Annual Arborist Meetings

emr

emr

Location
WI
Today I recieved the registration for the WAA annual conference and was slightly dissapointed. There is always one session each day aimed just at climbers. In past years we have had some great topics and some not so great topics, not to mention the speakers. This year the topics seem to be super basic and I dont think much thought went into what topics should be presented. The speaker will do a good job; he has presented in past and always does a good job. The reason for my post is to get some new ideas for future topics. The other two days there is nothing listed except for "Networking Session".

What are some of the best topics relating to climbing you all have seen?

I am not on the program committee, nor do I claim to be able to do a better job, but we need some better topics in future years. Any imput would be great.
 
We have only one climbing presentation this year at ours next week and it's on competition climbing and new techniques and new gear. That is all there is. One full day is geared towards pesticides and getting the core license. EMR you also have to look at the guys that attend you're confrences. Do many of the climbers actually get to come out or is it mainly those guys that are running the companies or doing the research or the IPM guys that aren't doing much over the winter. Like at the ISA meetings and the TCIA most of the meetings are on business and management and everything else but the floor shows and demos are on the climbing aspect. So I think that the associations gear their talks to the people in charge and the majority of attendees.
 
I know many of the arborist at the WAA are climbers because I know them from school, or other places. The fact that over all the climbers make up a smaller percentage of attendees does not mean too much. The reason I say this is that the WAA feels there is enough climbers present to have sessions just for climbers. My main point is if they want to have topics for climbers, put more thought and effort into it, or dont do it at all. Also, if you have better topics, maybe, just maybe there will be more climbers at the conference.
 
Virtually every Chapter that puts on seminars has an incredibly open door when it comes to getting input from its members. Typically they are not refusing class time to speakers, but clamoring to bring in speakers who have the time to volunteer their services. Some seminars pay their speakers but the majority only pay their key note speakers. I am certain that the WAA would welcome your volunteering to put on a series of classes directed at climbers. You can't effect change without being involved in the process.
 
I do, and have volunteered my time to the WAA, but that is besides the point. I would like to get some new topic ideas so that I can give suggestions in the future. As far as the money issue goes, there are many local speakers who would gladly donate thier time to speak, we just need some ideas for them to speak on.
 
Ok here we go. They could talk about different ropes and rope construction, maybe splicing is an interest, new techniques and gear, comp climbing, technical rigging, properly climbing a spar, speed lining. That's all i got for now
 
We've belabored this Catch-22 before, how the committees are composed of expense-account folks who don't appreciate what working arborists want and need. Rich is right, once you get these new ideas, get on the committee and make things happen. That IS the point.

Programs are open to field arborists who have something to say. I get on programs when I submit coherent proposals that make sense to committees. If most of my expenses are paid I'm happy to volunteer my time. At the Southern Chapter's Pre-Conference Workshop this year we will be outside working with trees for 3 of the 4 hours. Come on down.
http://www.isasouthern.org/Web%20File/Registration/ISA%20CONF%202007A.pdf
 
Hey, PU climber

I will be at the IAA wed and thur

Look me up, I will be the 6' tall bald guy. You cannot miss me

Later
Randy
 
"We've belabored this Catch-22 before, how the committees are composed of expense-account folks who don't appreciate what working arborists want and need. Rich is right, once you get these new ideas, get on the committee and make things happen. That IS the point."

I wish it was that easy to make change occur. If you are not part of the "in group" it is very hard to be taken seriously. What I was hoping from this thread is go gain some good ideas to suggest in the future. Give my limited amout of free time (one infant and one on the way, not to mention the rest of life), this is the best way that I can contribute.

I didnt want this thread to seem like I was bashing anyone, but it seems that is the way it came across.
 
A lot of committee work is done online, but if your family situation cuts down on your time (I've been there--for a long time), then find someone with an open mind. These committees trun into "in crowds" not because the people are snobs, but because other members don't contribute. Good on you for making the effort.

"What are some of the best topics relating to climbing you all have seen?"

Selective heading cuts on storm-damaged trees.
(ok I'm a little biased there)

Installing lightning protection. and cabling.

101 ways to use a polesaw.

Identifying decay fungi and harmful insects aloft.

Assessing and mitigating cracks.
 
"Selective heading cuts on storm-damaged trees.
(ok I'm a little biased there)"

I saw you give this talk at the Minn Arb Assoc. I think. That was very interesting. Thanks for suggestions, I really do appreaciate them.
 
[ QUOTE ]

I saw you give this talk at the Minn Arb Assoc. I think. That was very interesting. Thanks for suggestions, I really do appreaciate them.

[/ QUOTE ]Thanks. I got rightly roasted after that one for my technological ineptitude and monotonal delivery.
blush.gif
I was pretty new to it at that point--what was that, three years ago?

Those topics are just off the top of my head. Other topics may arise in the heads of other climbers. with camera and powerpoint and a little book work, it's not that hard to put together something fresh that people will like.

It takes a bit of time but the payoff comes around on many levels. The most tangible results for me are enjoying my work more, and being better at it thanks to the study, and learning from the honest criticism.
tongue.gif
 
You can never have enough classes on safety as far as I am concerned. A few that might be interesting and useful might be:

Climbers Guide to Tree ID: Strengths and Weaknesses per Species

Rope Use, Inspection, and Maintenance

I agree with Tyler that "Climbing a Spar" would be invaluable especially with Aerial Rescue techniques tied in.
 
emr,

I guess I'm not the only one who was thinking that when I got the conference program. It seems like they're running out of material. Why not bring people in from outside the industry like a crane service owner or cordage manufacturer rep., even a mountaineer with knowlege of fixed line ascents. Just a thought
 
I like the idea of mountaineers or rock climbers giving us some back ground in what they do. I know not everything will carry over, but lots of our equipment started in the rock climbing world.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New threads New posts

Back
Top Bottom