Since 1991, the Utah Community Forest Council/International Society of Arboriculture-Utah Chapter has been serving the needs of Utah's professional tree care industry. Our organization operates through the combined efforts of numerous volunteers and a full-time Business Manager.
Working together we provide educational workshops and events for arborists or anyone interested in tree care. We have a variety of workshops and many offer certified arborists the opportunity to earn Continuing Education Credits toward their ISA certification. Some workshop topics include pesticide application, chainsaw safety, tree care near power lines, tree hazard and appraisals, arborist school, and many more.
Our biggest and most exciting event is the annual Utah tree climbing championship. Competitors are challenged in five events – Work Climb, Aerial Rescue, Belayed Speed Climb, Ascent Event and Throw Line. The events simulate working conditions of professional tree climbers and test a competitor's ability to quickly, professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree care tasks. The winner of all five events goes on to represent Utah in the international tree climb competition.
In addition to our workshops and events, our volunteers coordinate the Arborist Apprenticeship Program. This two-year program provides participants with classroom and hands-on field training. The apprenticeship program increases arboricultural knowledge, skills, and abilities of the participants.
Mission Statement
The Utah Community Forest Council/International Society of Arboriculture-Utah Chapter is a non-profit organization that advocates for proper management and care of Utah's community forests through partnerships, and public and professional education.
Purpose
The Chapter is devoted to improving the understanding and care of trees and promoting professionalism in arboriculture in the state of Utah.The objectives of the Chapter are to support and provide education in the art and science of arboriculture, to improve the practice of tree preservation, to stimulate a greater appreciation of shade trees for useful and aesthetic purposes, to encourage and stimulate active participation with organizations and/or individuals having arboricultural interests, and to provide contemporary information and training.
History
In the 1960s, some Utah residents formed the Utah Association of Shadetree Commission. The group did not incorporate and its business was conducted informally. While the group had the best of intentions, it lacked consistency without a formal structure. Directors were appointed, and officers came and went. Eventually, the organization dissolved in about 1985.
When Congress enacted the 1990 Farm Bill (officially called the 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act), it included the Forest Stewardship Assistance Act. That Act authorized the Forest Legacy Program, Forest Stewardship Program, Forestry Incentives Program and Stewardship Incentives Program. The 1990 Farm Bill also included a separate Conservation Title with forestry-related elements, such as tree-planting initiatives. Funding from the 1990 Farm Bill, made available through the UDSA Forest Service, was used to significantly stimulate urban forestry programs. Funds became available in 1991 and allowed the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands (FFSL) to hire a full-time urban forestry coordinator, provide for coordination of related volunteer efforts, create a community forest council, and establish a five-year strategic plan.
With support and encouragement from FFSL, a group of people interested in arboriculture began working toward creation of the Utah Community Forest Council. Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were drafted and approved by the state. On July 15, 1991, the Utah Community Forest Council was officially incorporated as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. In 1999, a petition was submitted to the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) requesting establishment of a Utah chapter. The petition was approved, and the ISA/Utah Chapter was formed.
The two organizations have since been united and are jointly administered.