Course Description
This Advanced Training class will focus on the existing Local, State, and Federal laws regarding trees, and how to maintain compliance with those regulatory agencies, both from a public and private point of view. We will also explore many of the organizations which are active in Tree- related legislation in Illinois and abroad, such as the Illinois Forestry Development Council, Illinois Green Industry Association, Tree Care Industry Association, as well as the Illinois Arborist Association, among others. Additionally, we will examine the legislative process on a scale from municipality all the way to federal and show some examples of how concepts become law at each level, and how you as a practitioner can reasonably become involved with the process. We will also explore the topics of avoidance of conflict of interest in being an advocate for legislation. The class will be in a lecture and group-exercise format, and students will be assessed based on a written exam for their comprehension of the subject matter.
Recommended Reading
Understanding Tree Law: A Handbook for Practitioners, Barri Kaplan Bonapart, 2014
Provided Equipment
None
Day One
This 1-day class will be classroom based and will introduce participants to a variety of topics they are likely not familiar with, but also likely deal with every day, whether they know it or not. Topics will include, but are not limited to:
1. Illinois wrongful tree cutting act statutes
2. Trespass and hold harmless
3. Legality of pruning trees overhanging others property
4. Utility and right of way issues
5. Local, county, and state regulations governing trees
6. Property development ordinances and opacity requirements
7. The various standards organizations and what standards apply when
8. Resources available to you for legal defense in the event of an incident
9. Communication strategies
Outcomes
1. To understand the laws regarding trees in our Urban Forest
2. To understand how to create your own Codes and Ordinances in accordance with existing
State, Federal, and Industry standards
