Georgia Arborist Association, Inc. upcoming events

ISA TRAQ 3.0 Full Course (Macon, GA): Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (May 11, 2026)

Mon, 11 May 2026 12:00:00 GMT

ISA TRAQ FULL COURSE -

TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATION 3.0

Published on Monday, September 15, 2025

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) will implement important updates to the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) program effective 5 November 2025. Changes include updates to the educational materials and program as well as examinations as a response to the most recent Job Task Analysis and Standard Setting performed for the program.

These updates and programmatic changes are also done based on international standards for this type of training and development program. It ensures the credential remains current, reliable, and aligned with industry standards. Read the full press release here.

May 11th-13th, 2026

COURSE LOCATION:

Georgia Forestry Commission Headquarters

5645 Riggins Mill Road Dry Branch, GA 31020

Instructor:

Jimmy Walters and Sharon Lilly

14.5 CEUs Available

Registration Deadline:

April 10th, 2026

(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 - . 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 Workbook that you can read and study to prepare for the course. The course manual is no longer included in the materials shipped to you. It can be purchased ahead of the course at a discount on the ISA webstore if you have already registered for the course (available after October 20th). 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.

Sharon Lilly:

Sharon Lilly, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, spent 25 years in commercial arboriculture including climbing, managing, and consulting. She also served for 19 years as director of educational goods and services at ISA. She is a Past President of ISA and she developed and taught arboriculture class at Columbus State University. Sharon led the initial development of ISA’s Arborist Certification program, led the development of the ISA TRAQ program, co-authored the Tree Risk Assessment Manual and Best Management Practices (BMP) published by ISA. She is an author of the Arborists’ Certification Study Guide and many other books, BMPs, workbooks, articles, and brochures. Sharon also developed many video training programs, and online courses.

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.

Second Quarter GAA Networking (June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Join us for Networking with other GAA Arborists at Wild Heaven Brewery in Toco Hills

2935-B N. Druid Hills Rd. Atlanta, GA 30329

June 24th from 5:30pm until 7:30pm

GAA Members Receive 1 Free Drink Ticket

Would you like to have a beer & chat with other arborists? Join GAA on Wed., June 24, 5:30-7:30PM, at Wild Heaven Brewery in Toco Hills (Atlanta). GAA members receive 1 free drink ticket.
Hungry? No problem. Fox Brothers BBQ is at the brewery.
Don't drink beer? Enjoy wines & housemade cocktails.
Don't drink alcohol? They have mocktails, Coke products & non-alcoholic beer!

No need to register, unless you'd like a reminder sent to you as we near the date.

Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) Training (June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

TCIA ASTI Electrical Hazard Awareness Program Training

June 25, 2026

Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd.
Marietta, Georgia

8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.
8 ISA + CTSP CEUs for in person and 2 additional CEU opportunities for online course.

Why EHAP?

EHAP will augment your work in three areas:

OSHA Safety Requirements

EHAP helps you meet the OSHA 1910.269 safety standard, which requires:

Employer-certified training
Employers must certify that employees who work 10 feet or closer to energized conductors are trained in the special hazards involved in such work.
On-the-job training and verification
Employers must verify through documented, on-the-job training and verification that these employees have the skills necessary to perform line-clearance job tasks safely.

EHAP must be used in combination with documented on-the-job skills training and verification to meet OSHA 1910.269 requirements.

ANSI Safety Requirements
The ANSI Z133.1 safety standard for arboricultural operations requires all employees be trained to recognize electrical hazards. EHAP training meets the ANSI Z133.1 training requirement. All the content related to electrical hazards in the Z133 is included in the EHAP course.) The ANSI Z 133 Safety Standard is available for purchase separately.

Storm Cleanup
EHAP is often required by the US Army Corps of Engineers in order to qualify for storm-related clean-ups. They have recognized the importance of the EHAP training program dating back to Hurricane Katrina.

This course includes a full-day, in person training with a qualified instructor AND a virtual self-paced instruction. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

About the instructor: Jeff Inman

Jeff Inman: Risk Manager and Academy Director at Truetimber Arborists

Jeff Inman is a dedicated husband, father, and the Risk Manager and Academy Director for Truetimber Arborists. As an ISA Climber Specialist and certified Arborist, TRAQ, and TCIA CTSP, Jeff is passionate about climbing, continuous learning, and professional growth in the arboriculture industry.

Aerial Rescue Training (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMT

ASTI Aerial Rescue Training

June 26th 2026
Vermeer Southeast
1320 Gresham Rd.
Marietta, Georgia

8:00 a.m. until 5 p.m.

8 ISA + CTSP CEUs for in person and 2 additional CEU opportunities for online course.

When a tree worker is injured or incapacitated aloft, typically fellow crew members are the first to respond an emergency could develop any time, and tree care professionals must know how to react.

TCIA’s Aerial Rescue Training Program helps you protect your workers and meet the aerial rescue training requirements mandated by ANSI Z133.1 and OSHA.

Prepare for your Certified Tree Worker Exam with Aerial Rescue Training. Provided at a discounted rate in partnership with the TCIA's Arborist Safety Training Institute (ASTI).

This course includes a full-day, in person training with a qualified instructor AND a virtual self-paced instruction. Participants will receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course.

Climbers must bring own gear, wear all necessary PPE and be able to access the tree and ascend/descend without assistance.

About the instructor:

Jeff Inman: Risk Manager and Academy Director at Truetimber Arborists