Description – What steps should arborists take to protect wildlife, follow relevant laws, and get their work done? Pacific northwest arborists generally want to act responsibly but can be unaware of laws and best practices to navigate these complicated topics. The Tree Care for Birds and Other Wildlife program of the Western Chapter ISA have released a Best Management Practices, specifically designed to be used by a broader audience of tree care professionals in other areas. Ryan will share the collaborative and interdisciplinary process involving a diverse group of experts from the wildlife and arboriculture communities. The BMPs contain many key features particularly relevant to those interested in trees in Tacoma as well as next steps and ideas for what is needed to really tackle this complex topic.

Bio - Ryan Gilpin is the Principal Consultant at Nidus Consulting in Portland, Oregon. Before becoming an arborist, Ryan’s background was in conservation and ecology with degrees in Environmental Biology and International Nature Conservation. Ryan is a founding member of Tree Care for Birds, regularly trains arborists in working responsibly around wildlife, and leads tree and bird walks in the Portland area. Ryan is co-author of two Best Management Practices: Tree Care for Bird’s Wildlife BMPs with Western Chapter Appendix and ISA’s Managing Tree During Construction BMPs.