WILDFIRE RISK REDUCTION QUALIFICATION

Rome-Floyd County Library
January 8-9, 2025

9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

205 Riverside Pkwy NE, Rome, GA 30161

11.5 CEUs applied for

The threat wildfire poses to residents increases everyday as more communities are built in natural areas. Recent fire seasons have seen increasing property loss and death associated with wildfire. We know that it is not a question of if a fire will start, but when.

The Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualification (WRRQ), developed by Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Chapter ISA, expands the reach of the state forestry agency’s wildfire prevention messaging while equipping certified arborists with another tool in their tool box to meet client needs.

As professionals who have daily interaction with the public, arborists can help reduce wildfire risk and protect lives, homes and landscapes. When homes and their surrounding property are protected, ecosystem benefits are protected as well.

The Partnership:

The GAA will provide education and credentialing to their membership. The Georgia Forestry Commission and trained instructors from the GAA will provide expertise in fire behavior, wildfire prevention, home ignition zone, fire-resistance species, and arboriculture. Instructors for the WRRQ courses offered by the GAA are composed of a cadre of experts.

The Qualification:

As an ISA Certified Arborist, have you considered how your skills and experience can improve the safety and quality of tree care to protect people and ecosystems from wildfire? Becoming Wildfire Risk Assessment Qualified will increase your knowledge on how to evaluate and mitigate property from the threat of wildfire, allowing you to provide that service to clients and constituents.

The Course:

Explore how wildfire moves through a landscape and learn to identify mitigation options that can be recommended or performed on client properties to reduce the risk of loss from wildfire. This course will incorporate classroom sessions and conduct field exercise on homes near the training center with 11.5 CEUs applied to your ISA Certified Arborist credential. A written exam and field test must be successfully passed to gain the qualification. Total course time is 16 hours.

Registration Cost: 

$250 GAA Members
$300 Non-members

Coffee, Snacks, Lunch and all necessary course materials will be provided.

Hotel Block:

A hotel block has been secured at a discounted rate for the Hampton Inn & Suites Rome for a special $139/night rate. The hotel is located a short distance from the Rome Library. Please use this link to to make a reservation. 

Webinar de Temas de Arboricultura Virtual en Zoom

1 sesión virtual por mes hasta junio 2025

12pm EST- 1pm EST

registro requerido

Tenemos una nueva oportunidad educativa disponible para trabajdores de arbol hispanohablantes. La serie Raising Trees o Creciendo Arboles tendrá un webinar en Español cada mes empesando en 09 de octubre. En cada webinar puedes aprender sobre temas de arboricultura que te ayudaran en tu trabajo y para estudiar para el Examin de Arbolista certificiado por la ISA. 

The Raising Trees Webinar Series will begin offering a monthly one-hour webinar in Spanish beginning October 09. Retitled as Creciendo Arboles, this webinar is co-produced by Auburn University Extension and the University of Georgia. 

Programa del seminario web

Fecha	Horario	Tema	Descripción
9 de octubre	12pm EST	Conceptos básicos de la poda prescrita en Arboles	Aprenda los métodos de poda que promuevan la salud y estética de los árboles, minimizando el daño al árbol.
20 de noviembre	12pm EST	conciencia sobre los peligros de líneas eléctricas: Seguridad del trabajador de arboles	El programa explica el estándar de la industria de la arboricultura para trabajar cerca de las líneas eléctricas y otros servicios públicos.
08 de enero	12pm EST	selección del sitio y establecimiento de árboles	Proporciona Información sobre la selección de sitio adecuado, preparación, el mejor proceso de plantación, y el mantenimiento subsecuente de árboles urbanos.
12 de febrero	12pm EST	Preservación de árboles durante la construcción	Describe los mejores métodos para mitigar el daño a los árboles cerca de sitios de construcción y áreas donde hay excavaciones.
14 de marzo	12pm EST	La importancia de un suelo saludable para el crecimiento de árboles urbanos	Explica técnicas para proteger y tratar los suelos en beneficio de los arboles en áreas urbanas
09 de abril	12pm EST	Identificación y manejo de especies invasivas que afectan los arboles	Especies invasivas Identificación y manejo de especies invasivas que afectan los arboles.
14 de mayo	12pm EST	Identificación y Evaluación de Peligros para trabajadores de Industria Arborícola	Identificación y Evaluación de Peligros para trabajadores de Industria Arborícola, y como implementar las mejores prácticas de seguridad en la industria
18 de junio	12pm EST	Irrigación para árboles urbanos: Agua desde el suelo hasta las hojas	Analiza formas de proporcionar agua a los árboles basándose en la irrigación eficiente y lo ultimo en Tecnología de riego en la arboricultura

Para registro por favor entre su informacion aqui:

Enlace Para Registro

 https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fGTZmz42RqGu9TJZ6P2Xgw?fbclid=IwY2xjawFj2i1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHbX8XfaXWmgduPIEpfcZCuRouMoQHD7uXJR1oWZOIcklDbju0acrNHpaIQ_aem_ZBsfrnW1dBpvbnCzEvHlJw#/registration

Winter Management Workshop and Award Ceremony

Please join us for an afternoon of of education and an evening of networking & celebration with friends! Together we will welcome in the New Year as we celebrate our accomplishments & recognize those who have given their extra time & energy to help the GAA and the industry professionals we serve. 

Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge

418 Amicalola Falls State Park Rd

Dawsonville, GA 30534

Saturday, January 11 2025

1 pm - 9:30 pm

4 CEUS

 Agenda 

12:30 pm - Check In and Get Settled in Oak Hall
1:00 PM - Safety and Human Performance with Warren Williams
2:00 PM - Building Company Culture with Cindy Schwab 
3:00 PM - Hickory Rooted Humans: An Arborist's Perspective on Conflict Resolution with Mateo Fennell
4:00 PM - What Does Success Mean? Roundtable of Industry Experts
5:00 PM - Break and Get Ready for Dinner

6:30 PM - Open Reception and Networking
7:30 PM  - Dinner and Awards Ceremony 

About the Speakers: 

Warren Williams 

Cindy Schwab, currently serving as Operations RC Talent Manager of the East at Davey Tree, oversees the people and culture function. With a career spanning over two decades in the Green Industry, Cindy brings a wealth of experience, having excelled in various roles such as fieldwork, sales arborist responsibilities, and management of both field and office teams.

Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in Uban Forestry and Parks & Recreation from UW-Stevens Point, followed by an M.B.A. from National Lewis University. She further enhanced her skill set with a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from The Ohio State University. Cindy is recognized as an ISA Certified Arborist and holds prestigious certifications such as SHRM Senior Certified Professional and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE).

Mateo Fennell is the Community Forester for Athens Clarke County, where he nurtures both trees and relationships with equal care. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the Eugene Odum school of Ecology at the University of Georgia.

As an ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ and WRRQ qualifications, Mateo doesn't just know trees he speaks their language ... and often translates so the homeowner can hear. For more than 20 years, Mateo has worn many hats (and helmets), including those of climber, sales arborist, and plant health care technician.

But perhaps his most unique title was as a technical representative for a Fortune 500 company, where his specialty was "verbal firefighting" -extinguishing misunderstandings with wit, patience, and charm. Trained in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and even the art of snake and human charming, Mateo brings a unique blend of expertise, humor, and empathy everywhere he goes.

Just Award Banquet Members $55
Just Award Banquet Non-Members $75

Attendee Registration includes dinner & drinks for in person attendees

The GAA has also reserved a discounted hotel block for attendees (limited availability so book fast!). More information on hotel/accommodations below

All Industry Professionals Welcome!

Bring your team & invite your friends!

Dress: Business Casual

 

Capacitacion para especialistas en astilladoras y motosierras en español

Spanish Language Chipper Specialist & Chainsaw Specialist Training

viernes 31 de enero

8am-5pm

Vermeer Southeast 1320 Gresham Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062

costo: $35 per person

GRATIS para los miembros de GAA 

lonche inclyudio 

traer tu motosierra y equipo de protección personal

El viernes 31 de enero se llevará a cabo un taller de capacitación en seguridad de la TCIA sobre trituradoras (astilladora) de madera y motosierras de un día completo en Vermeer Southeast 1320 Gresham Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062

El curso de Especialista en Operadores de Trituradoras (astilladora) y Motosierras de la Asociación de la Industria del Cuidado de Árboles está diseñado para capacitar al personal de cuidado de árboles en los peligros, así como en las prácticas aceptadas para el funcionamiento de las trituradoras (astilladora) de ramas y otras tareas asociadas. Este curso brindará a los trabajadores de la cuadrilla de árboles una capacitación formal que aumentará la participación en el cumplimiento general de la seguridad de OSHA y la autovigilancia.

Las lesiones que involucran trituradoras (astilladora) de ramas y motosierras son una preocupación importante para las empresas de cuidado de árboles y los empleadores de paisajismo, así como para los trabajadores de cuidado de árboles que operan el equipo. La información anecdótica sólida del campo indica que los operadores de trituradoras (astilladora) y motosierras reciben poca o ninguna capacitación formal sobre el funcionamiento de las trituradoras (astilladoras) y las motosierras y el mantenimiento en el campo.

Los accidentes en los lugares de trabajo pueden ocurrir en cualquier momento y los profesionales del cuidado de árboles deben saber cómo reaccionar. Cuando un trabajador de árboles se lesiona o queda incapacitado, los compañeros de equipo son los primeros en responder a la situación de emergencia.

acerca el instructor

Leo Roldan

Leo es un entrenador profesional de Nueva York, apasionado por la educación bilingüe, con más de 20 años de experiencia. Solo por mencionar algunas de las cualificaciones que posee:

• Arborista certificado por la ISA
• Trabajador de árboles certificado por la ISA
• Especialista en plataformas elevadoras certificado por la ISA
• CTSP
• Líder de equipo calificado.

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Spanish Language Chipper Specialist & Chainsaw Specialist Training

Friday January 31st, 2025

8am-5pm

Vermeer Southeast 1320 Gresham Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062

cost: $35 per person

FREE for members of GAA 

lunch included 

Bring your chainsaw and personal protection equipment

A TCIA full-day wood chipper and chainsaw safety training workshop will be held on Friday January 31st, 2025 at Vermeer Southeast 1320 Gresham Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30062.

The Tree Care Industry Association’s Chipper and Chainsaw Operator Specialist course is designed to train tree care personnel in hazards, as well as accepted practices for brush chipper operation and other associated tasks.  This course will provide tree crew workers formal training that will increase involvement with overall OSHA safety compliance and self-policing.

Injuries involving brush chippers and chainsaws are a significant concern for tree care companies and landscape employers as well as the tree care workers who operate the equipment. Strong anecdotal information from the field indicates that chipper and chainsaw operators receive little or no formal training on chipper and chainsaw operation and field maintenance.

Accidents at job sites can happen at any time, and tree care professionals must know how to react. When a tree worker is injured or incapacitated, fellow crew members are the first to respond to the emergency situation.

about the instructor

Leo Roldan

Leo is a professional trainer from New York ,he has a passion for bilingual education, with more of 20 years of experience. Just to mention a few qualification that Leo has:

• ISA certified arborist
• ISA. Certified tree worker specialist
• ISA certified aerial lift specialist
• CTSP
• Qualified crew leader.

February 5, 2025

TRAQ Renewal VIRTUAL Course

9:00am - 4:00pm Eastern

Registration Closes:

January 4, 2025

REGISTER HERE

Co-hosted event with ISA Southern Chapter, ISA Texas Chapter, & MW-ISA Chapter

• $280 - ISA Member AND a member of cooperating Chapter (Southern, TX, MW, GAA)
• $330 - ISA Member ONLY
• $340 - NON - ISA Member, BUT a member of a cooperating Chapter (Southern, TX, MW, GAA)

This is a virtual renewal option and is only available for those that already have the TRAQ credential. Please read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” to be very clear about the course prerequisites and renewal requirements and details about the credential and the courses. Applicants for the course must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. Additional information about deadlines/refunds/cancellations can be found on the ISA Southern Chapter website at https://www.isasouthern.org/traq-events  

PHC Day: Full day plant and soil care workshop

February 13th 
9 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

6 CEUs applied for

DeKalb County Government Service Center 178 Sams Street

Agenda: 

9 a.m -11 a.m.  Soil Care Methods for PHC:  Demonstration of common soil care equipment and techniques for PHC.
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. Diagnostics: From ground to crown. How to recognize signs and symptoms of disease and problems in the urban forest. 
12 p.m. -1 p.m.  Lunch
1p.m.-2 p.m. Insects in landscape Trees: To spray or not to spray?  The presentation will cover common insect pests in landscape trees and will include information about when to consider insecticides and other options, including natural biocontrol.
2 p.m.-3 p.m. PGRs: When, Where, How and Why of using Plant Growth Regulators in tree care applications
3 p.m. - 4 p.m.  Speaking to clients about PHC 

Sorteo de árbolitos en el Día del Árbol

Arbor Day Seedling Giveaway

Plaza Las Americas

733 Pleasant Hill Rd, Lilburn, GA 30047

4pm-7pm

GRATIS

Estamos regalando arbolitos de raíz desnuda para celebrar el Día del Árbol. Cada visitante puede recibir un arbolito. Contaremos con arboristas profesionales disponibles para ayudarte a escoger el mejor árbol para tu espacio y para asesorarte sobre tus árboles maduros. Si tienes preguntas sobre tus árboles, por favor toma fotos de ellos y de su entorno para que podamos ayudarte de la mejor manera.

red maple, maple rojo (Acer rubrum)

persimmon, caqui americano  (Diospyros virginiana)

eastern redbud, ciclamor (Cercis canadensis)

witch hazel, avellano de brujas (Hamamelis virginiana)

common elderberry, sauco negro (Sambucus nigra canadensis) 

white oak, roble blanco (Quercus alba)

baldcypress, ciprés de los pantanos (Taxodium distichum) 

swamp chestnut oak, roble castaño de pantano (Quercus michauxii)

Instrucciones: como plantar tu arbolito de raiz desnuda 

ISA TRAQ FULL COURSE -

TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION

February 26-28th

COURSE LOCATION: 

Athens Clarke County Landscape Management Office 

2555 Lexington Road

Athens GA, 30605

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters 

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

January 28th, 2025

(Slots fill up fast!  Register now!)

Registration Cost:

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association & ISA Member Rate

$625 - Georgia Arborist Association Member Only Rate (not a member of the ISA)

$700 - ISA Member Only Rate (not a member of the GAA)

$795 - Non-Member Rate (not a member of ISA or GAA)

If you are interested in becoming TRAQ qualified, please take some time to read the “ISA TRAQ Application Guide” available here - TRAQ-App-Guide.pdf . The guide will provide details about the application process and let you know what pre-requisites are required to apply for the credential.

The TRAQ course and credential provide an opportunity for professionals in the arboriculture industry to expand their knowledge through education and training in the fundamentals of tree risk assessment. This qualification promotes the safety of people and property by providing a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide tree owners and risk managers with the information to make informed decisions to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

Earning the qualification requires attendance at a 2-day educational course followed by a ½-day assessment that includes both a written and field exams. The first two days are typically 8am-5pm and the third day (exam day) is 8am-noon. It is required that you attend the entire course and successfully complete the assessment in order to receive this qualification. Coffee and a light breakfast are typically included each day along with lunch the first two days. If overnight travel is needed you will need to make hotel reservations on your own.

At the bottom of this email you will find recommended accommodations as well as more information about the location

The course includes Tree Biology and Mechanics, Tree Inspection and Assessment, Data Analysis and Risk Categorization, and Risk Reporting. The Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) Course prepares the participant to take the TRAQ assessment to become ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified. Once registered, you will receive a course Manual and a Course Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. It is strongly suggested that you read the materials prior to the course. Not all of the materials on the exams will be covered in detail in the classroom. The Manual and Workbook are essential parts of the learning process for this course.

Meet the Instructors:

Jimmy Walters: Certified Arborist since 1996. SC Registered Forester. 1971 graduate of Clemson University, BS Forestry. Retired with over 40 years service with SC Forestry Commission. Retired as Program Coordinator for Urban and Community Forestry in SC. Charter member of SC Urban and Community Forestry Council (now Trees SC).  Board of Directors, SC Vegetation Management Association, active in the SC Green Industry Association. Past President, Southern Chapter ISA and member of Florida Chapter as well. Now operating an arboricultural consulting firm, Urban Forest Advisors, LLC. Skilled teacher and public speaker. Many classes and lectures on Hazard Tree Management (old terminology) and Tree Risk Assessment prior to TRAQ. 

HOTEL BLOCK INFORMATION:

COMING SOON

Disclaimers, Important Information, & Refund Policy:

• Applicants for TRAQ courses must register 30 days prior to the session they plan to attend. These classes often fill up quickly since class size is limited. Register as early as possible to avoid missing the location you want!

• The FULL course is required for those qualified applicants that wish to earn the TRAQ credential.

• This class provides the needed exams that must be passed to earn the TRAQ credential.

• Please bring your own hard hat and vest to the event.

• Please bring your government ID.

• Be sure to bring your course materials. (This will be mailed to you by the ISA in advance.)

***Cancellation & Refund Policy -
All cancellations made after the registration deadline of the event, no-shows, or those found to not have the required pre-requisites will not be eligible for refund. Cancellations made prior to the registration deadline/shipment of course materials are eligible for full refund. Cancellations made within 1 week of the registration deadline will be eligible for full or partial refund if GAA is able to fill their spot with a waitlisted registrant. All refunds are subject to a 3.5% credit card processing fee.

viernes 28 de febrero, 2025

10am-1pm

Hyde Farm Park 721 Hyde Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

$10 para miembros del GAA

$25 para profesionales del cuidado de arbol

espacio limitado

CEUs Disponible 

En este taller aprenderas a entender las necesidades de poda de los árboles maduros y las técnicas correctas de poda para su cuidado. El taller está diseñado para arboristas y paisajistas para mejorar sus conocimientos sobre el cuidado adecuado de los árboles en el sector público y privado.

La poda es el procedimiento más habitual en el mantenimiento de los árboles. Si bien los árboles del bosque crecen de forma correcta únicamente con la poda natural, los árboles ornamentales requieren un mayor nivel de cuidado para mantener su integridad estructural y su estética. La poda debe realizarse teniendo en cuenta la biología del árbol. Una poda incorrecta puede provocar un daño permanente o, incluso, acortar la vida del árbol.

Una parte de este curso se llevará a cabo en el campo, por lo que se recomienda vestirse apropiadamente según el clima.

CEUs ofrecidos en este curso

Certified Arborist: 3

Utility Specialist: 3

Municipal Specialist: 3

BCMA - Practice: 3

TW Climber Specialist: 3

TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 3

Acerca del instructor: Juan C. Carrasco es el Director de Cuidado de la Salud de las Plantas en Atlanta Arbor y un Maestro Arborista Certificado por la Junta con más de 30 años de experiencia dedicada a la industria verde.

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Introduction to Prescription Tree Pruning 

Friday, February 28, 2025

10am-1pm

Hyde Farm Park 721 Hyde Rd, Marietta, GA 30068

$10 for GAA members

$25 for tree care professionals

limited space

In this workshop you will learn to understand the pruning needs of mature trees and the correct pruning techniques for their care. 

Pruning is the most common procedure in tree maintenance. While forest trees grow well with natural pruning alone, ornamental trees require a higher level of care to maintain their structural integrity and aesthetics. Pruning must be done with the biology of the tree in mind. Improper pruning can cause permanent damage or even shorten the life of the tree.  This course is designed for arborists and landscapers to improve their knowledge of tree care in the public and private sector.  This course is designed for arborists and landscapers to improve their knowledge of proper tree care in the public and private sector.  

CEUs offered in this course

Certified Arborist: 3

Utility Specialist: 3

Municipal Specialist: 3

BCMA - Practice: 3

TW Climber Specialist: 3

TW Aerial Lift Specialist: 3

About the Instructor: Juan C. Carrasco is the Director of Plant Health Care at Atlanta Arbor and a Board Certified Master Arborist with over 30 years of dedicated experience in the green industry.

 

Rescate Aéreo

viernes 07 de marzo

8am-5pm

Legacy Park Decatur 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030

$35 para professionales

GRATIS para miembros del GAA

lonche incluyido

traer tu equipage de trepar

8 CEUs disponible 

El entrenamiento de rescate aéreo prepara a los escaladores para los escenarios más probables en los que pueden tener que responder a una emergencia mientras trabajan en altura. Este curso es práctico con participantes que realizan activamente rescates utilizando diversas técnicas.

Lista de equipos para entrenamiento de rescate aéreo:

1. Casco z89 clase E

2. Gafas de seguridad z 87

3. Harnees de arbolicultura

4. Cuerda de trepa

5. Salvaramas

6. 5 Mosquetones total

7. 1 Acollador ajustable

8. Sistema de trepa (nudo polea/zigzag, ect)

9. Espuelas de trepa.

- Este es un listado del equipo mínimo para el rescate aéreo. Todo equipo debe estar en condiciones optimas y siguiendo las especificaciones del fabricante (no alterado).

CEUs ofrecidos 

ISA Certified Arborist: 8

Practice: 8

Utility Specialist: 8

Municipal Specialist: 8

Climber Specialist: 8

Aerial Lift Specialist: 8

acerca el instructor

Leo Roldan

Leo es un entrenador profesional de Nueva York, apasionado por la educación bilingüe, con más de 20 años de experiencia. Solo por mencionar algunas de las cualificaciones que posee:

• Arborista certificado por la ISA
• Trabajador de árboles certificado por la ISA
• Especialista en plataformas elevadoras certificado por la ISA
• CTSP
• Líder de equipo calificado.

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Aerial Rescue

Friday March 07th, 2025

8am-5pm

Legacy Park Decatur 500 S Columbia Dr, Decatur, GA 30030

$35 for tree care professionals

FREE for members of GAA

lunch included

bring your climbing gear

Aerial Rescue Training prepares climbers for the most likely scenarios where they may have to respond to an emergency while working at height.  This course is hands on with participants actively performing rescues using various techniques

Required Gear List for the aerial rescue training:

1. Helmet z89 class E

2. Safety glasses z 87

3. Climbing Harness

4. Climbing rope

5. Friction saver

6. 5 Carabiners

7. 1 safety lanyard

8. Climbing system

9. Climbing spikes

- This is a list of the minimum equipment need for the aerial rescue. All equipment must be in good conditions and following manufactures specifications (not altered)

CEUs offered 

ISA Certified Arborist: 8

Practice: 8

Utility Specialist: 8

Municipal Specialist: 8

Climber Specialist: 8

Aerial Lift Specialist: 8

about the instructor

Leo Roldan

Leo is a professional trainer from New York ,he has a passion for bilingual education, with more of 20 years of experience. Just to mention a few qualification that Leo has:

• ISA certified arborist
• ISA. Certified tree worker specialist
• ISA certified aerial lift specialist
• CTSP
• Qualified crew leader.