Following Dr. Coder's session, we welcome Dr. Ann Brooks-Gould of Rutgers University who will provide a "Tree Disease Update – Diseases of Elm and Oak". Dr. Gould will present to us the findings of the recently concluded National Elm Trial. The National Elm Trial included 15-18 DED-resistant commercially available elm cultivars planted at 17 evaluation sites in 16 states. Even though many DED-resistant elm cultivars exist and are available in the nursery trade, much of the public is hesitant to purchase and plant any elm tree. While the DED-resistant elm cultivars could enhance the diversity as well as the beauty of urban forests, these cultivars do vary in their response to other biotic and abiotic stresses. Dr. Gould will also address the characterization of Xylella fastidiosa, the causal agent of bacterial leaf scorch of oak, and the incidence and severity of this disease in the New Jersey urban forest.

After lunch, we welcome Mitzi Kaiura from the NJ Office of Emergency Management and Robin Heston-Murphy of the NJDEP, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. Natural disasters cause significant damage each year to our urban forests, and the resulting assessment and cleanup responsibilities are a challenge for many communities.  Two key components of creating a resilient urban and community forest and a ready urban and community forestry program are emergency and debris management planning.   Local urban and community forestry programs must learn to integrate their work with these two program areas in order to capitalize on the resources that may be available, and to make storm readiness, response, and recovery more efficient and effective.  Mitzi will give an overview of emergency management operations in New Jersey and address how local urban and community forestry programs can engage with pre-disaster planning.  Robin will present lessons learned from "Superstorm Sandy" and how local urban and community forestry programs can engage in developing emergency debris management plans to aid in their recovery from storm events that generate substantial volumes of debris. 

Following the NJ Office of Emergency Management and the NJDEP, Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste discussion, we welcome Dr. Neil Hendrickson of Bartlett's Research Laboratories. Dr. Hendrickson will discuss "A little change making a big difference: The new ANSI pruning standards". The changes to the ANSI pruning standards are small but significant, and easy to understand for the arborist and client. The changes promise to make pruning specifications more straightforward and clear at every step of the process.  This talk will discuss the changes and, with examples, show how to write good pruning specifications.

To end our program on Thursday, John Anlian, Esq. will discuss the importance of the relationship between the Tort Claim Act, the Community Forestry Act, Municipal Attorneys and Shade Tree Commissions. He will discuss liability protection and the importance of engaging the Municipal Attorney in shade tree issues.

On Friday, Dr. Kim Coder will join us in the General Session once again and jump start our program with "Tree Biomechanics:  Wind Loads & Storms". Trees stand as a result of their many structural components adequately adjusting to wind and gravity loads over time.  Storm wind loads can exceed tree structural strengths and resistances.  Understanding the amount of force storms apply to trees can better help tree health care providers manage risks.  It is through understanding both tree wind loads and tree structural resistance factors, together with their interactions, that we can determine potential catastrophic failures or long sustainable tree life.  This presentation will review various types of storm wind loads on trees, and how trees function mechanically to remain erect.  Trees are about both mechanical loads and structural holds.

Following Dr. Coder's presentation, Heidi Hesselein and Daryl Kobesky, of Pleasant Run Nursery will talk to us about "Street Trees for Communities". They will address what is available in the nurseries these days and talk about the importance of diversity in the community.

Following Dr. Coder's presentation, Heidi Hesselein and Daryl Kobesky, of Pleasant Run Nursery will talk to us about "Street Trees for Communities". They will address what is available in the nurseries these days and talk about the importance of diversity in the community.

After lunch, Drs. James and Stephanie Murphy will tag team to present "Practices to Improve Soil Health". Soil health is a descriptive term that is meant to convey the capacity of a soil to perform any number of functions within a landscape. This presentation will highlight assessment of soil health using techniques that range from simple to requiring laboratory expertise. Properly assessing a soil within the context of its expected functions is critical to understanding whether physical, chemical and/or biological practices will be most effective at improving soil health. Specific practices that affect physical, chemical and/or biological properties of soil will be discussed.

Following Drs. James and Stephanie Murphy, Bob Wells, Associate Director of Arboriculture at the Morris Arboretum will speak to us about "Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAQ)". Hazardous trees regularly lead to death or injury. TRAQ provides a standardized and systematic process for assessing tree risk. The results of a tree risk assessment can provide information so that informed decisions can be made to enhance tree benefits, health, and longevity.

Richard Buckley would like you to "Hold on to Your Ash!" Since 2005, native ash trees have been under assault in the United States by an invasive insect, the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). First detected in New Jersey in 2014, the insect is rapidly spreading throughout the state leaving a path of devastation in its wake. This 60-minute presentation covers all aspect of the problem including insect identification, biology and science-based control solutions. Updated information on the progress of the infestation in New Jersey and the public response will be included.

The CORE training program allows participants to obtain a solid foundation and understanding of the community forestry program and shade tree commissions, become aware of the legal aspects of managing trees and gain an insight to and recognition of hazardous tree situations.

The Inventory/i-Tree program will address why we need a tree inventory and prepare participants how to design and conduct a municipal street tree inventory with i-Tree functionality. The program will also teach how to utilize the data collected through the inventory in productive and meaningful ways.

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