CTPA (Connecticut Tree Protective Association)

Find an Arborist Join CTPA MEMBER PORTAL
  • Home
  • About
  • Updates
  • Safety
  • Education
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Awards
  • Newsletters
  • Contact
  • Insects
  • Diseases
  • General Updates

Arbor Day celebrated at Beardsley Zoo

April 26, 2024 by CTPA Admin

Click here for the New Channel 12 clip: https://connecticut.news12.com/beardsley-zoo-celebrates-arbor-day

Today the CTPA celebrated Arbor Day at the Beardsley Zoo.  Ten posters were selected by the board of directors and the winning 5th grade students, along with teachers, family and friends came to the zoo to share why the tree they drew was their favorite tree.  A tree was planted at Beardsley Zoo to commemorate the day and New Channel 12 was there too!  A special thank you to the Beardsley Zoo for hosting the tree planting and Northeast Horticultural Services for providing the tree, prepping the site and planting the tree

Filed Under: Event, General Updates, MailChimp

CTPA Summer Meeting is July 18th – Exhibitor Registration OPEN

April 23, 2024 by CTPA Admin

The Summer Meeting is right around the corner!  It will take place on July 18th at the Farmington Polo Club in Farmington, CT.

The Exhibitor Registration is now open.  Please click on the PDF Flyer to mail in a check  (pdf)  or register online by clocking on this link. 

The line up of speakers and available CEU’s will be announced soon. Save the Date!!!

Filed Under: Diseases, Event, General Updates, Insects, MailChimp, Safety

CT Climbing Competition – Work Day

April 19, 2024 by CTPA Admin

 

Work Day 2024

The CTPA would like to humbly thank Northeast Horticultural Services, Almstead Tree, Shrub and Lawn Care, Emmons Tree Service and Bartlett Tree Experts.  These tree companies donated their equipment and crews to help get the trees for Seaside Park in top shape for the competition.  In addition to getting the competition trees ready, they donated time to pruning an additional four trees.  We thank these companies and their crews for being safe and professional and for supporting this event.

Just a reminder to everyone – Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition will be held next Saturday, May 4th, at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.

For climbers and volunteers, the day starts early, at 7 am.  For everyone else, we hope to get the competition rolling by about 8 am.

There is no charge for attendance and parking is free.  Attendees are only encouraged to bring their own food and refreshments, along with perhaps a blanket to sit on.

For those who have not yet attended a CTCC, it is well-worth the time spent.  The preliminary competition begins in the morning and usually runs until the early afternoon.  In the preliminary events, each of the climbers take at turn at each of the skill events:

  • Ascent Event
  • Throwline Accuracy
  • Belayed Speed Climb
  • Work Climb
  • Aerial Rescue

Competitors are formed into groups.  Throughout the preliminary events, each group circulates among the five events until all competitors have completed the circuit.  At that point, the scores of the individual climbers totaled.  The top three men and women climbers are then invited to participate in the Master’s Challenge.

Throughout the day, the skill, intelligence and athleticism of Connecticut’s tree care professionals, as well as those climbers from other states, is on display, as is their attention to safety, concern for the profession and respect for one another.  The word ‘camaraderie’ is illustrated better at this event than at practically any other event one could mention.  Climbers support climbers, and the attendees support climbers, in a way to shows a true passion for what tree climbing and tree care is all about.

It is a great thing to witness.  You should check it out.

Filed Under: Event, General Updates, MailChimp, Safety

2024 CT Climbing Competition – Seaside Park, Bridgeport

March 4, 2024 by CTPA Admin

2023 Climbing Competition – Newtown

 

 

Connecticut Tree Climbing Competition – May 4, 2024

Seaside Park, 188 Waldemre Avenue, Bridgeport, CT

On May 4, 2024, the Connecticut Tree Protective Association will hold the 18th annual Connecticut Tree Climbing Championship.  This competition will take place at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.  The competition will run all day, from 8 in the morning until mid-afternoon.  The public is invited to attend at no charge.

The climbers will show their skills in 5 preliminary events, with the 3 top climbers invited to face off in a Master’s Challenge.

All of the competitors are drawn from the ranks of those involved in professional tree care.  Most are from Connecticut, although competitors are also from other New England states, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.  As the competitors demonstrate their skill, insight, knowledge of technique and athletic ability through their tree climbing. they will also be showing an absolute commitment to safety and concern for the well-being of the tree.

The five preliminary events are the:

  • Ascent Event – A timed climb up a climbing line to a specified height (from 40’ to 80’).
  • Throwline Accuracy – A timed event in which the competitor sets 2 different lines in specified parts of the crown 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 move through the tree completing assigned tasks.
  • Aerial Rescue – Climbers are timed as they ‘rescue’ a dummy set in a tree.

In the Master’s Challenge three work stations are placed in a large tree, and climbers move through the tree completing assigned tasks.  The climbers are both timed and scored, in that only those tasks completed within a specified time are counted and points are added or deducted based on the skill and commitment to safety demonstrated by the climber.

The Connecticut Tree Protective Association is an educational non-profit dedicated to advancing the care of trees in the state.    Currently, the Association has over 780 members, with approximately 580 of those members being licensed arborists.

To sign up as a Competitor please click here:  https://ctpa.org/ctcc-online-registration-form/
The Climber Registration is CLOSED. We are at capacity. If you would like to be on a waitlist, please email: cathy@ctpa.org

To sign up as a Sponsor please click here: https://ctpa.org/ctcc-online-sponsorship-form/

To sign up to be a Volunteer please click here:  https://ctpa.org/ct-tcc-volunteer-registration/

Further details regarding the competition are available through the CTPA office, at 203-484-2512, or by contacting Cathy Dvorsky, Executive Secretary, at cathy@ctpa.org.

Interested attendees are also invited to visit the CTPA website at https://ctpa.org.

Filed Under: Event, General Updates, MailChimp, Safety

Invitation for CT Pest Control Association Lobby Day at the State Capital – March 6th

February 28, 2024 by CTPA Admin

Please join the CT Pest Control Association for a

Lobby Day at the State Capitol

Wednesday, March 6th

10:30 am, Meetings at 11:00 am

Legislative Office Building (LOB)

300 Capital Ave., Hartford

Meeting location: Lobby – 1st Floor of LOB

If you plan to attend and have not already registered with CTPCA, please email ctenvironmentalfacts@gmail.com with your name, home address and contact info.  Our lobbyists at Capitol Consulting can assist you in setting up a meeting with your legislators.

**Parking is available in the parking garage behind the LOB.  If first floor is full, head out and turn right to go to the back of the garage and park in the basement.

Talking Points for Lobby Day

PLEASE TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO PROTECT THE USE OF NEONICOTINOIDS AND RODENTICIDE.

Senate Bill 190 AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF NEONICOTINOIDS has been introduced in the Environment to ban the use of Neonicotinoids with certain exceptions.

In 2016 a law was passed designating neonicotinoids as a restricted use pesticide and established the Pollinator Advisory Committee. This was a reasonable and responsible approach which achieved the original goal of protecting pollinator populations in Connecticut and putting neonicotinoids in the hands of professional certified applicators. Senate bill 190 will undo this beneficial law by banning neonicotinoids with only certain exceptions.

Neonicotinoids are a critical component of an Insect Pest Management (IPM) program, and without their proper use could lead to unintended consequences. As drafted this bill presents specific concerns and could:

  • Lead to the use of alternative products that are less effective and pose a greater risk to pollinators, the environment and the public. Simply put, the alternative non-neonicotinoid products are more deadly to pollinators.
  • Create the reliance on a single product which may lead to development of resistant pest populations.
  • Limits the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) ability to respond to damaging and invasive insect infestations.

Instead of passing SB 190, the Connecticut General Assembly should:

  • Wait for the EPA to rule on neonicotinoids. The EPA is in the final stages of a thorough review of neonicotinoids based on the latest data that will provide additional label restrictions required to reduce their impact on the public and pollinator populations. This report is due in 2024.

 

  • More data is needed regarding the impact on pollinator populations in Connecticut. In fact, multiple state agencies, including members of the Pollinator Advisory Committee, indicate verroa mites, loss of habitat/poor nutrition, and disease are primary causes of decline in pollinator health, not the use of neonicotinoids. Current data suggests that managed pollinator colony decline is at or below levels currently accepted by the commercial pollinating industry (20% annual decline).

The Lawn care industry is ahead of the curve, using better suited products as early technology implementers. We control weeds before utilizing a grub preventer to avoid pollinator impact. I we have a cinch bug, we over seeding with high endophyte turf seed. However, if neonicotinoids are not available as part of the IPM process, it will result in treating a problem with a MORE toxic and MORE expensive product.

 

In summary:

  • Connecticut Environmental Council support the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in their regulation and registration of these products in the state.
  •  A fully staffed agency, complete with a state toxicologist is necessary to ensure that products registered in Connecticut are properly vetted. The addition of key staff to the agency would boost public support behind any regulatory action taken by the agency.
  • Neonicotinoids are an essential part of Integrated Pest Management programs and Best Management Practices to manage invasive, non-native and nuisance insects. IPM/BMP is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks.
  • Removing important insecticides from professionals, homeowners and property owners makes our state’s many layers of protection ineffective against harmful, invasive and nuisance insects that can cause irreparable and costly damage to our urban, suburban, and rural public health, safety, ecosystems, environment.
  • Neonicotinoids represent a significant advancement in pesticide technology and are among the safest for people, applicators, and the environment.
  • The proper use of pesticide products – including neonicotinoid insecticides – on plants, trees, turf grass, and ornamental shrubs will not harm pollinators when applicators read and follow all label directions.

For these reasons, we oppose SB 190 and the ban on Neonicotinoids in Connecticut.

House Bill 5217, AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF CERTAIN RODENTICIDES has been introduced to restrict the use and sale of second-generation rodenticides in order to protect the health of hawks and other raptors.

 

This bill would make second-generation rodenticide a restricted use product effective January 1, 2025 and effective October 1, 2024 restrict its use and sale.

 

In 2008 the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) completed a safety review of rat and mouse poison products. At the conclusion of that review, it was determined that second generation anticoagulants (rodenticide) would be restricted for use and could only be applied by professional applicators in the commercial and structural pest control markets.

 

Current restrictions, regulation and oversight already exist in Connecticut:

  • The US EPA and the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) regulate these products for efficacy, human health impacts and impacts to the environment. This dual layer of oversight and enforcement ensures that rodenticides are used safely and properly throughout the state of Connecticut.
  •  DEEP already has the regulatory authority to review these products and implement additional mitigations or product restrictions. Engaging in a thorough scientific review is the best way to regulate the use and sale of rodenticides.
  • Rodenticides are a critical tool for controlling rodent populations to protect the citizens of Connecticut from the spread of disease and illness. Rodents can transmit more than 35 diseases to human, including the potentially lethal Hantavirus.
  • CT licensed and trained applicators use Second Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) in and around structures to protect public health and property from rodents. These products are only applied in self‐contained rodent bait stations so only target animals are able to enter and retrieve the rodent bait.
  • After a string of mild winters in Connecticut, the state mouse population has seen a rapid increase in population. As the rodent population increases so does the threat of other diseases to humans including Salmonella, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis and other threatening diseases.
  • These are also environmental justice concerns, where under‐resourced communities with abandoned buildings and the inability to afford secure trash bins can increase the prevalence of rats in a neighborhood. In these lower income areas residents will be disproportionately hit by the rise in pest management costs to combat rodents, disproportionately increasing physical and public health concerns.

We believe that when rodenticides are applied according to their label instructions, they serve an important role in protecting the citizens of Connecticut from both disease and property damage. We believe that CT DEEP and US EPA have the authority and the scientific expertise to restrict these products if they pose harm to wildlife, the environment or to humans and for these reasons respectfully OPPOSE HB 5217.

Our Members are:

Making Connecticut’s spaces and places beautiful, safe and pest-free.

Our Mission:

To improve the quality of life for Connecticut families through leadership, stewardship, sustainability and compliance.

Logo

Copyright (C) 2024 Connecticut Environmental Council. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: Diseases, General Updates, Insects, Legislature, MailChimp

Second Public Review of ANSI Z133-2017 Proposed Revisions is Now Open

February 6, 2024 by CTPA Admin

The second public review for the ANSI Z133-2017 Proposed Revisions is now open and will close on 18 March 2024. 

 Access to the second draft and instructions to provide comments are included in the link below.

https://www.isa-arbor.com/z133review

 

Please remember your voice matters!  Every comment submitted is reviewed by the ANSI committee and responded to.

Filed Under: Event, General Updates, MailChimp, Safety, Uncategorized

New Funding Opportunity for Urban and Community Forestry!

January 5, 2024 by CTPA Admin

DEEP is pleased to announce Urban Forest Equity Grant Program with support from the US Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act. This historic funding allocation is available to state and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, and non-profit organizations to support urban forestry projects that will increase equitable access to trees and the benefits they provide in disadvantaged communities throughout Connecticut. Awards are available for up to $200,000 and there is no match requirement. Potential projects include but are not limited to:

  • Tree planting, stewardship, and maintenance
  • Forest planning and assessment
  • Education and outreach programs
  • Work force development
  • Invasive species management
  • Urban wood utilization
  • Extreme heat mitigation

You can find more information on this opportunity including the Request for Proposals and Application here. Proposals are due April 17, 2024, potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend an informational and grant writing guidance session on February 1, 2024 from 4:30-5:30PM. Contact DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov for registration. Potential applicants may also want to attend the Urban and Community Forestry Program’s bi-weekly virtual office hours for ongoing guidance and project development support.

Filed Under: General Updates, MailChimp

Winter Newsletter and 102nd Annual Meeting Registration

December 29, 2023 by CTPA Admin

The Connecticut Arborist Newsletter is here!
https://ctpa.org/wp-content/uploads/TCA-Winter-2023-24-Smallest-File-Size.pdf

We look forward to the New Year and the Annual Meeting on January 18, 2024.
Click here to register: https://ctpa.org/annual-meeting-registration/
(CEU’s Available 2, 3D – 4.50 ceu’s, ISA Certifications 3.75 ceu’s, Forest Practitioners 1.5 ceu’s, and Advanced Certified Tree Wardens 4.25 ceu’s. )

8:00 Registration and Coffee
8:20 President’s Welcome -Michael Almstead
8:30 Business Session Election of Officers Treasurer’s Report Discussion of Issues
8:45 Brian Fain, Ferguson & McQuire Insurance- Competing with Non-Compliant Operators.
9:00 Restoring Pitch Pine in Connecticut. Mr. Gluck will talk about Pitch Pine that was once a common tree in much of Connecticut and now, one of Connecticut’s thirteen imperiled ecosystems with an estimated loss of over 95% of its area. Trees are being lost at an alarming rate and they are not adequately sustaining new generations under current natural conditions especially with the expansion of the Southern Pine Beetle range into Connecticut. Reviving a viable population will take an active hand. by Emery Gluck, Retired CT State Forester, DEEP
10:00 Meet the Exhibitors
10:15 Southern Pine Beetle Management for Urban Landscapes. Southern pine beetle (SPB) is killing hard pine species, especially pitch pine. This talk will give an overview of SPB’s natural history, identification and impact; the signs and symptoms of infestation and the recommended best management practices for urban and forested landscapes will help arborists, foresters, and land mangers alike advance early detection of, and rapid response to SPB, which is key to suppressing this little, but mighty insects’ costly impact while ensuring public safety. by Polly L. Weigand Science and Stewardship Program Manager, Westhampton, NY
11:30 Awards Presentation
11:45 Lunch
1:45 Updates Diane Jorsey, DEEP Pesticides Lindsay Triplett, CAES
2:15 Hope for Connecticut’s Ash Trees. Dr. Rutledge will discuss the history of the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Connecticut, and the current outlook for the ash trees in the state. The talk will focus on the ongoing biological control program for EAB and strategies for helping ash trees rebound. by Claire Rutledge, Ph.D. CT Agricultural Experiment Station
3:45 Adjourn – CEU’s Available 2, 3D – 4.50 ceu’s, ISA Certifications 3.75 ceu’s, Forest Practitioners 1.5 ceu’s, and Advanced Certified Tree Wardens 4.25 ceu’s.

Filed Under: Diseases, Event, General Updates, Insects, MailChimp

102nd CTPA Annual Meeting Attendee Registration

December 14, 2023 by CTPA Admin

The CTPA is pleased to announce the 102nd Annual Meeting will be taking place at the AquaTurf Club on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
There is a fantastic lineup of topics and speakers: Emery Gluck, DEEP Retired State Forester, will talk about Pitch Pine. The second talk is by Polly Weigand, Science and Stewardship Program Manager in Westhampton, NY and she will be talking about Southern Pine Beetle Management for Urban Landscapes. And Dr. Clarie Rutledge is the keynote speaker and she will round out the day talking about Emerald Ash Borers and hope for the ash trees.

CEUs are available for the following: CT Licensed Arborists 2, 3D/4.50 CEU’s, and Forest Practitioner – 1.5 CEU”s , ISA Arborist Certification-Pending, TCIA CTSP – Pending and Advanced Certified Tree Warden – 4.25 CEU’s.  (As we receive the CEU’s we will update the post.)

The day will begin at 8:00 am and end at 3:45 pm.  Come spend the day!

Registration:

  • Preregistration (before January 14th) Members: $90.00, Non-Members: $120.00
  • After January 14th and at the door the day of the event Members: $105.00 and Non-Members $135.00
  •  (click here to become a CTPA Member)

All payments are non-refundable.

If you prefer to register by mail and pay by check, please download the AM Attendee Flyer 2024


If you prefer to register by mail and pay by check, please download the AM Exhibitor Flyer 2024

Filed Under: Diseases, Event, General Updates, Insects, Legislature, MailChimp, Safety

Beech Leaf Disease Workshop

November 7, 2023 by CTPA Admin

The CTPA is holding one more workshop for 2023 on Beech Leaf Disease in hopes of getting the word out to as many people as possible before winter sets in.  This workshop can help those arborists and people in the green industry who have clients with beech leaf disease and would like to not immediately take the tree down.  We encourage all to listen to the science and latest findings.

Please click here to register: https://ctpa.org/beech-leaf-disease-workshop/

Jones Auditorium
CT Agricultural Experiment Station
New Haven, CT
November 27, 2023
8am – 2pm

AGENDA

8:00 – 8:30 – Check in, Light continental breakfast.

8:30 – 8:45 – Welcome and Housekeeping

8:45 – 10:00 – Dr. Richard Cowles – Overview of Beech Leaf Disease Biology

Dr. Marra will discuss the spread of beech leaf disease in North America and in Connecticut, and current research areas in studying this new pest.

10:00-10:20 – Break

10:20 – 11:20 – Dr. Richard Cowles – Biology and Management of Beach Leaf Disease. Dr. Cowles will discuss products available for managing BLD, including their modes of action, risk of environmental harm, and strategies to avoid nematicide resistance. He will also discuss bleeding canker and the relationship of its treatment with BLD.

11:20 -12:00 Lunch (A boxed lunch is included)

12:00 -2:00 – Dr. Ricard Cowles – The extraction of Nematodes from buds, exploring the nematode with microscope.

Dr. Cowles will lead the group in how to extract nematodes from beech buds, so that arborists can learn how to track progress of their treatment efforts.

2:00 – CEU’s and Adjourn

Dr. Rich Cowles is an entomologist and has worked at the Valley Laboratory of the CAES for 29 years. His experience in managing tree pests with systemics provided the impetus for him to collaborate with others to try to find effective treatments for this new pest.

Filed Under: Diseases, Event, MailChimp, Uncategorized

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • …
  • 24
  • Next Page »

Contact CTPA

MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 1946,
Wallingford CT 06492

PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
60 Church Street (Rte 68), Suite 3A,
Wallingford , CT 06492

PHONE: 203-484-2512
EMAIL: info@ctpa.org

SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook    “Instagram”


 
Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • About
  • Updates
  • Safety
  • Education
  • Events
  • Membership
  • Awards
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

© Copyright 2015-2017 Connecticut Tree Protection Association · All Rights Reserved · Website by Tree Care Marketing Solutions