Current Projects

Reducing Infrastructure Damage by Tree Roots: A Compendium of Strategies - Prior to our incorporation, the Western Chapter ISA’s Chapter Directed research fund (aka the John Britton Memorial Fund) sponsored the printing of this valuable reference book. This compendium was developed to serve as a concise and comprehensive reference on the subject of tree and infrastructure conflicts. With up to date descriptions and assessments of methods used to reduce damage, this resource is intended to provide tree managers, planners and engineers with the information they need to create effective management plans. Reprinted in 2007, the popular publication is now available from the Britton Fund, Inc, website or Western Chapter ISA office.

Oaks in the Urban Landscape- sponsoring cooperator in the publication of “Managing Oaks in the Urban Landscape” recently released by Larry Costello, Bruce Hagen and Katherine Jones. This publication offers a comprehensive look at the management of oaks in urban areas. As development moves into oak woodland areas, more and more oaks are becoming “urban” oaks.

Oaks are highly valued in urban areas for their aesthetic, environmental, economic and cultural benefits. However, significant impacts to the health and structural stability of oaks have resulted from urban encroachment. Changes in environment, incompatible cultural practices, and pest problems can all lead to the early demise of our stately oaks.

Using this book you’ll learn how to effectively manage and protect oaks in urban areas – existing oaks as well as the planting of new oaks. Three key areas are addressed: selection, care, and preservation. You’ll learn how cultural practices, pest management, risk management, preservation during development, and genetic diversity can all play a role in preserving urban oaks.

http://anrcatalog.ucdavis.edu/Items/3518.aspx

Invest From the Ground Up – We’ve partnered with the California Urban Forests Council on a public education program called Invest from the Ground Up. Investing from the ground up starts with YOU at home and around town! Learn more about how urban forestry and green spaces deliver big dividends toward healthy local economies and your business's bottom line. Learn how your community's tree-lined streets and parks offer a range of benefits supporting safer and healthier families and neighborhoods and increased property values. Get more details by clicking here.

Healthy Communities Campaign – The “Healthier Communities Grow on Trees Campaign” is a product of a proposition 40 grant from Cal Fire. The campaign includes 20 educational booths based on the benefits of trees to the community. As an arborist, you know that trees are good for your community. Now there’s an easy way for you to help spread the word and earn CEU’s while doing it! It’s as easy as one, two, tree...1. Find an event in your community such as a pancake breakfast, earth fair, or a farmer’s market. Check out a table top display from the Britton Fund, complete with brochures, and a prep kit to help you brush up on your tree facts. 3. Spread the word about the benefits of trees at your community event. We’ll even give you a couple of CEUs if you fill out an event report afterwards.

A Compendium of Strategies - Prior to our incorporation, the Western Chapter ISA’s Chapter Directed research fund (aka the John Britton Memorial Fund) sponsored the printing of this valuable reference book. This compendium was developed to serve as a concise and comprehensive reference on the subject of tree and infrastructure conflicts. With up to date descriptions and assessments of methods used to reduce damage, this resource is intended to provide tree managers, planners and engineers with the information they need to create effective management plans. Reprinted in 2007, the popular publication is now available from the Britton Fund, Inc, website or Western Chapter ISA office.

Oak Report - sponsoring cooperator in the publication of “Managing Oaks in the Urban Landscape” currently under development by Larry Costello, Bruce Hagen and Katherine Jones

Current Projects: (what’s being funded?)

1. Web-Accessed Technical Information Sheets - Helen Stone - Ten Technical Informational Sheets on topics of interest and importance to Western Chapter ISA arborists. Examples are managing trees during drought and water-use restriction, managing infrastructure conflicts with trees, responsible wood waste management, and maximizing benefits of trees in hot climates.
     a. Drafts complete
     b. Undergoing review by Research Committee.
     c. Completed date is being discussed and revised

2. Analysis of Tree Failures Recorded in the International Tree Failure Database – Dr. Larry Costello at Oracle Oak Nursery - Ten Technical Information Sheets and Species Failure Profiles will be available to Western Chapter ISA members through the WCISA’s web site at www.wcisa.net and the Britton Fund, Inc. website at www.thebrittonfund.org.
     a. Currently in data collection and statistical analysis
     b. Anticipate completion of 15 species profiles March 2012

3. Compendium of Articles - Looking at compilation of other Western Arborist articles into a compendium. Researching subject matter, authorship, and distribution possibilities.

4. Public Education Displays
     a. Currently working with CaUFC on a new message that speaks to the theme “invest from the ground up)

Past Projects

Great Clean Air Tree Planting Project www.unitedvoices.org