CTPA Updates

COVID-19 Update – Helpful Links

March 21, 2020 by CTPA Admin

The CTPA wishes to share with its members these links to resources related to the corona virus and how the COVID-19 situation relates to tree care in Connecticut.

In a previous post, we discussed Governor Lamont’s recent Executive Order on Essential Businesses. Specific guidance as to what constitutes an essential business can be expected on a State of Connecticut web page specifically addressing “the suspension of non-essential in-person business operations”. That guidance should be posted by 8 pm on Sunday, March 22. The Governor has directed the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to do so. Any concerns regarding the guidance issued should be directed to the DECD.

Additional information regarding the corona virus and COVID-19 has been posted on the State’s COVID-19 web page.

Connecticut is not the only state seeking to use such serious measures to deal with the corona virus. The question as to what constitutes essential services is not limited to this state. For that reason, the Tree Care Industry Association and the International Society of Arboriculture have written a joint TCIA / ISA position statement on essential services. This position statement may be useful to Connecticut’s arborists and tree care workers. However, the statement itself may or may not have any influence over DECD as it considers whether tree care is an essential service.

The TCIA also has an excellent web page on the corona virus and COVID-19 entitled, “What Should Tree Care Businesses Know about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) Outbreak?” Included on this jam-packed page are model policies and sample messages regarding COVID-19 that can be used in communication with your clients and with your employees.

CTPA members who have questions or comments should feel free to contact the CTPA office at info@ctpa.org. They may also contact CTPA President Allan Fenner at afenner@savatree.com.

Stay safe, be healthy and keep a watch out for each other.

COVID-19 and Essential Businesses

March 21, 2020 by CTPA Admin

To CTPA members:

By now, everyone knows about the corona virus and the dangers posed by COVID-19, the disease that it causes and that is spreading rapidly throughout society. On Friday, March 20, Governor Ned Lamont issued an Executive Order, effectively throwing a circuit breaker on social interaction, seeking to break the spread of this virus by curtailing all non-essential business activities. The idea behind this circuit breaker is plain. Because so much social activity and social interaction centers around business activities (think bars, restaurants, movie theaters, shopping centers), severely limiting these activities will also severely limit transmission of this disease.

We all get that. At the same time, these same businesses are the lifeblood of our financial activities and the structural foundation as to how we live – including, especially, for anyone and everyone who works for a small business. The Governor’s announcement of this order, on Friday afternoon, left it unclear the full extent as to which businesses are to be affected. For CTPA members, this includes the question as to whether tree care businesses fall under the ‘essential services’ exception or not.

The full text of the Executive Order, released subsequently by the Secretary of the State, gives some further guidance on this question. On page 3, towards the bottom, it lists, among those businesses to be considered as essential:

vendors of essential services and goods necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operations of residences or other essential businesses, including pest control and landscaping services

A bit later on, the Executive Order also states:

Any other business may be deemed essential after requesting an opinion from DECD (Department of Economic and Community Development), which shall review and grant such request, should it determine that it is in the best interest of the state to have the workforce continue at full capacity to properly respond to this emergency.

There are two other key points from the Executive Order to mention. First, it states that the Commissioner of DECD shall issue binding guidance as to what businesses are to be considered essential by no later than 8 pm on Sunday, March 22. Second, it sets the time frame for this ban on the opening of non-essential services as running from Monday, March 23 until Wednesday, April 22.

These citations do not explicitly include tree care businesses, but they do give some solid basis for thinking that they will be included as among those considered to be essential. Regardless, the issuance of this Executive Order is difficult news for everyone, no matter what business you are in. Certainly, this is not a step that our governing leadership is taking lightly. The COVID-19 is a very serious threat that calls on all of us to bring out the best in ourselves and to do the right thing in combating this deeply contagious and currently uncontrolled disease .

The CTPA will keep in contact with state governmental leaders and will seek to keep our membership informed. Let’s hope we have good news – make that great news – in time for Earth Day and Arbor Day, two of our favorite holidays.

In the meantime, be safe and stay healthy – and seek the same for all of your loved ones, your colleagues, acquaintances, business associates, clients and fellow workers. We can do this.

Regards / the Board of the CTPA

2020 Climbing Competition – Boothe Park, Stratford

February 26, 2020 by CTPA Admin

The 35 competitors, along with the judges, timers, scorers, donors, volunteers and family get ready for the 16th annual CT Tree Climbing Competition.

The 2020 Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition

is on Saturday, May 9, 2020 at Boothe Park in Stratford.

Each year, 25-30 climbers, men and women, participate in a competition that showcases the skill, safety, insight and knowledge that is all a part of climbing trees professionally. The event also showcases the camaraderie, spirit and overall sense of fun that is also a part of this unique group of skilled individuals.

The Five Qualifying Events in the CT Tree Climbing Competition are:

The Ascent Event – This is a new event and is replacing the footlock.
Throw Line Accuracy – a timed event in which the competitor sets three different lines in specified parts of a tree.
Belayed Speed Climb – a timed ‘free-climb’ (climber is belayed) 40′ to 60′ up a selected tree.
Work Climb – five work stations are set within a given tree and competitors are scored as they move through the tree completing assigned tasks.
Aerial Rescue – climbers are timed as they ‘rescue’ a dummy set in a tree.

This years (2020) Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition is at Boothe Park in Stratford, CT
This is an all day event that is open to the public.
If you are interested in being a competitive climber or a sponsor, please register on-line or
by mail.

If you are interested in being a volunteer, please call Bud Neal (203)577-8144 (cell)
or Cathy in the office (203)484-2512.

The CTPA Presents its Yearly Awards at the 2020 Annual Meeting

February 2, 2020 by CTPA Admin

At its recent Annual Meeting (January 16, 2020), the CTPA presented two Awards. It also introduced the two winners for this year of the CTPA Arborist Scholarship.

The family, friends and co-workers of Fred Grimshaw gather as the Award of Merit Plaque for 2020 is presented in his honor.

The Association announced Fred Grimshaw as the recipient of its Award of Merit and presented the plaque commemorating Fred’s receipt of this award to his family and to the members of his company, Grimshaw Tree. Fred passed away on August 11^th of this past year – news that was received with great sadness by many in the arboricultural community. Fred was known for many things – as an accomplished arborist, astute business owner, lover of trees and of wood, mentor and friend – and, on occasion, wit and story-teller. He was always a loyal member of CTPA and a strong supporter of arborists and arboriculture. CTPA’s President Allan Fenner presented the award to Fred’s family, with the only regret being that he could not present to award to Fred himself.

Chuck and Darryl Newman of Planters’ Choice receive the Arborist Citation being presented to their nursery.

CTPA also presented the Arborist Citation to Planters’ Choice Nursery, of Newtown and Watertown. There to receive the award were Chuck Newman, Founder and Owner of Planters’ Choice, and Darryl Newman, Principal. Planters’ Choice was selected for this award due to its sense of mission and spirit of teamwork. The nursery clearly sees itself as part of the broad coalition of those who are responsible for planting and maintaining trees in the landscape. Most recently, Planters’ Choice was noted as being extraordinarily helpful to CTPA in its effort to plant trees throughout Connecticut in celebration of the Centennial of the Arborist Law. That is just the latest example of their generosity and cooperative effort. Both Darryl and Chuck have spoken at past CTPA meetings and are regular participants as exhibitors. They have also been volunteer participants in such activities as being on the board of the CT Nursery and Landscape Association and the CT Urban Forest Council.

Annually, the CTPA presents at least one $1,000 scholarship to a college student who is directing his or her studies towards a career arboriculture or urban forestry. This student must also be a resident of Connecticut. This year, the CTPA awarded two scholarships.

Leeane Marvin is honored as one of the two recipients of the CTPA Arborist Scholarship for 2020.

The first CTPA Arborist Scholarship was awarded to Leeane Marvin. Leeane is a Junior at the University of Connecticut. She is a student in the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, with a concentration in Sustainable Forest Resources. Leeane lives in Winsted with her husband and four children. In her application, she stated that she has always loved trees. Once she graduates, she looks forward to continuing her work in Connecticut in a tree or forestry field position, as a forest technician or doing research to help protect Connecticut forests.

The second CTPA Arborist Scholarship was awarded to Felicia Millett. Felicia is a Plant Science major at the University of Connecticut who lives with her husband in Plainville. She is an alumna of the Arboriculture 101 course, a licensed arborist in the State of Connecticut and an accomplished tree climber. Felicia decided to go back to school as a way of building on her extensive field experiences and is now working on a degree in Plant Science with a concentration in Ornamental Horticulture. Her goal is to contribute to increasing and improving the range of woody plants available in the nursery trade. In particular, she is interested in exploring underused ornamentals, trees and shrubs that thrive in the southern New England climate and in broadening the options of homeowners and landscape designers. She is also interested in playing a role in increasing the availability of plants with improved disease resistance.

Felicia is already known to CTPA members as an accomplished tree climber, who has participated in both the Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition and also the New England Competition.

As Felicia was unable to attend this year’s meeting, she is not pictured here.

The 98th Annual Meeting – Attendee Registration

December 9, 2019 by CTPA Admin

Please join us and celebrate our 98th Annual Meeting, Thursday, January 16, 2020 at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT. We have a great line-up of speakers, our always packed trade show and, of course, an excellent lunch.

The following CEU’s are available at the end of the day: CT DEEP, 2/3.25, 3D/4.75 CEU’s, CT Forest Practitioner/2.0 CEU’s, ISA Certification/4.0, and Advanced Certified Tree Wardens’/4.75 CEU’s.

UConn Announces – Officially – a Two Year Degree Program in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture

October 27, 2019 by CTPA Admin

UConn’s two year degree program in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture has been approved by the University’s Board of Trustees. As a result, the Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture within the University will now be accepting students who wish to major in this field. While a two year degree, students who are interested and qualify will have the opportunity to continue on into a four year degree in a related field. Further details can be found on the official UConn Announcment. A sample outline of the coursework expected for completion of the degree is on the second page of the outline.

Classes are already underway in the first course required of the major – The Fundamentals of Arboriculture. This course is being taught by John Kehoe, with 9 students enrolled. According to John, the course is going along very well, with the students excited, interested and learning things. John is well-known to CTPA members as a long-time arborist who runs his own tree care business as well as being former Hartford City Forester and a member of UConn’s arboricultural staff.

In addition to announcing the major, UConn is also announcing the spring semester course in Urban Forestry as well as opening the search for an Adjunct Instructor in Urban Forestry.

Please feel to pass this information on.

CTPA is a supporter of this program, through financial contributions and also by providing advice and assistance. The best way for membership to support this program will be by considering UConn graduates for employment, once we reach that point.

The Ratcliffe Hicks School of Agriculture is affiliated with the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, which is within the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UConn. Members seeking further information on the program are encouraged to contact the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at: nre@uconn.edu or 860‐486‐2840.

Remembering Frederick E. Kuhr – CTPA Past President 1978-79

October 16, 2019 by CTPA Admin

Frederick E. Kuhr, 81, of Southington, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 26, 2019 in Griswold, CT. Frederick was the devoted husband of Elke (Bäuerle) Kuhr for 53 years.

Born on October 12, 1937 in Waterbury, CT to the late Ernst and Dora (Richter) Kuhr, he was a lifelong Southington resident.

After high school, Freddie was drafted and proudly served his country in the U. S. Army. He then earned his degree in Horticulture from UCONN. He established Evergreen Nursery in 1960 with the goal of “beautifying the outdoors” and proudly served the local community for over 50 years. Freddie also enjoyed raising and herding sheep with his family and friends.

He was an active member of the Masonic Friendship Lodge No. 33, the Southington Elks Lodge No. 1669, a Lieutenant Governor for his Kiwanis Club district and a member of the Sphinx Shriner’s. He was a former Bank Director at Southington Savings Bank and a Past President of the German American Society. Freddie was a proud member and Past President (1978-79) of the Connecticut Tree Protective Associations (CTPA). He also volunteered as a firefighter in Southington for many years. Freddie will be remembered for his contagious laugh, dynamic personality, and unique sense of humor. He had a generous spirit and always believed in family first.

In addition to his loving wife Elke, he is survived by his son, Eric F. Kuhr of Southington, two daughters, Rebecca Isaacson and her husband Todd of Middletown and Carolyn E. Kielma and her husband Michael of Wolcott and 7 grandchildren: Sarah, Rachel, Ryan, Alexander, Julia, Teddy and Henry. He is also survived by his sister, Heidi Bittner and brother, Walter Kuhr and his wife Roberta, all of Southington along with many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Loretta Miron and two brothers-in-law, Michael Bittner and Francis “Shy” Miron.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Freddie’s memory may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 1525, Ranson, WV 25438 or via lovetotherescue.org

For online condolences, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.

Looking for Nominations for the 2020 Annual Meeting Awards

October 7, 2019 by CTPA Admin

Allan Fenner, President and Thomas E. Worthley, Arborist Citation Recipient

The Connecticut Tree Protective Association regularly honors individuals who have made significant contributions to arboriculture and to the care and protection of Connecticut’s trees. These awards are given annually and presented at the Annual Meeting. The CTPA Board of Directors is requesting nominees for awards for the upcoming Annual Meeting on January 17, 2019 and encourages you to nominate someone whom you feel deserves special recognition.

Award Categories:

Award of Merit– This award is presented to a CTPA member who has shown exemplary professionalism and dedication and made outstanding contributions to the care and protection of Connecticut’s trees.
Arborist Citation– This award is presented to a non-member who has shown exemplary dedication to the care and protection of Connecticut’s trees.

If you know of someone that is deserving of either of these awards, please print out the nomination form and email (info@ctpa.org) or fax (203)793-7924 to the CTPA office.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, December 2, 2019.

English and Spanish EHAP Workshops

September 16, 2019 by CTPA Admin

Do you understand all that you need to in order to work safely around electricity and power lines?

Electrical Hazard Awareness training is a must for everyone involved in tree care. Simply put, it is a Basic Matter of Safety. If you work with trees, you will encounter electricity. Electricity can be very dangerous.

This EHAP workshop is offered by CTPA to help prepare individuals for the electrical hazards they face in their everyday jobs.

Attendees will learn about the electrical distribution system, the hardware used in that system, the types of electrical hazards a tree care worker is likely to face and how to be prepared when you are encountering electricity on the job.

Cost of the Workshop

In order to help make this workshop affordable for all who wish to attend, CTPA has subsidized the costs.

Total cost for each attendee is $135 for members and $155 for non-members.

All attendees will receive the TCIA’s Electrical Hazard Awareness workbook – a $135 value. Attendees may request this workbook in English or Spanish.

This price includes lunch and the EHAP Workbook and Manual.

CEUs

CEU’s will be available for CT, ISA and CTSP.

About the Workshops (English and Spanish)

These workshops will make attendees aware of the hazards all tree care workers face when they work around energized electrical conductors. This awareness is an essential part of basic tree care safety. It is recommended that all people who work in tree care take an EHAP course.

The ENGLISH one day workshop, at the Berlin Campus on November 14, 2019, will be led by Emmett Shutts, Cheshire, CT. Emmett is an approved TCIA EHAP instructor and the New England regional trainer with Davey Tree. Mr. Shutts will make use of the EHAP Workbook and Manual published by the Tree Care Industry Association. All attendees will receive this publication. Training will also be provided on the equipment that makes up the electrical distribution system. Knowing what each piece is and what it does is an important part of being safe around electrical conductors.
To ensure your reservation, please register by November 1st for the English EHAP taking place at the Berlin Eversource campus.

The SPANISH one day workshop, at the South Norwalk Library on December 5, 2019, will be led by Leo Roldan, Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Worker Specialist, Certified Aerial Lift Specialist, Certified Treecare Safety Professional and TCIA EHAP instructor. Mr. Roldan will make use of the SPANISH EHAP Workbook and Manual published by the Tree Care Industry Association. All attendees will receive this publication. Training will also be provided on the equipment that makes up the electrical distribution system. Knowing what each piece is and what it does is an important part of being safe around electrical conductors.

To ensure your reservation, please register by November 21st for the Spanish EHAP taking place at the South Norwalk Library.
OR

Individuals who complete the exercises in the workbook, who receive certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods and who also can demonstrate a basic level of skill in aerial rescue techniques are eligible to be certified as line clearance arborists. CTPA will not be providing this additional training or testing. Companies are responsible for the EHAP certification of their employees. However, guidance on achieving certification will be offered by CTPA to participants, both during and following the workshop.

CTPA encourages all companies engaged in tree care to have an EHAP program in place for all of their employees.

Registration

If you are in tree care and have not taken an Electrical Hazard Awareness course before, you really should consider attending this one. These workshops fill quickly so please register early!

Centennial Tree Planting is Underway!

September 12, 2019 by CTPA Admin

The Centennial Tree Planting to commemorate the Anniversary of the Connecticut Arborist Law is underway! The trees have all been delivered to the designated sites around the state with the plaques to accompany them.

Several of the trees have already been picked up and we know of at least one tree planting that has taken place in Franklin. Thank you David Gustafson for being the first to plant a white oak on September 11, 2019 at the Veterans Park in Franklin along with Franklin First Selectman, Charlie Grant.

There are 23 towns that do not have volunteers. If you are interested in helping in any of the following town, please call the office at 203.484.2512. Andover, Ashford, Colchester, Colebrook, Columbia, Goshen, Hartland, Lisbon, Marlborough, Montville, Plainfield, Plainville, Plymouth, Preston, Salem, Scotland, Sterling, Thomaston, Union, Voluntown, Willington, Windsor Locks, Wolcott.

Keep checking the CTPA website for more pictures of tree plantings around the state. We will put them on the Centennial Tree Planting Picture page as they come to the office.

Thank you to all that have volunteered! Taking on planting a tree in each town in the state of Connecticut would not have happened without your generosity of your time and resources.