The Community Forester A Newsletter from the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Program Forestry Division Service Forestry Bureau Winter 2003-2004 New Grant Program A vail able Through Montana DNRC The Montana Urban and Commu- nity Forestry (UCF) Program is pleased to offer an additional $30,000 in grants in 2004. The grant program is titled, UCF Program Development Grant and is available to any Montana community on a competitive basis. The grant program's purpose is to edu- cate, stimulate interest in, and assist with the development of urban and community forestry programs in com- munities throughout the State of Mon- tana. A wide range of projects are eligible for funding (see Grant Overview for de- tails on the website). The Montana DNRC is looking for projects that serve as many people as possible, involve volunteers, show or will result in knowledge of approved tree care tech- niques, and demonstrate an awareness of the benefits of trees and the impor- tance of a local community forestry program. Communities, counties and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $1500 to $5000. The grant requires a 50:50 match with cash or in-kind contribu- tions. The grant overview and application materials are available on the Montana UCF Program's website located at: www, dnrc. state. mt. us/forestry/ ServiceForestryPrograms You may also request a copy of the ap- plication by contacting the Forestry Division at 406-542-4284. The applica- tion deadline is Friday, February 20, 2004. Montana Community Forester Honored by USFS and DNRC Great Falls Natural Resources Manager, Jon Thompson was recently honored by the US Forest Service and the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for his outstanding contribution to urban and community for- estry in Montana. Thompson was honored at the October 2003 Montana Ur- ban and Community Forestry Association (MUCFA) meet- ing in Great Falls for his exemplary leadership, dedication and commitment to the natural resources of Great Falls. Furthermore, he was recognized for his sustained high level of performance in planning and implementing the Great Falls City Forestry Program over the past many years. His contributions also include outstanding partner- ships that have improved the quality of life for Great Falls citizens. (continued on page 6) MT State Forester Bob Harrington (left) and USFS Cooperative Forestry Specialist Glenn Roloff (right) honor Great Falls Community Forester Jon Thompson (center) in October 2003. www. dnrc. state. mt. us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms PAGE 2 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 TTPJ1 A Montana Urban and Community Forestry Program WESTERN REGION UPDATE Mark Lennon, Poison Congratulations to the City of Havre for winning the 2003 Gold Leaf Award from the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Interna- tional Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Havre was selected for its out- standing Arbor Day events including an essay and poster contest, and a va- riety of other Arbor Day events at Havre schools and in several sur- rounding communities. Great work! In a recent visit to see Larry Maginnis, Missoula's City Forester, I was surprised to find that he had re- signed from his position and moved to Australia to assist his fiance with a research project studying rare insects. Besides climbing trees to retrieve in- sects he will also be getting married while he in the land down under. Congratulations to Larry and have a great time! Congratulations to Clayton Burgess, Bruce Canfield, Roger Evans, Michael Garvey, Leonard Jennison, Richard Jennison and Sean Mulla who all passed their ISA Certified Arborist exam earlier this year. The Montana Urban and Community Forestry display booth had a lot of visi- tors at the 2003 Montana League of Cities and Town Annual Conference this past October. This year, two west- ern region communities received rec- ognition and plaques for outstanding community forestry projects in 2003. Congratulations to Eureka and Havre! I am now scheduling Tree Care Work- shops for this winter and spring. Anyone interested in setting up a workshop for their community on various topics such as pruning and planting, please give me a call at 406-883-5599. EASTERN REGION UPDATE Jeff Roe, Miles City This past fall I visited seven schools in Biddle, Billings, Froid, Glendive, Miles City and Worden to conduct various com- munity forestry programs to 330 students and their teachers. The communities of Broadus, Ju- dith Gap, Wolf Point, Miles City, Sidney, Billings, and Forsyth have (continued on page 6) Are you wondering which regional forestry specialist you should call to get assistance for your community? the map below shows each forester's region Contact information on backpage Eastern Region www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ PAGE 3 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 /^ r> A ]\T r TC Arbor Day and Tree City USA Grants The Urban and Community For- estry (UCF) Program of the Montana Department of Natural Re- sources and Conservation is pleased to announce the 2004 Arbor Day Grant Program. The goal of this grant program is to promote the observance of Arbor Day in Montana. Any community or county is eligible to apply for the grant. The standard $150 grant will be available once again this year, while communities with the Tree City USA designation for one or more years are eligible for a $400 award, a $100 increase from last year. A VAILABLE FOR 2004 Grant applications were distributed to mayors and clerks of all incorporated cities and towns. Other interested communities or organizations may contact the Montana UCF Program of- fice at 406-542-4284 for an application or visit the website for a downloadable copy at: www, dnrc. state, mt. us/forestry/ ServiceForestryPrograms/ Additionally, the Tree City USA Grant Program will also award its $500 grant to all newly designated Tree City USA communities for the year 2003. This grant program serves as an incen- tive for communities to join the Tree City USA program and build urban forestry infrastructure within their communities. Each community must meet the four fol- lowing requirements: • Tree Board • Tree Care Ordinance • Commit $2/capita annually to their urban forestry program • Arbor Day Observance and Proclamation If you are interested in learning more about how your community can become involved in the Tree City USA program, contact the community forester in your region. 2004 Montana Arbor Day Poster Contest Did you know that the nation's 3 rd place winner in the 2003 National Arbor Day Poster Contest was from Montana! Just think, this year it could be a 5 th grade student from your community! The Montana Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Program is proud to sponsor the 2004 National Arbor Day Poster Contest for all 5 th grade students in Montana. The contest is part of a national competition sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation and is the culmination of an Arbor Day cur- riculum unit that is provided to Mon- tana's 5 th grade teachers. The 2004 theme is, "TREES ARE TERRIFIC. ..IN CITIES AND TOWNS!" HOW DOES IT WORK? All 5 th grade students in Montana are eligible to compete. Each state selects a first, second and third place winner from all entries. The first place poster from each state is submitted to the na- tional competition. From among the state winners, one national winner is selected. The national winner, his or her parents, and their teacher receive an all expenses-paid trip to Nebraska City, Nebraska, home of Arbor Day, where they stay at Lied Conference Center and participate in the Arbor Day National Awards Weekend in April 2004. The national winner dXso receives a $1,000 savings bond and a lifetime membership to The National Arbor Day Foundation. The winning teacher receives $200 for classroom materials. The national 2 nd place winner receives a $500 savings bond and 3 rd place receives a $250 bond. Teachers of the 2 nd and 3 rd place win- ners receive $100 and $50, respec- tively. The state winners receive a framed copy of their artwork to be hung at their school, a plaque certifying their achievement as a 2004 State of Mon- tana Arbor Day Poster contest win- continued on page 6) www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ PAGE 4 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 Recognizing Tree Hazards Adapted from a publication by the International Society of Arboriculture, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA. As the autumn canopy of yellow, red and brown gives way to winter winds, a tree's secrets are revealed. The dead and hanging branches once covered by leaves are now exposed giving tree care providers an opportunity to recognize the hazards that lurk above us. Trees provide many benefits to our homes and cities, but when trees fall and injure people or damage property, they are liabilities. Taking care of tree hazards makes your prop- erty safer and prolongs the life of the tree. Trees are an important part of our world. They offer a wide range of benefits to the environment and provide tremen- dous beauty. However, trees may be dangerous. Trees or parts of trees may fall and cause injury to people or damage to property. We call trees in such situations hazardous, to signify the risk involved with their presence. While every tree has the po- tential to fall, only a small number actually hit something or someone. It is an owner's responsibility to provide for the safety of trees on his/her property. This article provides some tips for identifying the common defects associated with tree hazards. However, evaluating the seriousness of these defects is best done by a professional arborist. Regular tree care will help identify hazardous trees and the risk they present. Once the hazard is recognized, steps may be taken to reduce the likelihood of the tree falling and in- juring someone. HAZARDOUS TREES & UTILITY LINES Trees that fall into utility lines have additional serious con- sequences. Not only can they injure people or property near the line, but hitting a line may cause power outages, surges, fires, and other damage. Downed lines still conducting elec- tricity are especially dangerous. A tree with a potential to fall into a utility line is a very serious situation. TREE HAZARD CHECKLIST Consider the following questions: 1 . Are there large dead branches in the tree? 2. Are there detached branches hanging in the tree? 3. Are there cavities or rotten wood along the trunk or in major branches? Are mushrooms present at the base of the tree? Are there cracks or splits in the trunk or where branches are attached? Have any branches fallen from the tree? Have adjacent trees fallen over or died? Has the trunk developed a strong lean? Do major branches arise from one point on the trunk? Have roots been broken off, injured, or damaged by low- ering the soil level, installing pavement, repairing side- walks, or digging trenches? 1 1 . Has the site recently been changed by construction, rais- ing the soil level or installing lawns? 12. Have leaves prematurely developed an unusual color or size? 13. Have trees in adjacent wooded areas been removed? 14. Has the tree been topped or otherwise heavily pruned? 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10 EXAMPLES OF DEFECTS PRESENT IN URBAN TREES 1 . Growth from topping, line clearance or other pruning 2. Electrical line adjacent to tree 3. Broken or partially attached branch 4. Open cavity in trunk or branch 5. Dead or dying branches 6. Branches arise at one point on the trunk 7. Decay and rot present in old wounds 8. Recent change in grade or soil level, or construction (continued on page 5) www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ PAGE 5 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 Recognizing Tree Hazards (Continued from Page 4) |M£ •■S- ■V" EXAMPLES OF DEFECTS PRESENT IN RURAL TREES 1 . Recent site construction, grading and/or tree removal; clearing of forests for development. 2. Previous tree failures in the local area. 3. Tree leaning near target 4. Forked trunk; branches and stems equal in size 5. Wet areas with shallow soil MANAGING TREE HAZARDS An arborist can help you manage the trees on your property and can provide treatments that may help make your tree safer, reducing the risk associated with hazardous trees. An arborist familiar with hazard tree evaluation may suggest one or more of the following: • Remove the target While we can't move a home or a nearby power line, we can sometimes move picnic tables, cars, landscape features, etc. to prevent them from being hit by a falling tree. • Prune the tree. Remove the defective branches of the tree. Since inappropriate pruning may also weaken a tree, it is best done by an ISA Certified Arborist. Cable and brace the tree. Provide physical support for weak branches and stems to increase their strength and stability. • Provide routine care. Mature trees need routine care in the form of water, fertilizer (in some cases), mulch, and pruning as dictated by the season and their structure. • Remove the tree. Some hazardous trees are best removed. If possible, plant a new tree in an appropriate place as a replacement. Recognizing and reducing tree hazards not only increases the safety of your property and that of your neighbors, but will also improve the tree's health and may increase its longevity! ENSURING QUALITY CARE FOR YOUR TREES Trees are assets to your home and community and deserve the best possible care. If you answered "yes" to any of the ques- tions in the Tree Hazard Checklist or see any of the defects contained in the illustrations, your tree should be examined by an ISA Certified Arborist. For a list of ISA Certified Arborists in your area, please visit www.treesaregood.org. If your tree is located near a power line, contact your local electrical utility. 2003 Community Forestry Excellence Awards Congratulations to Eureka, Forsyth, Havre and Judith Gap for their achievements in urban and community forestry! These four communities were honored with the 2003 Community Forestry Excellence Award at the Montana League of Cities and Towns (MLCT) Annual Conference in Billings. Communities are invited to submit nominations for the various categories of awards for the 2004 awards to be presented at the 2004 MLCT Conference in Kalispell next October. More information on the award categories and the nomination process will be available later this summer! www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ PAGE 6 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 Montana Community Forester Honored (Continued from Page 1) Thompson started in the position of Great Falls City Forester in 1989 when Dutch elm disease was a major problem for the Great Falls tree population. He took on the massive challenge and implemented an aggressive Dutch elm program. He also successfully convinced the City to insure all public trees which has already paid large dividends. A storm in 2002 irreparably damaged 90 trees. Thanks to Thompson's forethought and pursuit of insuring the valuable resource, Great Falls was able to recoup about $180,000 for the loss. Congratulations Jon and thanks so much for your service to urban and community forestry in Montana! Urban Forestry Update (Continued from Page 2) been working with the Montana UCF program to discuss their programs and future community forestry goals. The Wolf Point Beautification Committee of the Chamber of Commerce is discussing grant options and the possibility of becoming involved in the Tree City USA program. They are working to meet the four designation criteria including updating their current tree ordi- nance. I will be meeting with the City in the near future to provide some community forestry workshops on tree care. In September, I was a invited to speak at the Peaks to Prairies Golf Course Superintendents Annual meeting in Billings. We discussed tree care and went on a field tour of a local park to do hands-on tree care training including pruning, long term tree care, hazard trees, and insect and disease problems. Two communities in the eastern region of Montana were honored with the 2003 Community Forestry Excellence Award at the Montana League of Cities and Towns Annual Conference in Billings this past fall. Forsyth was honored for their community/ school- wide programs and Judith Gap was recognized as the smallest long-term Tree City USA community in the state! Con- gratulations to these communities and their outstanding volunteer support! Three people took the ISA Certified Arborist exam in October in Forsyth. We had first time test takers from Forsyth and Miles City, a great first step towards a professional arborist ethic in these communities. 2004 Arbor Day Poster Contest (Continued from Page 3) ner and a 8-10' shade tree to be planted at their school or in their community. Additionally, the first place winner's artwork will be showcased in a poster distributed to all 5 th grade classrooms in Montana! All teachers will receive a collection of books and supplies relating to Arbor Day and the wonderful benefits of trees for their classroom! HOW CAN OUR COMMUNITY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATE? The artwork must be original and signed 'by the artist. It may be done in marker, crayon, watercolor, ink, acrylic or tempera paint. The brighter colors make the best poster! It must be no largei 'than 14"xl8" and no smaller than. 9"xl2". Only one poster may be submitted by each school, so a school contest is necessary. Judging guidelines are included in the curriculum package mailed to all teachers. Make certain that your school meets the Montana deadline, MARCH 19, 2004 and send the posters to: Urban and Community Forestry Program, Montana DNRC 2705 Spurgin Road Missoula, Montana 59804 www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ PAGE 7 THE COMMUNITY FORESTER WINTER 2003-2004 Resources URBAN & COMMUNITY 1 -"*, r*i FORESTRY A Practical -Ciukfe to N*KLiiii.lliiIiC* KJJ Artmr nn ^hiiwIhIiih Urban and Community Forestry: A Practical Guide to SustainabiJity by James R. Fazio Who Should Read This Book? • Tree board members • Volunteer group leaders • Master Gardeners • City officials responsible for streets, planning and zoning, parks, power supplies, safety or any other part of infrastructure planning • College students in urban forestry, landscape architecture and horticul- ture • Anyone who wants a quick and easy overview of urban forestry and what it can do for your community • State and local urban & community forestry professionals • Interested citizens This book is available free of charge by contacting the Montana UCF program office at 406-542-4284. This publication is also available online at the National Arbor Day Foundation's website located at: www, arbor day, org/programs/ucf (English and Spanish versions). GRANTS.GOV sv A new website which allows organizations to electroni- cally find and apply for competitive grant opportunities from all Federal grant-making agencies. Navigation of the site is simple and there are a number of customer support features. J t or Urban Forest Research - Learn the benefits of urban forests and the real value of trees in communities. Research confirms that trees in our commu- nity forests are assets that have investment value. They: • Conserve energy by shading buildings and paved sur- faces • Filter airborne pollutants • Remove atmospheric carbon dioxide • Reduce storm water runoff Find out the dollar value of these benefits by visiting the Cen- ter's various publications. Visit: wcufre. ucda vis. edu. For more links *** and information, 'H visit the Montana Urban and Community Forestry website! www, dnrcstate.mt us/forestry/ ServiceForestryPro grams/ www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/ THE COMMUNITY FORESTER - WINTER 2003-2004 URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM MONTANA DNRC, FORESTRY DIVISION 2705 SPURGIN ROAD MISSOULA, MT 59804-3199 www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 74 MISSOULA, MT Address Service Requested IF YOU ARE RECEIVING MULTIPLE MAILINGS OR WISH TO BE REMOVED FROM OUR MAILING LIST, PLEASE RETURN LABEL OR CALL 406-542-4284. |\ The Montana Urban & Community Forestry Program is made possible through a grant from the US DA Forest Service. Inside This Issue: $30,000 Available for New Grant Program 1 Montana Community Forester Honored 1 UGF Program Update 2 2004 Arbor Day and Tree City USA Grants Available 3 Montana Arbor Day Poster Contest 3 Recognizing Tree Hazards 4 2003 Community Forestry Excellence Awards 5 Community Resources Available 7 Contact Information 8 JF% Contact Information: •Kelley Gundale • Urban and Community Forestry Coordinator & Editor 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804-3199 Telephone: 406-542-4284 Email: kgundale(a)state.mt.us •Mark Lennon • Urban & Community Forestry Specialist - Western Region 12 Fifth Avenue East/P.O. Box 640, Poison, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5599 Email: mlennon@state.mt.us •Jeff Roe • Urban & Community Forestry Specialist - Eastern Region 321 Main Street/P.O. Box 1794, Miles City, MT 59301 Telephone: 406-232-2034 Email: jroe(a)state.mt.us r * PLEASE RECYCLE T H I S Pi/BLtGATtoAM THE COMMUNITY FORESTER is a newsletter published by the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Program. Please direct comments regarding the content of this publication to the Editor. Persons with disabilities who need an alternative, accessible format of this document should contact the DNRC at 2705 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804-3199; phone 406-542-4284 or fax 406-542-4203. www.dnrc.state.mt.us/forestry/ServiceForestryPrograms/