WINTER 2019 ISSUE
S O U T H E R N C H A P T E R O F T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L S O C I E T Y O F A R B O R I C U LT U R E
ISA
S UTHERN
Team Effort at Emory see story on page 10
AM_ISA_ jan 2019v2.qxp_Valued 1/4/19 4:32 PM Page 1
We know that you are dedicated to delivering effective and efficient forestry programs. That means we also understand that investing in our people results in supporting you and your vegetation management operation. AT ARBORMETRICS, THE SLOGAN
“PEOPLE ARE OUR POWER” IS MORE THAN JUST WORDS.
w w w. A R B O R M E T R I C S . c o m PAGE 2
SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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Message from the President
by Beau Brodbeck
At the September Executive Board Meeting, Dwayne Carter expressed his wish to retire from his position as Executive Director of the Southern Chapter ISA in 2019. This news, while surprising, is also understandable when you consider that Dwayne has been our Executive Director for 28 years. We certainly have some big shoes to fill as Dwayne and the rest of the staff at Carter Utilities have done an outstanding job growing the Chapter to where we are today. The Executive Board is planning to have a new Executive Director in place by June. Dwayne has graciously offered to stay until we hire and train that person. As a result, we are expecting a smooth transition and do not anticipate any interruptions in services. Furthermore, Dwayne is leaving the Southern Chapter in a strong financial position. We have formed an Executive Director Search Committee composed of the Southern Chapter Executive Board as well as three outside advisors who will bring unique skill sets and diverse geographical and professional backgrounds to the process. The search committee is composed of Beau Brodbeck, Southern Chapter President; Jimmy Walters, Southern Chapter President-Elect; Jason Gordon, Southern Chapter Vice President; Billy Kelly, Southern Chapter Past President; David Vandergrift, Southern Chapter Core Representative; Michella Huff, Southern Chapter Treasurer; John Balcomb, Utility Arborist with Georgia Power; Tom Wolf, ISA International Board Member and VP with Davy Resource Group; and John Giedraitis, Executive Director of the ISA Texas Chapter.
We are developing a scope of work, outlining an interview process, and will shortly begin advertising the position. Look for postings on the Chapter’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/ SouthernChapterISA, and our website, www.isasouthern.org. The goal of this committee is to oversee the job search process, candidate interviews, and ultimately present a recommendation for the full board’s review and approval. While we will miss the leadership that Dwayne and Carter Utilities have provided the Southern Chapter, we should view this process as an opportunity to continue to grow and expand in new directions. Change is never easy; I am confident, however, that we will successfully find a qualified new Executive Director. Please feel free to call or email me with any questions. Call for ISA Southern Chapter Award Nominations We hope you’ll consider nominating an individual for one of the awards offered by the Southern Chapter. This is a great opportunity to nominate a colleague, fellow arborist, or community member whose work merits recognition. To learn more about available awards and to download the nomination from, visit our website at www.isasouthern.org/awards/. Please submit the nomination form no later than Friday, March 8, 2019, to the Chapter office at dcarter@isasouthern. org. If you have any questions please call the Chapter office at (888) 339-8733.
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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Project WINGS
by John Trussell
submitted by Nancy Beckemeyer, GA Director
Plant it and they will come is the wish of every hunter who sticks a seed in the ground. Work hard in planning, planting, and managing a game food plot, then maybe your cost and sweat will pay off in increased sightings and harvest of game animals on your property. In the movie, Field of Dreams, actor Kevin Costner thought if he built a baseball field next to a corn patch, the baseball stars of his dreams would magically appear, and the biggest baseball game of all time would take place. Here in the real world, getting a It’s obvious that Project WINGS is a team effort! L to R: NRCS District Conservationist Marcus good game food plot up and growing is a very real Griffin; landowner Gary McCormick; Two Rivers RC&D Executive Director Lance Renfrow; Georgia Power Utility Arborist Senior Scott Dawson; Tyronda Richardson with Meag Power; Sylvia Harris possibility with a little planning and work. One of the best programs out there for hunters to with Taylor County NRCS; and Byron Benton, NRCS soil conservationist. consider is Project WINGS, the acronym for “Wildlife transform rights-of-way into productive wildlife habitat, ensuring Incentives for Non-Game and Game Species.” It is a rights-ofhealthier wildlife populations while providing the safe and way management campaign designed to create new wildlife lands efficient delivery of energy to more than 10.5 million Georgians. along gas and electrical transmission lines. It offers cash grants and Cooperating agencies include Georgia Power/Southern Company, professional wildlife management advice to groups and individuals Georgia DNR, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, Georgia committed to rights-of-way brush control and habitat improvement. Forestry Commission, and others. WINGS is a Georgia success story for both residents and wildlife, Project WINGS is a big success in Taylor County, and landowner available to landowners, lessees, and hunting clubs. Gary McCormick highly recommends it to anyone with large power These rights-of-way corridors vary from 50-500 feet in width, lines on their property. Gary has been enrolled in the WINGS cover thousands of acres, and must be managed to prevent program for several years and considers it a very positive incentive undesirable growth that could interfere with the normal delivery continued on page 6 of power. Project WINGS is important because it helps people
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
Asplundh manages the unexpected and safely helps restore service. We’re there when you need us most with the resources that make even the worst storms manageable, including: n
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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Project WINGS
continued from page 4
to properly manage his land for maximum wildlife benefits. He is an avid hunter but he also gets much enjoyment and satisfaction from watching deer, turkey, and other wildlife thrive on his land. Planting food plots with wheat, oats, clover, winter peas, and other green browse is a great way to provide natural food and ensure healthy game populations. Grant awards are based on the amount of rights-ofway to be managed. Landowners, leaseholders, hunting clubs, wildlife organizations and others committed to the conversion and management of electrical transmission rights-of-way may apply for a grant. These grants are only for the largest highpower transmission lines; smaller, singlepole lines that only serve small areas are not eligible. Grant recipients have a three-year obligation to follow accepted wildlife practices and prevent the growth of tall brush. The NRCS develops the plan once participants select options from a menu of typical wildlife management practices. The applicants can perform the work themselves as long as the practice is included in the wildlife management plan prepared by the NRCS. For more information, visit www.tworiversrcd.org. Grants are offered May 15 - July 15 each year. Plant it, and they will come!
There are two other related conservation programs that may interest you if you desire to gain the most benefit from your land and preserve wildlife. The Georgia Tree Farm program recognizes landowners who are managing their land well. As a certified Tree Farm, a landowner receives the American Tree Farmer magazine, a certificate, and the familiar green and white Tree Farm sign to display on their property, as well as periodic visits by professional foresters to help the landowners keep their forests productive. A closely related program is the Georgia Forestry Stewardship program. A forest stewardship management plan can be provided to landowners interested in managing their forestland for multipleuse purposes, such as timber, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, aesthetics, and soil and water conservation. This is a detailed and comprehensive management plan written by natural resource professionals with backgrounds in forestry, wildlife biology, soil science, and recreation management. Landowners with an interest in multiple-use management begin by completing an application which details their interests and objectives. The resource professional responsible for constructing the plan will evaluate the property and develop a management program to help the landowner reach their objectives while improving the management of all resources. Both of these programs are available to the public without cost. For more information on the these programs, contact Buford Sanders at (478) 951-8238 or www.gfc.state.ga.us/forest-management.
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Nashville’s got it going on
by Naomi Rotramel, Urban Forestry Program Manager, Nashville, TN
submitted by Kasey Krouse, TN Director
Tree planting In October 2018, Metro Nashville Government and the Cumberland River Compact launched a public-private campaign called Root Nashville to plant 500,000 trees in Davidson County by 2050. Nashville is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth—with a 45% increase in population between 2000 and 2017. This growth has led to a loss of trees throughout Davidson County. Priority outcomes include: · Creating a more equitable distribution of trees throughout the county · Helping mitigate the impacts of child asthma · Reducing high heat areas within the city · Improving water quality · Minimizing the impact of the Emerald Ash Borer Metro Nashville Government partners include other non-profits and community groups including Nashville Health, The Nature Conservancy, Nashville Tree Foundation, and Hands On Nashville. Private donors include the Atticus Trust, Nissan, and Nashville citizens. Visit the website at rootnashville.org for more information. While you’re there, check out the tree map, ways to volunteer, and small grant application. n
Comprehensive Tree Inventory Metro Water Services Stormwater Division has awarded a five-year contract to Davey Resource Group to inventory Nashville’s Urban Core. The tree inventory is being conducted by ISA TRAQ Certified Arborists. Nashville’s downtown area is complete and arborists have started North Nashville, one of the accelerated neighborhoods identified by the Root Nashville Campaign with the highest rates of child asthma ER visits, impaired waterways, and heat island effects. n
Environmental Consultants Environmental Consultants
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
Downtown Tree Surrounds Metro Water Services was awarded a matching grant of $95,617 from the Tire Environmental Act Program from the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation to replace 130 broken and missing tree grates with flexible porous paving. Approximately 1,197 tires will be recycled and kept out of Tennessee landfills. In addition to keeping tires out of landfills, the permeable nature of the product allows for rain water to be absorbed into the ground, which reduces stormwater runoff on sidewalks and streets. Economically, this product is less expensive than tree grates and pavers typically used in tree surrounds. Using a flexible, porous material in tree surrounds allows water and oxygen to flow freely through to the root system at a rate of 40 gallons/square foot/hour. Take a look at www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QnKqvAAVV0. n
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A coordinated team effort
by James Foote, Certified Arborist, Caldwell Tree Care
submitted by Nancy Beckemeyer, GA Director
Atlanta was hit by numerous storms this summer, starting with an F1 Tornado in early June. Looking back, it seems that our crews were being prepared for the major challenge that was on its way. One major storm in early August blew through the Emory University Campus and resulted in numerous downed trees. Caldwell Tree Care crew members were on site assisting with the clearing around campus. Jim Foote, who was also on campus helping with logistics, was asked by Emory staff members to take a look at another downed tree. As they approached the location, it became clear that this was a major situation and would call for a coordinated operation to complete the removal safely and successfully. A live 40” Hackberry weighing approximately 40,000 lbs had snapped at the buttress and landed on an 8,000-lb-rated pedestrian bridge. This bridge serves as a major campus walkway to Emory Hospital, the Cox Computer Center, and cafeteria. As Mr. Foote examined the failed tree and the bridge it had fallen on, several things became apparent: • the tree was unstable • many of the limbs extended over the concrete side rails into the pedestrian corridor • t he side rails were cracked in some places and some had shifted • many of the limbs were situated as spring poles against the side of the bridge • a large steam pipe and numerous other conduits located on the underside of the bridge and were intermingled with limbs The Emory grounds and transportation staff had already barricaded partial access on the bridge for general safety purposes
but needed to maintain some access due to the bridge’s central location on campus. Safe and coordinated removal was of high importance to avoid any bridge structure failure as well as failure of the infrastructure running under the bridge. Engineers were called in to identify the utilities involved and prepare for any associated risks. The conduits identified carried fiber optics which served much of the school and hospital, as well as other purposes. Of major importance were those communication lines for the continued on page 14
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
A difficult goodbye by Beau Brodbeck
The ISA Southern Chapter received sad news early this year with the passing of Rae Ann Ham of Seneca, SC. Rae Ann passed away Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at Cottingham House around 1:15 am.
Dwayne and Karen Carter with Rae Ann and Don Ham. Rae Ann at the Southern Chapter’s registration desk.
Rae Ann was an integral part of the Southern Chapter for many years. During the 1980s she served as Chapter Secretary and later as the Conference Planner until she retired in 2011. Rae Ann played a critical part in growing our conference and trade show to where we are today. Her work behind the scenes included helping select hotels, negotiating competitive contracts, and planning meals and events. I remember Rae Ann as a friendly voice of wisdom as I chaired my first Southern Chapter Conference in Birmingham, AL, in 2012. Rae Ann had recently stepped down from her conference planner role but still dutifully attended the Southern Chapter Conference and was always available for questions and advice. Many of us grieve the passing of Rae Ann and I know that we will miss her as a part of our Chapter’s family. Southern Chapter Executive Director Dwayne Carter remembers Rae Ann as the first person he met when attending his first Southern Chapter Meeting in Hilton Head, SC, in 1986. She helped Dwayne in his early years as he learned to operate and lead the Southern Chapter. Rae Ann is survived by her husband Don Ham, two children, Derek and Jennifer, and four grandchildren. We would like to express our deep condolences to the Ham family during this difficult time. It was always a joy to be in her presence. Jessica Carroll, ISA International
Rae Ann accepting the Southern Chapter’s Award of Merit.
Rae Ann lit up the room. I didn’t have the honor of knowing her as well as most, and I know I truly missed out. Billy Kelly, Southern Chapter
Rae Ann was thoughtful, careful, and thorough in her work for the Chapter. Her love for her family was evident — she was always ready to share a picture or story about their lives together. Sarah Mitchell, Southern Chapter
She was my mentor and my friend. Dwayne Carter, Southern Chapter Dr. Kim Coder with Rae Ann and Don. SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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Upcoming Events
Team effort www.isasouthern.org
n ALABAMA
April 6-7, 2019 Southern Chapter Tree Climbing Championship Mobile. Visit www.isasouthern.org. Saturday, 7:30am - 6pm >> Preliminaries Sunday, 8am - 2pm >> Masters’ Challenge April 6-9, 2019 Southern Chapter 77th Annual Conference & Trade Show Mobile. Visit www.isasouthern.org. n GEORGIA
February 14, 2019 “2019 Canopy Conversations.” Atlanta. Visit www.treesatlanta.org or contact Gabriella Logan at glogan@treesatlanta.org, (770) 827-5987. February 21, 2019 “2019 Woodbine Tree Care Seminar.” Woodbine. Visit www.gufc.org or contact Jerry Holcomb at jharborist@coastalnow.net, (912) 271-0133. March 5-7, 2019 “ISA TRAQ event.” Atlanta. Visit www.isa-arbor.org or contact qual@isa-arbor.com, (404) 817-3059. n LOUISIANA
February 22, 2019. First Aid/CPR. New Orleans March 22, 2018. The Value of Trees. Anacoco May 3, 2019. Ground Operations. Farmerville Visit www.lsuagcenter.com/arborist. n NORTH CAROLINA
March 7, 2019 “Young Tree Pruning & Evaluation at Planting.” Hickory. Contact Anelle Ammons at asammons@ncat.edu, (828) 465-8240. n TENNESSEE
February 14, 2019 “The National Wild Turkey Federation Energy for Wildlife Breakout Session.” Nashville. Contact Jason House at jason.house@duke-energy.com, (850) 933-3905. PAGE 14
SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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surrounding entities. Arrangements were made to ensure that utility services would be available should any damage occur during the removal process. Caldwell employees worked closely with Emory to ensure that they fully understood the issues related to developing a scope of work that was acceptable to all parties, and which minimized risk for campus and crew alike. They developed a clear operational plan in order to achieve the objective: to carefully remove this tree without more damage or injury to person or property. Within 24 hours, a team was assembled which included Emory Roads and Grounds staff; Caldwell Tree Care’s “A” team; and Phoenix Crane Company team. Although Caldwell Tree Care has its own crane, the sheer size, weight, and reach distances to the tree required two 100-ton cranes to help ensure the most positive end result to the operation. The team held meetings with the various campus services department heads, including engineering, roads and grounds, police, and others affected and needed in the operation. A general briefing of the overall operation plan was presented to all involved once the team was assembled. This inclusive team allowed safety procedures for the campus community to be quickly put into place. The nearby road was closed, manned barricades were placed to support that closure, and the pedestrian rerouting with caution tapes used to create safe lanes to protect the work zone and the crew involved in the removal. Once the work day arrived, the job site had been “brushed out” by another crew, thereby allowing a clearer view of the trunk itself. With the cranes in position and PPE in place, a pre-job briefing occurred, all safety considerations were reviewed and implemented, and the battle ensued. Caldwell and Phoenix teams used communication headsets, as the Caldwell Tree team was often not visible to the crane operators. The Phoenix team also brought a rigger for eyeson-hand communication between the Caldwell Tree Crew and Crane operators. An Emory utilities engineer stood by to watch for the safety of the infrastructure pieces. One crane was dedicated to holding the main trunk, while the second was utilized to handle the picks as the job progressed. Using two cranes also allowed the ecosystem under the bridge, which included a protected stream bed, to be exposed to as little disturbance as possible. All told, the job involved approximately a dozen picks to remove the trunk pieces as the removal progressed. The crew leader reported that it was “another normal day out of the office” and there were no issues with the process. All the pieces and personnel worked well together, and, in the end, the utilities service personnel had an easy day since there was no damage to any of the services under the bridge. Reflecting back upon what an amazing job this fully integrated team performed, we can conclude that experience, skill, proper planning, and safe process practices are characteristics that make leaders in the marketplace. We at Caldwell Tree care give our thanks to Emory for their trust and to Phoenix for their partnership in this challenge and learning experience. All came together and saved the day ... and the bridge! This project received GAA’s 2018 White Oak award. Visit Caldwell Tree Care’s website at www.caldwelltreecare.com.
Treasurer: Michella Huff City of Mount Airy (336) 786-8313 mhuff@mountairy.com Chapter Representative: David Vandergriff University of Tennessee Extension (865) 705-4983 dgriff@tennessee.edu
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Vice President: Jason Gordon Mississippi State University (662) 325-8851 jg966@msstate.edu
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President Elect: Jimmy Walters Urban Forest Advisors LLC (864) 992-0252, jimmy.3t@gmail.com
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Conference Planner: Dwayne Carter (336) 789-4747, dcarter@isasouthern.org
2018-2019
Southern Chapter Officers
TREE Fund Liaison: John Morris Alabama Power Company (205) 257-6870 jsmorris@southernco.com
President: Beau Brodbeck Gulf Coast Research and Extension Office (251) 259-6507 brodbam@auburn.edu
Past President: Billy Kelly ACRT (239) 240-9837 billy.kelly@flp.com
Executive Director: Dwayne Carter Carter Utility Tree Service, 213 Apollo Drive, Mount Airy, NC 27030 (336) 789-4747 dcarter@isasouthern.org
Editor: Sarah Mitchell (336) 409-7805 sarahmitchell@live.com
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ASSET MANAGEMENT
ECO CONSULTING
LINE CLEARANCE
STORM RESPONSE
VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
TELECOM CONSTRUCTION
SOUTHERN CHAPTER ISA • WINTER 2019
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Southern Chapter ISA Dwayne Carter, Exec. Director 213 Apollo Drive Mt. Airy, NC 27030
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FIRST CLASS MAIL
2018-2019 State Directors Alabama: Jack Rowe AL Cooperative Extension System (251) 589-5572 wjr0001@auburn.edu
Mississippi: David Fulgham (662) 255-5127 david@fulghamsinc.com
Tennessee: Kasey Krouse City of Knoxville (865) 215-6113 kkrouse@knoxvilletn.gov
Arkansas: David Raines Raines Tree Care (479) 244-5228 david@rainestreecare.com
North Carolina: Laurie Reid Dukes City of Charlotte (980) 259-2771 Ldukes@charlottenc.gov
At-Large: Perry Odom City of Tallahassee, FL (850) 891-5181 Perry.Odom@talgov.com
Georgia: Nancy Beckemeyer Georgia Power Company (404) 590-9376 nsbeckem@southernco.com
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands: (open)
Louisiana: Hallie Dozier LSU AgCenter (225) 281-3264 hdozier@agcenter.lsu.edu
South Carolina: Sara Hollar City of Columbia (803) 545-3862 sehollar@columbiasc.net
Southern Chapter ISA Website: www.isasouthern.org Phone: (336) 789-4747 Fax: (336) 789-0202 E-mail: dcarter@isasouthern.org