2011 Tree Climbing Competition & Trainings

Olathe, Kansas

Thank you 2011 MW-ISA TCC Sponsors!

The 2011 Tree Climbing Competition will be held in conjunction with two other MW-ISA sponsored events, the 3rd annual Arborist Training Course and a Certified Tree Worker event. For lodging and location maps, click here.

Seperate registration is required for each event.

• ISA Certified Tree Worker Testing, June 17
  Statecoach Park, Olathe, Kansas
  
  
  Due to demand and the need for qualified, knowledgeable, and skilled arborists, the Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist (CTW/CS) was added as a credential several years ago.  More recently, the CTW Aerial Lift Specialist (CTW/AL) credential was developed and implemented.  
  
  Both of these credentials are geared toward the entry level arborist, with numerous opportunities to move up as their experience and knowledge in the arboricultural field increases.  Both exams require two parts – a written exam that can be taken at any time a Certified Arborist exam is scheduled, or on your own schedule via a Computer Based Testing site, and a skills exam.
  
  The Midwestern Chapter is working hard to offer support for those pursuing these credentials.   This includes offering skills exams for both credentials on June 17, 2011, in conjunction with the annual Tree Climbing Championship in Olathe, KS, on June 18th.  The chapter hopes to have at least 3 – 5 new evaluators trained and ready to go.  This will allow the chapter to offer more skills exams in the future.
  
  If you’re interested in one or both of these two CTW credentials, all registration is handled through ISA.  Contact Scott Liudahl, MWISA Chapter Certification Liaison by email sliudahl@cityoffargo.com or phone (701) 241-1466, for details or if you have questions. We are also actively looking for qualified evaluators and other volunteers to assist with the operation of this activity.
  
  To register, click here for exam handbook and application.
  
  

• Arborist Training Course, June 17
  Mahaffie House in Olathe, Kansas
  
  This year, in conjunction with the Midwestern Tree Climbing Competition, the Chapter will be offering the third annual Arborist Training Course.  Training will be held Friday, June 17th, the day prior to the TCC (June 18th) near the Mahaffie House in Olathe.  This course is for climbers with previous climbing experience, it is NOT a course for beginners. Training will be provided by experienced working arborists and top competitors from past TCC competitions.
  
  This day-long session will be divided into class time, followed by hands-on outdoor sessions.  Sessions will generally consist of training and discussions regarding: 1) Safety and pre-climb inspection items; 2) Knots, hitches, climbing saddles and gear; 3) Secured foot-lock, equipment and technique; 4) Use of throwline, equipment and technique; 5) Climbing technique and equipment, working the tree, use of re-direct, micro-pulley And much more.
  
  Each participant must bring an approved climbing helmet, safety glasses, long pants, T-shirt (no tank tops), work boots that cover the ankles (low heel is a plus). Participants should also bring their harness, climbing line and safety lanyard.  A throw line and weight are needed for practice at this event.  Equipment will be checked by trainers before use.  Ropes should be free of grease, cuts and obvious damage.  A rope length of 120’ will be adequate.   A catered lunch will be provided, courtesy of Vermeer Great Plains in Olathe.   Admission will be limited to the first 30 applicants.  The course fee is $125.00.  ISA CEU’s will be available.  Inquiries and applications should be made to:  ivan_katzer@hotmail.com.  Be sure to put “arborist training” in the subject line.
  
  Questions: Ivan Katzer, phone: 816.765.4241 or email ivan_katzer@hotmail.com.
  
  To register, download registration form here.
  
  
  
• Tree Climbing Competition, June 17-18
  Statecoach Park, Olathe, Kansas
  
  The Midwestern Chapter of the ISA will be conducting its annual Tree Climbing Competition on Saturday June 18, 2011 at Stagecoach Park in Olathe, Kansas. Rick Spurgeon has graciously consented to host the competition for 2011 and 2012. He is providing us with a great site that has excellent trees!
  
  This is a great show as contestants compete in the five preliminary events to qualify as one of the five contestants who earn the right to move on to the championship round “The Masters Challenge”. The preliminary events include Secured Foot Lock, Belayed Speed Climb, Aerial Rescue, Work Climb and Throw Line.
  
  Prizes and Plaques are awarded to the top finishers in each preliminary event. The event is open to the public so if you want to see the best climbers the Midwestern Chapter has to offer bring a chair and spend the day.
  
  This event is open to chapter members only. Contact J. David Mattox, MWISA Tree Climbing Championships Liaison by email mattox@ci.manhattan.ks.us or phone (785) 587-2757, for details or if you have questions.
  
  Event registration for competitors is online only and registration must be completed by Friday, June 17. On-site registration may be available if the participation limit is not reached.
  
  
  
  Click to view the following documents:
  
  Agenda
  Competitor release form (required)
  ISA TCC Rules, Regulations and Scoring
   

We need your help to make this the best competition ever.  In the past, sponsors in the green industry have donated money and/or prizes to be used in the competition. For example, ArborMaster Training has donated a complete climbing kit for the champion of the chapter competition, including saddle, rope, chainsaw, and handsaw and rope bag.  While we understand that everyone cannot afford to make such a generous gift, any support we can get will be greatly appreciated. This gives you a chance to get some name recognition while supporting the tree care industry. For more information about becoming a sponsor,