Board Certified Master Arborist

[Bodean]

A PH.d would be rad in arboriculture.
I have family in Greenville, Go Clemson.

The CA definetly opens doors with than without. Does the BCMA do the same?

Also the ASCA Consulting arborist, that seems more expensive than an ISA CA. Does it carry more weight? or a different weight than the ISA CA?

Anyone an RPF? I'm interested in steering towards forestry and am Wondering about a Registered Professional Forester.

This is more of a LIcense I believe...




Go for Gold Mr. Sir!!!
A friend of mine just passed a Municipal Arborist.

 

[Frans]

Frans is old school I think, and old school is more fun to have beers with

Not just old school.... but ornery and old school!

Been a cert. arborist for over....hummm lemme think a bit....getting harder as I get older to think back that far....uh 15 years? Or was that when I got married? No, lets see been married 17 years, got cert a few years after that so, EUREKA! isa cert arborist 15 years!

See how us 'old school' types figure stuff out? We do it carefully, mindful of our aching backs.



My objection to the isa bcma is this:
1. They reject formal educational institutions
2. They make/made no effort to comply with formal educational institution's credit requirements toward a related degree such as Urban Forestry.
3. No degree means less professional options.

How can I support the cert when asked by a young and upcoming arborist if they should get it? I cannot.
That person would be far better off enrolling in a formal 4 year formal degree program, receiving a BS, and using that degree to further their professional advancement.
For that reason, the bcma is worthless.

Bout the only good thing I can readily say about it is that is is an admirable revenue enhancing enterprise for the isa.











-If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

 

[Mr. Sir]

Dear Mr. Sir,
I applaud your efforts to continually promote yourself. People who strive to improve themselves and their careers have my deepest respect. Truly.

My remarks are directed to the isa really, and not to you personally.

Sincerely,
Frans

Thank you for clarifying that, Frans. I tend to get ornery if I perceive a personal attack.

In the words of a wise old tree guy, "It's all good."

 

[Frans]

You damn skippy!





(now thats personal!)

 

[Mr. Sir]

My objection to the isa bcma is this:
1. They reject formal educational institutions
2. They make/made no effort to comply with formal educational institution's credit requirements toward a related degree such as Urban Forestry.
3. No degree means less professional options.

I'm not sure I understand how they reject formal education. The BCMA application provides credit for formal education as well as other certifications, related credentials, and work experience.

How can I support the cert when asked by a young and upcoming arborist if they should get it? I cannot.
That person would be far better off enrolling in a formal 4 year formal degree program, receiving a BS, and using that degree to further their professional advancement.
For that reason, the bcma is worthless.

Many working arborists don't have the luxury of being able to commit four years to obtain a degree. Nor do many of them have the money to do so. They are busy trying to earn a living. The ISA certification process allows one to gain knowledge and credibility while working full time.

Bout the only good thing I can readily say about it is that is is an admirable revenue enhancing enterprise for the isa.

On that, we agree!

 

[Old Monkey]

BCMA seems great and all but I'd rather get my BWCA.

 

[Paul B]

?
"No definitions were found for BWCA.

Suggestions:
- Make sure all words are spelled correctly.
- Search the Web for documents that contain " BWCA""

 

[stehansen]

What would Burnham do?

 

[Old Monkey]

Che would know what that stands for.

 

[top hopper]

BWCA

Boundary waters canoe area?

 

[top hopper]

If Che would know, then that means Im right! Right?

 

[Frans]

Last I checked with Bruce Hagen, RPF (registered professional forester) and instructor at my local jr. college, the bcma program is NOT recognized by such institutions as applicable credit. Only for pre-requisites.

An Associate Degree does not take alot of time, and will take you further in any application process to a formal job.
Am I incorrect?

 

[Old Monkey]

BWCA

Boundary waters canoe area?

We have a winner! I'd much rather go on a good canoe camping trip there than to get my BCMA thingy, not that anyone asked me.

I fought fire there in 1996 and it was awesome canoeing to the fire everyday from our Island on the Canadian side.

 

[top hopper]

BWCA is the most tranquil place on earth!!

 

[Frans]

I personally like to get out to remote areas, and not be bothered.

 

[Paul B]

I personally like to get out to remote areas, and not be bothered.

I wonder if your neighbors feel the same.... they like it when you go to remote areas and they arent bothered...

Sorry Frans, I couldnt let that one slip by!

 

[OTGBOSTON]

An Associate Degree does not take alot of time, and will take you further in any application process to a formal job.
Am I incorrect?

Sometimes. Sometimes Certs and OTJ experience will get you much further.

I'm lucky in that I can be a Mass. Certified Arborist and skip all that ISA merit badge nonsense. I do realize that not everyone has that option, and I respect anyone who is trying to better themselves.

Sooo I say go for it Mr.! just don't call it a PhD

 

[Mr. Sir]

That was meant more as a tongue in cheek metaphor.

 

[OTGBOSTON]

It was probably my accent, I apologize.

 

[Frans]

Your all just a pack of cards

 

[BCMA]

If you want to study for the BCMA test this is what you need to study.
1. Certified Arborist Manual
2. All ANSI Standards
3. The Compendium books for the ISA
4. Interactive CD from the ISA
5. Plant Appraisal
6. Insect and Disease Issues – Nationwide

I responded to a survey about the BCMA test. These are the areas they are looking to test on.

• anatomy (leaf, shoot, trunk, root, etc.)
• physiology (photosynthesis, respiration, transpiration, osmosis,
  etc.)
• phenology (timing of natural events)
• tree structure and mechanics
• how trees grow and develop
• a tree's defense system
• the role of water in tree health
• water absorption and movement in a tree
• the effects of water stress
• soil properties and how they impact tree growth and development
• soil organic matter and biological properties
• management of problem soils
• how soil and water interact, and the effect on tree roots
• regulations for soil management
• soil analysis, prescriptions and treatments
• A300/Best Management Practices for fertilizations
• principles of prescription fertilization
• fertilization and soil modification techniques
• symptoms of nutrient deficiencies/toxicities
• effects of fertilization on trees
• tissue and soil analysis
• species specific nutrient requirements
• identifying potential tree risk factors
• tree risk assessment, reports and management
• risk mitigation options
• liability and negligence
• the income, market, and cost approaches to tree appraisal
• conflict of interest and ethics in tree appraisal
• creating appraisal reports
• forensics / tree damage investigation
• professional ethics in arboriculture
• industry standards and practices
• maintaining "public trust"
• exercise "due care" regarding work
• boundaries, easements, and rights-of way
• trespass
• conservation and preservation of resources
• tree ordinances
• arboricultural case law
• the components of a landscape or urban forest management plan
• needs assessment and goals for plant or tree inventory
• implementation and maintenance of the management plan
• tree inventory techniques and processes
• reassessment of management plan
• reforestation, revegetation, and habitat restoration
• A300 Integrated Vegetation management standard
• invasive plant management
• principles of ecology
• the effects of construction practices on tree health
• A300 Construction and Management standard
• avoiding tree damage during construction
• treatment of construction damaged trees
• pre-construction planning
• how to identify family, genus, and species of trees
• the characteristics, attributes, and problems of various tree species
• species tolerances and ranges
• genetics
• site selection for planting
• interrelationships among plant species
• techniques for planting trees
• A300 Transplanting Standard
• care for newly planted trees
• transplanting principles and techniques
• selection of nursery stock
• improper planting problems and solutions
• A300/Best Management Practices for pruning
• writing pruning specifications
• principles and theory of pruning trees
• pruning techniques
• physiological effects of pruning
• problems associated with improper pruning
• A300/Best Management Practices for support systems
• techniques of installing cables and braces
• considerations for support system installation (assessing need,
  follow up)
• principles and techniques for guying trees
• A300/Best Management Practices for Lightning Protection
• installation and follow-up for lightning protection in trees
• identification of electrical hazards
• safe work practices standards, laws and regulations
• tools and equipment safety
• emergency response procedures
• personal protective equipment
• work site practices, communication and oversight
• identification of tree characters associated with increased risk
• proper use of climbing, rigging, and safety equipment
• ropes and knots
• climbing techniques and how to work safely in a tree
• principles and techniques of rigging
• felling techniques
• identifying tree diseases
• mechanics of tree decay
• stress as a contributing factor to disease
• life cycles of representative disease organisms
• physiological response to disease
• identifying insects and other anthropoids
• insect life cycles
• insect physiology
• physiological response to insect damage
• beneficial insects and other organisms
• identification of plant abiotic disorders
• steps in a diagnosis
• field and laboratory analysis
• diagnostic instruments and tools
• diagnostic reports
• meteorological influences on plant growth
• soil and site influences on plant growth
• physical and mechanical injury
• chemical and pollution injury
• definition and philosophy of Plant Health Care
• monitoring-inspection and documentation of landscape problems
• integrated pest management
• treatment options: biological, chemical, and/or cultural

Congratulations on perusing your BCMA. You will not regret it.

 

[Paul B]

One thing I would like to mention, when it comes to the IPM section of the exam (at least the practice exam online), its not answerable unless you know the rules and products available in the US. Many products are simply not sold here (Canada) or not allowed here so to ask us (any arborist not in the US) questions about them is very slanted and unfair.

I emailed the ISA about it and their reponse, paraphrased, was "we will think about that."

 

[top hopper]

What you want us to make an exception for you canuckleheads?

We already have to put up with your crappy beer, now you want egg in it too?

 

[Paul B]

hey, come on up here and take the test in french, its about the same difference.

 

[treelooker]

BCMA is recognized in my market as a qualification for consulting. CA is NOT: a lot of really bad risk assessments prove this out.

I pay $0.33/day to be one and will continue. The only thing worse with a trade org with too much money is a trade org with none, because then they cannot exist.

I have no college degree, and with BCMA I have plenty of career options. snarf can have his opinion though.