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In July 2000, the USDA Forest Service Southern Region hosted a meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, with representatives from ISA, NAA, the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC), ACRT, the Texas Forest Service, some of the largest tree care companies in the country, and other interested parties. The purpose was to identify the issues and needs of Hispanic tree workers in the United States, and their employers, and to develop an action plan to address them.

The main action items developed by the meeting attendees were to

• research available publications in Spanish and prioritize translations needs
• modify existing safety training videos by dubbing them into Spanish
• market this Hispanic Tree Worker Initiative (aka the Hispanic Initiative), write articles, and promote continued involvement
• identify or develop programs and materials to train employers about Hispanics and their culture. 

Some of these action items are well underway, and future issues of Arborist News will provide briefings on them. 

According to the 2000 census, the Hispanic population in the United States grew by 58 percent since the 1990 census. Hispanics are one of the largest ethnic groups in the United States, with a population of 35 million. They constituted 13 percent of the total U.S. population in 2000; that figure is projected to rise to 25 percent by 2050. 

Although no extensive survey has been conducted, NAA estimates that Hispanic tree workers comprise 75 percent or more of the employees in many tree care companies in the U.S., and this work force could double on an annual basis. With such statistics, the needs of the Hispanic population cannot be ignored and must be addressed nationwide. This initiative will improve relationships with urban forestry and arboriculture clientele, recruitment and training, safety, and other areas related to the tree care employer and employee. 

Although the Hispanic Initiative meeting was organized by the USDA Forest Service Southern Region—and attendees at the first meeting were all residents of the United States—the initiative has immediate national and international implications. Many ISA members in and outside the United States can collaborate and benefit from the products and services of the initiative. 

A second initiative meeting was held in May 2001 in San Antonio, Texas. It included nine new attendees, including one from Mexico. In addition, five representatives from the San Antonio City Public Service light company joined the group and offered a variety of perspectives. It is the intent of the committee to expand and include other Forest Service regions and other interested groups. 

The Hispanic Tree Worker Initiative should not be mistaken for the ISA Hispanic Issues Committee (ISA-HIC) formed in 1996. However, the two groups have much in common and contribute to each other. In fact, some members belong to both groups.

For more information on the Hispanic Tree Worker Initiative, please contact Iris Magaly Zayas, USDA Forest Service, 1720 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30367; phone (404) 347-1650; fax (404) 347-2776; or e-mail izayas@fs.fed.us.