Our Vermont Woods

This day-long session will discuss concepts in managing the risk of many trees. Additionally, the course will detail the three levels of risk assessments and when it is appropriate to use each one.

 Session 1 - Concepts of Risk Management
The opening session will provide a framework for the day by describing risk management concepts and how they are used to manage uncertainty.  Discussion will include a review of the recently updated ISO 3100010 and ISO 310000 documents that provide a framework for managing risk.  Discussion will transition into our evolving understanding of risk within arboriculture and urban forestry.

 Session 2 - Reasonable and Practical
Risk is managed over time, yet most companies and agencies manage tree risk typically as a reactive response.  A reaction that more than likely does not reduce risk.  The foundation for managing tree risk is by analyzing risk exposures that informs a management strategy that is both reasonable in its scope and practical to implement.  Defining a strategy includes gauging whether implementing individual risk reduction actions actually reduce risk potential.  Additionally, the range of benefits derived from trees are an important component of the decision making process.

Session 3 – Level 1 The Limited Visual Inspection
This session will detail the simplest tree risk inspection technique.  It is a quick visual assessment seeking visually obvious issues that need to be mitigated.  This session will involve a brief classroom discussion on the most significant issues of concern followed by a field exercise.

Session 4 – Level 2 The Basic Inspection
The Basic inspection has the tree risk assessor evaluate the tree parts most likely to fail, the likelihood of striking a target and the consequences if a target is struck.  The outcome from the Basic assessment is a risk rating that ranges from low to extreme.  This session will include classroom discussion on the process and then an assessment of a tree in the field.

Session 5 – Level 3 Advanced Assessment
The Advancement assessment involves the use of research or sophisticated tools that provide additional information to the Basic assessment.  Tools such as a resistance drill and tomography will be used to demonstrate how to determine the extent of internal decay in a tree.  Other techniques will include quantifying target occupancy rates and decay fungi identification.