City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/115252
New Board Member Profile: David Lefcourt David Lefcourt was recently elected to a three-year term on the SMA Board. He also placed third in the men's running division of the 2012 Urban Forest Foundation "Fun Run, Walk, or Watch" in Sacramento. Please tell us about your career trajectory and current position. David Lefcourt: My first job out of college was working for Davey Tree as a Plant Health Care tech, where I got the opportunity to learn hands on about pests and diseases as well learn how to climb and prune trees. After a short stint with Davey, I started my career in the municipal field as the horticulture technician for the Town of Wellesley, MA. In Wellesley, I helped to build the town's tree inventory using GIS. My interaction with the trees and the public helped spark my interest in urban forestry. After Wellesley, I moved down to the Washington D.C. area and worked as an urban forester for the District Dept. of Transportation – Urban Forestry Administration (DDOT-UFA). My time in D.C. helped me develop many of the skills I use today and really helped me understand the strong connection between trees and people. My time at DDOT-UFA helped me land my current position with the City of Cambridge. I have been with the City for over five years now and really enjoy my position as the city arborist, where I am responsible for the health and maintenance of roughly 17,500 trees. I meet with residents, contractors, and other City departments regarding a wide array of tree-related issues. I manage three contracts and work with a great in-house crew. Cambridge is a very proactive city when it comes to its urban forestry program. We are always thinking of new ways to educate and empower the public, improve construction methods around trees, and help improve the overall tree canopy. Tell us about your SMA involvement and what it's meant to you. DL: I have been a member of SMA since 2007. I have had the privilege of attending three annual conferences so far. I am also a 2007 Municipal Forestry Institute graduate. My involvement in SMA means a great deal to me. As the current president of the Massachusetts Tree Wardens and Foresters Association, I am part of a great organization that connects many of the municipal tree folks in my state. SMA 14 provides the opportunity for me to connect with tree folks in North America and beyond. The confidence, competence, and camaraderie among the members are great, and it is the main reason I enjoy attending the conferences. The listserve is a great tool as well, and I have used it many times. What aspects of municipal arboriculture interest you most? DL: One of my favorite aspects of municipal arboriculture is educating the public about trees. Whether talking to folks about our urban forestry program during a neighborhood tree walk or explaining the reason why we removed a tree, I enjoy conversing with citizens about trees. The residents of Cambridge are very passionate about their urban forest, so I am committed to protect and improve it the best I can. I always listen to feedback and try to use that information to better our urban forestry program. What do you like to do in your free time? DL: When I am not working with the trees, I enjoy hanging out with my family, and I try to spend as much time as possible outdoors. I love to play soccer. I am very active with my college fraternity, TKE, as an alumni association president and chapter advisor. TECHNOLOGY MAY CHANGE, BUT CLIENT SERVICE SHOULDN'T We still believe in listening . . . and have since 1880 Client: We like your UTC proposal, but can you quantify ������������������� DRG: Absolutely. I'm happy to share real examples from our projects. Client: How about a prioritized planting plan and some public ��������������� DRG: We have solutions in both areas. Let's discuss at your convenience. Client: Sounds great! I'm glad I connected with Davey Resource Group! Send Solutions through Innovation and Expertise 800.828.8312 www.daveyresourcegroup.com info@davey.com City Trees