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SMA/UAA Collaboration Toolkit
This toolkit is a resource site for municipal and utility arborists to obtain information, ideas and templates to use at the local level to improve working relationships and foster better care of the urban forest.
Memorandum of Understanding
In October 2006, representatives of national-level municipal and utility arborist organizations attended a historic summit meeting designed to foster communication and cooperation between the two professional groups. The attendees of the SMA UAA Summit meeting drafted a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that was approved by the Boards of both organizations. In addition, Summit attendees agreed to do the following:
- Write and place articles promoting the benefits to the urban forest through municipal and utility cooperation and partnerships.
- Initiate pilot projects to address the tree management needs of both the municipality and the utility.
- Initiate a municipal and utility arborist exchange program.
- Create a toolkit for municipal and utility arborists to use to develop and support local partnerships and collaborations.
Recognition Programs
Read about recognition programs for municipalities and utilities offered by The Arbor Day Foundation to encourage and reward improved management of community forests across the nation.
Success Stories
Read success stories from communities in which utility arborists and municipal arborists are working productively together to ensure success in the management of urban forests.
Share Your Success Story
If you have a success story, let us know so we can offer your experience to other professionals. E-mail us your story of cooperative utility/municipal work in your community.
Best Management Practices
Read about accepted and encouraged Standards and Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the municipal and utility forestry profession.
Cooperative Management
Read about sample tree care ordinances to help establish cooperative management practice.
Sample Media Releases
Sample Press Releases to announce your community collaboration.