ECo Faculty among USDA Forest Service Specialist’s Recognized for Excellence

ECo Faculty among USDA Forest Service Specialist’s Recognized for Excellence

Dr. David Bloniarz, USDA Forest Service and University of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Conservation was among two specialists that received a 2019 President’s Award from the New England Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. The award was given in recognition of the valuable, sustained contribution Dr. Bloniarz has made to urban forestry. Dr. Bloniarz works to provide critical assistance to states and other partners in promoting urban forestry in the Massachusetts and the Northeast region. He is internationally known for his work with i-Tree software that was developed by the U.S. Forest Service and partnering organizations that facilitates the assessment of value of urban trees in providing environmental services to communities.   To read more, visit: https://www.fs.fed.us/inside-fs/recognition/forest-service-employees-recognized-long-term-contributions-urban-forestry        ...
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UMass Faculty Assumes Presidency of NEC-ISA

UMass Faculty Assumes Presidency of NEC-ISA

On 05 November 2018, Rick Harper, Extension Associate Professor, UMass Department of Environmental Conservation, became President of the New England Chapter of International Society of Arboriculture (NEC ISA), at the regional association’s annual conference in Mystic, CT.   With over 25,000 members, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is the world’s largest arboriculture association and is comprised of chapters from all around the globe. For over 50 years, the New England Chapter has been promoting the professional practice of arboriculture and fostering a greater awareness of the benefits of trees through ongoing programs and educational opportunities. The multi-day annual conference of the local 1000-member association offers exam preparation for arborist certification, CPR certification, and aerial rescue training, as well as lectures from world-renowned arboriculture experts. The New England Chapter also provides a generous scholarship program for students. 2018 recipients included UMass Amherst arboriculture and urban forestry student’s A.J. Elton and Jamie Lim.   In his remarks to the chapter, Harper said, “I am excited...
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Urban Forest Strike Team Partnership Receives Honor Award from the U.S. Forest Service

The Urban Forest Strike Team (UFST) Partnership has been awarded a 2017 Honor Award by the U.S. Forest Service, Eastern Region/Northeastern Area State and Private Forestry, for “Delivering Benefits to the American People.” Kathleen Atkinson, Area Director and Regional Forester for the Eastern Region, presented the Honor awards at an event in Milwaukee on February 8, 2018, to recognize seven projects in five different categories. The projects were selected from many outstanding nominations that showcase the excellent work occurring in the region and recognize the employees and partners involved. The honor award category, “Delivering Benefits to the American People,” recognizes Forest Service individuals, work units, partnerships, or groups that have demonstrated major achievements in ensuring that the Nation’s forests and grasslands provide the American people with a reliable supply of forest and rangeland products and services. Those who have demonstrated major achievements in promoting conservation education, community greening efforts, management of urban forests, and opportunities for youth to connect with the outdoors...
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Arboriculture & Urban Forestry students Nicolette Eicholtz and Shayne Bradford took first place at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition

Arboriculture & Urban Forestry students Nicolette Eicholtz and Shayne Bradford took first place at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition

8 March Mississippi State University Arboriculture & Urban Forestry students Nicolette Eicholtz and Shayne Bradford took first place at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, beating competitors from 63 other colleges and universities by a wide margin. This is the fourth year in a row that UMass Arboriculture students have won the competition, the most prestigious in the country....
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