December Lunch and Learn: Understanding Local Tree Ordinances in Georgia
Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring four esteemed municipal arborists from various regions across Georgia. This webinar is designed to shed light on the intricacies of local tree ordinances, their development, and effective strategies for navigating them.
What You Will Learn:
Diverse Ordinance Approaches: Explore how different municipalities approach tree regulations and the unique considerations that shape these policies.
Navigation Tips: Learn best practices for understanding and complying with the specific tree ordinances in your area, whether for property management, development, or conservation purposes.
Ordinance Development: Learn about the process in which the ordinances are created or changed and why they are important to the legacy of the communities impacted.
Meet the Panelists: Our panel will feature experienced municipal arborists who bring diverse perspectives from urban, suburban, and rural settings within Georgia. Each will share their insights, experiences, and practical advice.
Panelists include:
Mateo Fennell is the Community Forester for Athens Clarke County, where he nurtures both trees and relationships with equal care. He holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the Eugene Odum school of Ecology at the University of Georgia.
As an ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ and WRRQ qualifications, Mateo doesn't just know trees he speaks their language ... and often translates so the homeowner can hear. For more than 20 years, Mateo has worn many hats (and helmets), including those of climber, sales arborist, and plant health care technician.
But perhaps his most unique title was as a technical representative for a Fortune 500 company, where his specialty was "verbal firefighting" -extinguishing misunderstandings with wit, patience, and charm. Trained in conflict resolution, de-escalation, and even the art of snake and human charming, Mateo brings a unique blend of expertise, humor, and empathy everywhere he goes.
William Park is the Urban Forester at the City of Sandy Springs, I am passionate about integrating forestry and conservation strategies into city planning. With a background in environmental science and as a certified arborist, I specialize in land-use policy, environmental impact assessments, and habitat restoration. I lead cross-departmental collaborations to weave green infrastructure into urban landscapes, fostering resilience and long-term environmental benefits. I also engage communities through public outreach and education, encouraging civic participation in urban forestry initiatives. Additionally, I represent municipal interests in professional organizations, building strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable urban development.
Rich Deckman is a 1985 graduate of the SUNY School of Environmental Science and Forestry with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture. He is an ISA certified and TRAQ qualified arborist.
He received his arborist certification in 2007
Prior to joining the City in 2010, Mr. Deckman spent almost 3 decades as a landscape architect in a multidisciplinary design environment working in residential, private development, and municipal markets. He was the consulting arborist for the City of Marietta from 2008 until he was hired as the Landscape Architect / Arborist for the City of Marietta
Initially when coming aboard with the city, he was charged with master planning and implementing a $26 million parks bond which included the development of new parks as well as updates and renovations to existing facilities. Currently as the Deputy Director, Mr. Deckman oversees the management of the city’s parks and buildings. As well he participates in the design and implementation of all things landscape, from parks and streetscape improvements to City trails. As the City’s arborist he assists the Planning and Zoning department with development plan review and he oversees the management of Marietta’s urban forest.
He is on the Board of the Marietta Tree Keepers taking an active role in all of the Tree Keeper plantings and events
Moderated by the Georgia Forestry Commission Urban and Community Forestry Team
Who Should Attend: This webinar is perfect for arborists trying to navigate a tricky ordinance, developers, environmental advocates, city planners, and anyone interested in understanding tree-related regulations in Georgia.
Date & Time: December 17th, 20024
1 ISA CEU applied for.
Register Today to gain valuable knowledge and enhance your ability to navigate local tree ordinances effectively.