UNM TO CO-SPONSOR NEW MEXICO STATE TREE CLIMBING COMPETITION

June 5, 2003

MEDIA/PHOTO EDITORS NOTE — Several aerial lifts will be available to get media close to the competition for photo opportunities.

UNM TO CO-SPONSOR NEW MEXICO STATE TREE CLIMBING COMPETITION

The fourth annual New Mexico State Tree Climbing Championships will be held Saturday, June 7 at Taylor Park in Albuquerque beginning at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Four scored events, that follow the rules sanctioned by the International Society of Arboriculture, comprise the competition.

The event is sponsored by the University of New Mexico Physical Plant Department (grounds and maintenance), the International Society of Arboriculture (Rocky Mountain Chapter) and the City of Albuquerque Parks and Recreational Services Department.

The events in the competition utilize skills that an arborist would expect to use in caring for trees. All the events require strength, skill and endurance. Judges monitor all contestants to ensure that all federal, state, and local safety requirements are met. The winner will receive a Stihl chainsaw valued at $500 and a cash award. Other prizes will also be awarded for the top-three finishers. The winner will also represent New Mexico at the regional competition in Denver, Colo. on Saturday, June 21, 2003.

The events in the competition include the “work climb,” which is a test of a tree climbers ability to move about a tree. The climber must visit five stations and perform a specific task at each station. The “throwline” is a timed-event that tests the contestant’s ability to accurately place a throwline and climbing line at different targets placed at between 40 and 60 feet high in a tree.

The “secured footlock” is also a timed event that tests how quickly the climber can ascend 40 feet (vertically) into the tree and ring a bell (the fastest climbers can do this in less than 20 seconds). The “belayed speed climb” is an event the contestant climbs a predetermined route to about 40 feet in the
tree. The climber with the fastest time wins, and the “aerial rescue” is a test of an arborist’s ability to safely extricate a dummy (representing an unconscious arborist) from a tree within a specific time limit.

Various activities will also be a part of the competition including a ‘Tree Fiesta’ with tents and displays from the various sponsoring organizations. Dr. Gary Smith, associate director, Environmental Services at UNM, will be on hand to answer landscape questions, water conservation tools and techniques. Additionally, the New Mexico State Forestry Division will be giving away 100 seedling trees with information on their planting and care.

Taylor Park is located on Indian School, just east of Pennsylvania. For more information contact Bryan Suhr at 277-1066 or 269-5583 (cell).

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