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: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/105677
continued from page 11 … on staff since the 1880s, and I'm only the 6th person to hold the position! My predecessor retired at the age of 89, so I figured there was longevity in the job! I take care of 25,000-plus inventoried public trees located along 51 miles (82 km) of streets, 180 acres (73 ha) of cemeteries, 50 acres (20 ha) of parks and recreational facilities, two boat launches, and also manage 800 acres (324 ha) of wooded property. A pin oak planted in a median snaps off at the base,resting on another pin oak; (below) toppled silver maple in Queens. Bath is also home to 14 state champion trees. We have been a Tree City USA since 1996 and have won the Growth Award 11 years consecutively. Our volunteer forestry committee was established in 1992 with 11 members. They have been awarded about $800,000 in grants since 1992. Our humble group has planted over 1,800 trees since 1992 and has lost only 20 of those. How long have you been involved in SMA and in what capacities? TECHNOLOGY MAY CHANGE, BUT CLIENT SERVICE SHOULDN'T We still believe in listening . . . and have since 1880 TH: I became a member of SMA the year I became an ISA-certified arborist in the late 1990s. I took part in the SMA Arborist Exchange Program, with Mark Minkley from Bath, England, in 2006, which was AWESOME. I was in the inaugural class of MFI ("What happens at MFI, STAYS at MFI!") I'm a member of the Arborist Exchange Committee, recently hosted an intern through the SMA Internship Program, and now am a board member. I have attended three annual meetings and feel they are the best quality meetings I plan on and attend. I have always felt you have to give to get. I have been fortunate enough to have been awarded and afforded many opportunities to improve myself and the level of service I can bring to my community, industry, and state. To become a member of the SMA Board is a way I can give back to such a generous organization. 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 What aspect of municipal arboriculture excites you most? TH: The honor of being the steward of a community's natural resource and the relationships that come from that. What aspects of municipal arboriculture do you find most challenging? TH: The fact that "time" is a four-letter word! Solutions through Innovation and Expertise 800.828.8312 www.daveyresourcegroup.com info@davey.com www.urban-forestry.com What do you like to do in your free time? TH: I play a LOT of music, ride my bike well into the winter months, make maple syrup, canoe, cook, eat and love being in the Maine North Woods! 13