academic year just prior to applying for this scholarship; and
n A letter (no more than one page) from the applicant to the Scholarship Selection Committee describing personal background, major accomplishments, and educational and professional goals.
July 22, 2023
CANOPY CLASS: Speed-lining & Trolley + Advanced Rigging Morganton, NC
Instructors: Megan Bujnowski, Almon Cox, Anthony Williams
9:00am-3:00pm Eastern
The good folks at Burke Outdoor are presenting four Canopy Class sessions this year (see additional dates listed) with a great line up of instructors. This class will focus on speed-lining and trolley and advanced rigging. Proudly sponsored in part by the Southern Chapter. Information and registration available HERE
August 2, 2023
TRAQ Renewal VIRTUAL Course (on-line)
8am - 3pm Eastern
This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information about deadlines/refunds/ cancellations can be found on the Southern Chapter website.
Click HERE to Register for August 2 Renewal Course
(Closes July 2)
August 21, 2023
TRAQ Renewal Course (live)
8:00am - 5:00pm Eastern
This is a live, one-day renewal course and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information about deadlines/refunds/cancellations can be found on the Southern Chapter website If class has filled, you can send us an email and ask to be placed on a waiting list. Email the Southern Chapter
FOR THE ONE-DAY LIVE RENEWAL
August 22-23, 2023
TRAQ Full Course
City of Charlotte
Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the full course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the either course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information can be found on the Southern Chapter website at https://www.isasouthern.org/traq-events
October 13, 2023
8:00am-3:00pm Eastern
Foundational Skills
Boone, NC
Instructors: Martineau, Kish, Fair
This all day workshop is presented by the North Carolina Urban Forest Council and will cover many of the basic skills needed by arborists working with trees. Information and registration available HERE.
October 14, 2023
9:00am-3:00pm Eastern
CANOPY CLASS:
Stop the Bleed, Technical Felling, Chipper Safety
Morganton, NC
Instructors: Megan Bujnowski, Almon Cox, and Tyler Upton
The good folks at Burke Outdoor are presenting four Canopy Class sessions this year (see additional dates listed) with a great line up of instructors. This class will focus on stop the bleed, technical felling, and chipper safety. Proudly sponsored in part by the Southern Chapter. Information and registration available HERE
November 1, 2023 TRAQ Renewal
VIRTUAL Course (online)
8:00am - 3:00pm Eastern
This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. The course fee includes all fees for the course and exams. After you attend the course, ISA will send you information about completing the exam process. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information about deadlines/refunds/ cancellations can be found on the Southern Chapter website
Click HERE to Register for November 1 Renewal Course (Closes October 1)
More than 50 years ago, we published This We Believe, a safety declaration that focused on the well-being of our people, families, and communities. It established safety as a value in our culture, not a mere priority or slogan, and defined safety as a moral obligation that is everyone’s responsibility. This we still believe.
Learn about Davey’s commitment to safety by scanning the code.
“Safety is a VALUE. If someone classifies it as a priority, I believe they may be in the wrong line of work.”
Joshua Pressley, Account Manager
The U.S. government has announced the availability of $1 billion in grants to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in urban and community forests where more than 84% of Americans live, work and play. The announcement is part of the Investing in America agenda and the federal administration’s work to build a clean energy economy, advance environmental justice, and create economic opportunity in communities across the country.
Along with the open grant funding opportunity, the
USDA Forest Service is providing up to $250 million to states and territories to further local efforts to support urban communities through equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide. The funding for state and territory forestry agencies will be administered as subgrants to reach disadvantaged communities, as determined by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. A detailed breakdown of funding awards by state and territory is available here
The Advisory Council for Urban and Community Forestry of Puerto Rico Inc. (CAFUCPR), the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) and the Interna�onal Ins�tute of Tropical Forestry of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, announce the availability of funds under the Urban and Community Forestry Program (PFUC) for the development of projects that promote the responsible management of urban ecosystems.
Government agencies, municipali�es, educa�onal ins�tu�ons, and nonprofit corpora�ons may submit proposals. Projects may be submi�ed by communi�es or en��es with collabora�ve agreements with the DNER and this does not imply an advantage of compe��veness. DNER staff will not par�cipate in the selec�on of the proposals. For this cycle, proposals in the range of five thousand dollars to twenty thousand dollars ($5,000- $20,000), that meet at least one of the following programma�c priori�es will be considered:
1. Foresta�on and restora�on projects in urban areas:
a. emphasis on plants and trees that represent benefits for pollinators.
2. Reforesta�on strategies for the conserva�on of water resources and watersheds.
3. Educa�onal campaigns on the importance of urban reforesta�on and its rela�onship to the effects of climate change: a. Climate change will aggravate the impacts of hurricanes, extreme heat events, droughts, pests, floods and fires, among other disturbances that affect forests and ci�es.
b. Encourage tree plan�ng in urban and community areas.
4. Crea�on of management plans in public and private areas (excludes areas under the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources):
a. Many of the areas with urban trees, such as parks and urban forests, do not have management plans. It is necessary to work with organiza�ons in the development of management plans and strategies for the protec�on and sustainable use of forest resources.
Applicants are encouraged to jus�fy how their project advances the priori�es and strategies outlined in the Puerto Rico forest resources planning document en�tled “Puerto Rico Forest Ac�on Plan 2021”, available on the DNER website: h�ps://www.drna.pr.gov/documentos/planes-de-manejo/puerto-rico-forest-ac�on-plan-2021/
For more informa�on on the proposal submission process, you may request a Proposal Prepara�on Informa�on Sheet by contac�ng Ms. Astrid J. Green, Urban Forestry and Communi�es Program Coordinator at (787) 999-2200, extension 5417 or agreen@drna.pr.gov
The deadline for submi�ng proposals is May 30, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. The proposal (one original, three paper copies and one electronic copy) may be hand delivered to the DNER Secretary’s Office or mailed to:
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
ATTN: Astrid J. Green-Cáceres San José Industrial Park 1375 Ponce de León Ave. San Juan, Puerto Rico 00926
Proposals received by mail will be used to verify compliance with the deadline date and �me indicated on the postmark.
Proposals sent by e-mail will not be accepted.
Interested par�es may par�cipate in the free orienta�on workshops on funding applica�on requirements that will be held:
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
5:00pm
Department of Natural and Environmental Resources
San José Industrial Park
1375 Ponce de León Ave.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Tel. (787) 999-2200 Ext. 5417
Thursday, April 27, 2023
5:00PM
Remote mode (Microso� Teams)
Tel. (787) 999-2200 Ext. 5417
It is important to confirm your a�endance to the workshops by wri�ng to the e-mail address agreen@drna.pr.gov.
CAFUCPR is an advisory body, as provided by the Coopera�ve Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended, which recommends to the DNER the programma�c priori�es to be addressed by the PFUC. CAFUCPR collaborates in the process of no�fying the availability of funds and evaluates and selects the proposals, with recommenda�ons from DNER staff.
PFUC funds come from the United States Department of Agriculture, through the Interna�onal Ins�tute of Tropical Forestry and are administered by the DNER in Puerto Rico.
Among the objec�ves of the PFUC are to encourage the par�cipa�on of communi�es in the management and conserva�on of urban ecosystems, so priority will be given to those projects promoted by community groups or involving their ac�ve par�cipa�on.
CONVOCATORIA PARA SOMETER PROPUESTAS PFUC
El Consejo Asesor para la Forestación Urbana y de Comunidades de Puerto Rico Inc., (CAFUCPR), el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales (DRNA) y el Ins�tuto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical del Servicio Forestal del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, anuncian la disponibilidad de fondos bajo el Programa de Forestación Urbana y de Comunidades (PFUC), para el desarrollo de proyectos que promuevan el manejo responsable de los ecosistemas urbanos. Las agencias gubernamentales, municipios, ins�tuciones educa�vas y corporaciones sin fines de lucro, pueden someter propuestas. Podrán presentar propuestas comunidades o en�dades, que �enen acuerdos de colaboración en áreas naturales protegidas con el DRNA, esto no implica preferencia alguna en la selección. El personal del DRNA no par�cipa en la selección de las propuestas some�das.
Para este ciclo se considerarán propuestas en el rango de cinco mil a veinte mil dólares ($5,000-$20,000), que cumplan con al menos una de las siguientes prioridades programá�cas:
1. Proyectos de forestación y restauración en áreas urbanas:
a. énfasis en plantas y árboles que representan beneficios para polinizadores.
2. Estrategias de reforestación para la conservación de los recursos hídricos y de las cuencas hidrográficas.
3. Campañas educa�vas sobre la importancia de la reforestación urbana y su relación con los efectos del cambio climá�co:
a. El cambio climá�co agravará los impactos de los huracanes, eventos de calor extremo, las sequías, las plagas, las inundaciones y los incendios, entre otras perturbaciones que afectan a los bosques y las ciudades.
b. Fomentar la siembra de árboles en áreas urbanas y comunitarias.
4. Creación de planes de manejo en áreas públicas y privadas (excluye áreas bajos el Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales):
a. Muchas de las áreas con árboles urbanos, como parques y bosques urbanos, no �enen planes de manejo. Es necesario trabajar con las organizaciones en el desarrollo de planes de ges�ón y estrategias para la protección y el uso sostenible de los recursos forestales.
Se exhorta a los solicitantes a jus�ficar, cómo su proyecto adelanta las prioridades y estrategias esbozadas en el documento de planificación sobre los recursos forestales de Puerto Rico �tulado “Puerto Rico Forest Action Plan 2021” disponible en la página ciberné�ca del DRNA: h�ps://www.drna.pr.gov/documentos/planes-de-manejo/puerto-rico-forest-ac�on-plan-2021/ Si desea más información sobre el proceso de presentación de propuestas, puede solicitar la hoja informa�va sobre la preparación de propuestas poniéndose en contacto con la Sra. Astrid J. Green, Coordinadora del Programa de Forestación Urbana y Comunidades, al número de teléfono (787) 999-2200, extensión 5417 o en la dirección de correo electrónico agreen@drna.pr.gov
La fecha y hora límite para radicar propuestas es el 30 de mayo de 2023 a las 4:00 p.m. La propuesta (original y tres copias en papel y una electrónica) pueden ser entregadas a la mano en la Oficina de Secretaría del DRNA o enviarla por correo a: Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
ATTN: Astrid J. Green-Cáceres San José Industrial Park 1375 Ave. Ponce de León San Juan Puerto Rico 00926
Las propuestas recibidas por correo, se u�lizará para verificar que cumpla con la fecha y hora límite indicada en el matasello. No se aceptarán propuestas enviadas por correo electrónico.
Los interesados pueden par�cipar de los talleres de orientación libre de costo, sobre los requisitos para la solicitud de fondos, que se llevarán a cabo:
1. Miércoles, 26 de abril de 2023
5:00pm
Salón Auditorio 4to piso
Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
Sector El Cinco Carretera 8838, Km. 6.3 Río Piedras, Puerto Rico 00936
Tel. (787) 999-2200 ext. 5417
2. Jueves, 27 de abril de 2023
5:00pm
Modalidad remota (Microso� Teams)
Tel. (787) 999-2200 ext. 5417
Es importante confirmar su par�cipación a los talleres a la siguiente dirección de correo electrónico: agreen@drna.pr.gov. CAFUCPR es un organismo asesor, tal como lo dispone la Ley de Asistencia para Forestación Cooperativa de 1978, según enmendada (Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978, as amended) que recomienda al DRNA las prioridades programá�cas a atenderse por el PFUC. El CAFUCPR colabora en el proceso de no�ficar la disponibilidad de fondos y evalúa y selecciona las propuestas, con recomendaciones del personal de DRNA.
Los fondos del PFUC provienen del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos, a través del Ins�tuto Internacional de Dasonomía Tropical y son administrados por el DRNA en Puerto Rico.
Entre los obje�vos del PFUC están el fomentar la par�cipación de las comunidades en el manejo y conservación de los ecosistemas urbanos, por lo que se dará prioridad a aquellos proyectos promovidos por inicia�va de grupos comunitarios o que incorporen la par�cipación ac�va de éstos.
Anaïs Rodríguez Vega Secretary Department of Natural and EnvironmentalThe US Department
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Anaïs Rodríguez Vega Secretaria Departamento de Recursos Naturales y Ambientales
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