The community forester

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

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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/