Volume 52 issue three 2019 What’s Inside 1
President’s Message
14 Buckets and Depreciation in the CTLA Trunk Formula Technique 18 Words Matter—The Language of Trees 21 Trees for Bees 23 Welcome New Members 23 New RCAs 26 Send Us Your Best Shot—Habitat Trees 32 Industry Reports From ASCA’s Representatives 34 ASCA Board Profiles 37 The Grammar Tree 38 ASCA Staff Profile 38 Tech Corner
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I have served on the ASCA board since late 2015. Back then, I had no intention of becoming ASCA presiJohn Leffingwell, RCA #442 dent and instead ASCA President thought that I would serve my three-year term, having supported and given back to the organization. Almost four years later, I realize that this journey has been so much more than I could ever have anticipated, both personally and professionally. As is always the case, timing is everything, and I am trying to make the most of my time on the board as well as capitalize on the current transitional nature of the organization. There have been challenges for sure, but there have also been successes. This past year has been particularly busy. The board has accomplished much, some of which includes: • Successfully transitioning to a new executive director following the retirement of Beth Palys after 20+ years of helping to guide and grow ASCA. • Re-establishing a conference committee that has developed the program for the Annual Conference in New Orleans with a new format for the first day and a focus on international presenters and perspectives. • Forming three progressive nominations and elections task forces, with a goal of making the process more transparent and member-inclusive. Legal counsel
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reviewed the recommended changes, and the board approved the changes proposed by the task forces, with minor modifications. The proposed changes will be included on the upcoming ballot for membership vote. Continuing the practice of publishing board meeting updates and president’s messages to keep the membership informed and engaged. Expanding the format and content of the Annual Business Meeting to provide members with meaningful and pertinent information on the state of the organization. Introducing a treasurer’s report in the May issue of The Arboricultural Consultant newsletter, sharing financial data important for members to know. Successfully launching the Tree and Plant Appraisal Qualification training program, with the goal of increasing the understanding and application of the principles and methods presented in the current edition of the Guide. Initiating a review of the MSP contract and subsequently renewing the contract. The new contract has been approved by the board and will undergo legal review before it is put in place. The board will now review the contract annually, and we are looking at the cost/benefit of having an outside firm review all aspects of ASCA programs/activities, priorities, management firm contract, fees, services, expectations, deliverables, and relationship with the management firm. Initiating a review process for the executive director and MSP staff. This is in the beta-testing phase, Continued on page 2
1 Arboricultural Consultant • volume 52 issue 3 2019