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/46119
President's Message John McNeil t is an honour to serve SMA this term as president. I am the second Canadian member to hold this position, and while there may be a few small dif- ferences between our two cultures in North America (such as the spelling of the word 'honour'), there remains an array of shared values, principles, and I beliefs in a profession that we all 'honor.' I find it incredible that no matter where I travel across North and South America, the men and women in municipal urban forest management are the most dedicated and selfless indi- viduals I meet. Whether it's the city arborist in Buenos Aires talking about his street tree inventory, the city forester in Winnipeg describing her Dutch Elm Disease program, or the municipal forester in Ithaca expounding the benefits of CU- Structural Soil, one thing is clear—it's a small world. Our passion for our profession should make any employer proud. It shows in the way we go about our work, in the pride we exhibit when we talk to people about trees in our community, and in the tone of our voice. That voice is col- lectively represented by our membership in the Society of Municipal Arborists, the professional affiliate of ISA dealing with the specialty of municipal urban forest management. That voice is comprised of the many volunteers that serve our committees and board and by the staff in the office of the executive director. That voice is at the table in countless venues throughout the year advocating for us, looking out for opportunities, and building networks to advance our shared values, principles, and beliefs. It is respected. There is nothing like hearing from a friend and colleague who knows what you're going through, be it a challenge with another department or implementation of a new idea that you think would work well. It's different than interacting with non-municipal col- leagues. Why? Chances are that other urban forest professionals have experienced it before. While it may seem awkward to make the first move at times, diving into some of the opportunities for volunteer- ing that are provided by our association help to break the ice and can lead to self-growth. I wanted to know more about management planning; the next thing I knew, I ended up in Santa Monica through SMA's Arborist Exchange Program, seeing it in action. The warm embrace of the many municipal urban forest man- agers I have met through my work with SMA since that expe- rience has increased my respect and admiration for you and the organization to which we belong. It is indeed an honour to serve and I will do my best for you. Executive Director's Message Jerri J. LaHaie A nother successful conference under our belts—and it doesn't really even matter how you define success. We had a great educational program, lots of supportive sponsors and exhibitors, delicious food, and all those kinds of things that make an annual conference special. Despite the bad economy, we had a good turnout, including lots of first-time attendees. Those who are "regulars" enjoyed catching up with one another but also took time to connect with first-timers. Like a verse from one of my favorite songs, "I knew when we collided, you're the one I have decid- ed whose one of my kind," the SMA conference is known for its welcoming camaraderie and is a place to feel supported by an understanding peer group. Next year will be another great SMA conference, but with a twist. As has already been announced, we will be meeting at the Partners in Community Forestry Conference, dates to be determined shortly. We will still have all the fun elements of our annual conference—how could we do away with the Tree of the Year presentation at the annual awards banquet??—but we'll have the opportunity to share our message with other individuals who may not have ever attended an SMA con- ference. Through the "Partners" conference, the Arbor Day Foundation gives SMA a forum for connection with the Utility Arborist Association and the Alliance for Community Trees as the three primary groups who touch community trees most often. Urban forest and other professionals who influence and affect our trees will be present, as will a host of representa- tives from state, regional, and national forestry agencies. I hope you are thinking about what message you would like to convey and are already working on your presentation. Within this issue you will read about all the folks who helped make our conference a success. It takes a lot of effort from a lot of people, from the speakers who donate their time and travel at their own cost to the many volunteers who work on various committees. I want to take a minute to personally and publicly thank our paid "staff" who do so much more than most realize. A special thanks to Kara Stachowiak and Kristin Aberle from ISA for helping with Registration and the Silent Auction. City Trees Editor Michelle Sutton, City Trees Designer Chris Deis, Web Master Roe Estand, and Committee Liaison Rachel Barker have all contributed their share and more this year to ensuring SMA's conference and programs run smooth- ly. It's my honor, I mean honour, to work with all of you. May we all remain on the same collision course. www.urban-forestry.com 5