The National Arbor Day Foundation and the Utility Arborist Association are joining forces to present the annual Trees & Utilities conference virtually on Sept. 21 and 22.
More than 100 participants listened to an interactive Zoom discussion for the Women in Vegetation Management pre-event workshop on Sept. 21. Here's what's in store for the first full day of the conference on Sept. 22.
Look for more details about what is covered in these sessions on our Web site, on social media and in our Vegetation Management Insights enewsletter.
11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Opening Session
Speakers: Dan Lambe, Eric Brown
11:15 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
RISE: Looking Ahead
Speaker: Megan ProvostMeet the new President of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other industry leaders in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry.
11:45 a.m. 12:15 p.m.
Understanding the Past, Present and Future of Vegetation Risks on a Fire-Prone Electricity Network using Big Data and Predictive Analytics
Speakers: Tim Hustwayte, Shane Brunker, Doug Roy
Endeavour Energy and NM Group (a Trimble company) worked together to understand the dynamics of vegetation on a large, dispersed distribution network.
Opportunities and Challenges with Bringing Your Crews into the Digital Age
Speakers: Chris Kelly, Dan Levy
12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m
Applications of Technology Within Utility Vegetation Management Programs
Speaker: Kimberly Laing
Increased requirements, changes in weather patterns and migration of tree species, greater regulations, doing more with less, changing workforce; these are only a few of the problems facing many of the vegetation programs.
UAA Vegetation Management Survey
Speaker: Matt Boyd
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Bring Back the Pollinators
Speaker: Jennifer Hopwood
Can We Estimate the Likelihood of Failure or Impact Along Distribution Lines?
Speaker: Greg DahleWe will discuss a review of whole tree failure along distribution lines by exploring the historical knowledge on what causes tree failure.
1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The Monarch Butterfly: An Upcoming Listing Decision, the CCAA, and Vegetation Management
Speakers: Dan Salas, Iris Caldwell in December 2020, the USFWS will release their decision on whether or not to list the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act.
DTE Use of Lidar on Distribution
Speakers: Alistair Smith, Mike Fuller
The following presentation will discuss DTE Energy’s experience using high-density LiDAR to aid their distribution vegetation management program within the metro area of Detroit.
2:15 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
Labor and Workforce Supply Issues within the Utility Vegetation Management Market
Speaker: John Roselle
The topic will address why the supply of Labor for utility vegetation management services has grown tighter, creating challenges for utilities looking to ramp up vegetation management spend in response to pressure from PUCs and others.
2:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.
Unitil’s Significant Reliability Improvement and Customer Savings through the Implementation of an Advanced Storm Resiliency Program
Speakers: Paul Bower, Sara Sankowich
The Storm Resiliency Program (SRP) focuses on the selection and management of strategic vegetation work, along with measuring the resulting performance and cost savings.
3:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Speakers: Dan Lambe, Paul Hursyz
