The theme for our 2018 Annual Conference is “Old Growth, New Growth – Bridging the Gap,” is a play on words from the more traditional forestry meaning. Old growth forests are those that have attained significant age without having sustaining major disturbances, such as wildfire, deforestation, pest outbreaks, climate change, etc., and thereby exhibit unique ecological features and provide important environmental benefits. The forest or stand that regenerates naturally or is planted is referred to as new or secondary growth. We plan to expand this concept to include both urban and developing forest lands that are in decline due to drought, climate change, secondary and destructive exotic pests, adverse growing conditions, senescence, and sub-standard practices. We will be looking at strategies for replacing the many threatened, ill-adapted, and aging trees throughout the southwest.
SOME OF THE ISSUES WE WANT TO ADDRESS:
– long-term implications of climate change in the West
– widespread forest mortality throughout the West
– changes in natural tree distribution, species conversion, loss of critical habitat, disturbances to wildlife, loss of watershed, and other resource values connected to climate change
– oaks and the changing landscape
– facilitating oak regeneration
– factors associated with urban tree mortality around the southwest
– tree health concerns in California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada
– new and destructive introduced pests: prognosis and managing strategies
– loss of critical canopy cover and collective carbon-storage in urban areas, with respect to human health, demographics, and economics
– strategies for extending the useful lifespan of urban trees
– challenges associated in replacing aging, declining, threatened, and ill-adapted trees in urban forests around the chapter and elsewhere
– promising new or underutilized tree species for a hotter, dryer climate
– proper tree planting and early tree care practices
– improving root zone conditions for trees
– mitigating adverse soil conditions
– ways to provide more soil volume for tree roots
– new irrigation technology
– improved maintenance practices
– designing infrastructure with trees in mind
– application of new technologies to improve tree management
– plant restoration projects following disturbances
– soil microbiology/maintaining soil health
Click here to submit a presentation for review.
The tree planting and dedication at this year’s conference is a great example of partnerships. The San Diego Zoo with its extensive botanical collections was able to donate 2 trees. These are both specimens of Ficus macrophylla ‘columnaris’.They were grown by the Zoo’s Horticulture Department from wild collected seeds, gathered during on a research project to the Lord Howe Islands. The planting support team from City of San Diego Parks department, led by Albert Sais, provided planting assistance with backfill, stakes and mulching. The planting location in Mission Bay Park was immediately adjacent to our conference site at the Paradise Point Resort and easily accessible for the Britton Fund Bike Riders, who participated in the dedication planting. Nurturing and invigorating energy was shared between people and trees, followed by the passion and pledge driven riders for the Britton Fund Bike Ride. Thanks to everyone who participated!
I look forward to sharing my love for San Diego with the members of the western chapter! We are very excited to host the 83rd Annual Western Chapter ISA conference. Paradise Found: Plans, Partners and Progress is this year’s theme. Our urban forests are ever changing along with our knowledge on how to better manage them. With the vision and leadership of our President Lisa Smith, we have a great conference line up that is going to be one that should not be missed. The program committee led by Jeremy Barrick, has been hard at work securing a cadre of excellent presenters that will leave attendees both inspired and informed.