Sam Houston Electric Cooperative construction manager, Bill Townley, recently passed the Certified Arborist examination administered through the International Society of Arboriculture and the local chapter of ISA.
Being surrounded by East Texas trees all of his life; Townley developed an appreciation for forestry at a young age. Today, his position at Sam Houston EC includes responsibility for vegetation management.
Townley’s certification indicates a level of knowledge and standard of practice in tree care professions. The Certified Arborist title sets him apart in the industry as a professional who has shown a thorough knowledge of tree care practices through completing the examination and education program.
Townley said that he plans to continue his professional development and work towards his Utility Specialist Certification.
“Being that Sam Houston is in the business of delivering electricity, I think attaining the Utility Specialist Certification would be very beneficial to the Cooperative and our members,” Townley said. “There is sometimes a misunderstanding that an effective right-of-way maintenance program simply involves cutting down trees. Nothing could be further from the truth, and by having these certifications we can demonstrate that we are knowledgeable professionals that are trained to strike a balance between the safety clearances required by the Co-op and the desires of the landowner.”
The International Society of Arboriculture is a scientific and educational organization devoted to the dissemination of information in the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees.
ISA’s certification program is designed to promote the professional development for tree care.
