Code of Ethics

Constitution

Whistleblower Policy and Procedures

Strategic Plan

Code of Ethics for Arborists

The Arborist:

• Will utilize personal knowledge and skills for the greatest good to society.
• Will advance arboriculture by exchanging knowledge with other arborists and supporting arboriculture associations, publications, schools of instruction, and plant research agencies.
• Will be truthful in oral or written statements concerning the services qualified to offer and the plant benefits that may be expected there from, and will not advertise as certified or licensed or as insured unless the extent of coverage is clearly stated.
• Will discourage the promotion and use of techniques, methods, and materials that have not been adequately tested and approved for arboriculture use by reputable plant scientists. Should unproven material still appear to be best, the client will be completely advised.
• Will base all expert testimony on adequate knowledge of the subject and substantiated facts and render an opinion according to honest convictions.
• Will refrain from expressing, either orally or in writing, an opinion on a technical subject unless informed concerning the matter, and will not distort or withhold relevant data to substantiate a point of view.
• Will be loyal to clients or to the employing organization and will faithfully perform work assignments.
• Will, if a technical judgment in arboricultural matters is overruled by a non-technical authority, present clearly the consequences that may be expected to occur as a result of deviating from the procedure and policies which are believed to be correct.
• Will not, if employed as an arborist in public capacity, compete with arborists in private business or recommend one arborist in private business above other in the community where all are equally qualified and available.
• Will avoid making unfounded statements that in a way might injure the professional reputation of another arborist.
• Will not reduce a quoted fee for a specific job if informed of a lesser fee by another arborist for the same job.
• Will refrain if engaged in the private practice of arboriculture, from reviewing the work of another private arborist for the latter's employer, but will refer the review to a qualified person not engaged in private arboriculture.
• Will not offer employment to an employee of another arborist without the latter's knowledge, but will instead endeavor to train employees where possible.
• Will uphold the principle of appropriate and adequate compensation for those engaged in arboriculture work as an essential to the maintenance of high standards of arboricultural endeavor.
• Will conduct all matters relating to technical arboriculture activities, business operations, and civic responsibilities in a manner that will further the status of arboriculture as a respected profession.

Constitution

The Constitution is also available as a Word Document. You can right-click and choose "Save Target As" to save this document to your computer.

Article 1. Name – Wisconsin Arborist Association, Inc. a Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, established in accordance with the constitution and bylaws of the parent organization of this chapter.

Article 2. WAA Mission Statement – "To improve the understanding of trees and the practice of arboriculture, and to promote high ethical standards."

1. Provide professional education for arborists.
2. Be responsive and responsible to the membership's needs.
3. Maintain organizational vitality and viability.
4. Promote public awareness and understanding of trees.
5. Promote compliance with recognized standards of arboricultural practices.
6. Support, stimulate, and communicate arboricultural research.
7. Increase the number of certified arborists and promote their use.
8. Develop working relationships with other organizations and professions.

Article 3. Membership

A. Application for Membership: Any individual or firm desiring membership in the Association shall submit their application on forms prepared by the International Society of Arboriculture or Wisconsin Arborist Association to the membership committee who shall make their recommendation to the Board of Directors.

Membership Application

B. Membership Classifications:

1. Professional Membership: Professional membership shall be open to any and all individuals actively engaged in the practice of arboriculture. This shall include those individuals who are responsible for the supervision, management, and/or planning of arboriculture activities. Professional membership shall include, but not be limited to the following sub-groups: municipal arborists, utility arborists, commercial arborists, and other practicing arborists who will be classified as "at large."

2. Educational Membership: Educational membership shall be open to those individuals who are engaged in education or research in supportive or allied disciplines with a recognized institution or agency.

3. Associate Membership: Associate membership shall be open to any and all individuals not actively engaged in the practice of arboriculture, but whose associated profession or interests supports the purposes of the Association.

4. Affiliate Membership: Affiliate Membership shall be open to all individuals or firms who manufacture or supply products and materials utilized in the practice or arboriculture and who, by their affiliation, wish to support the Association.

5. Honorary Membership: Honorary membership shall be conferred by majority vote of the Board of Directors upon any individual who has served the purposes of the Wisconsin Arborist Association with distinction or who has made a significant contribution to the science or practice of arboriculture.

6. Student Membership: Open to students enrolled in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, or other related fields.

1. The Vice President shall be elected for a one-year term, to commence upon election. Upon expiration of that term, the Vice President will progress through the President track as follows: a one-year term as President-elect, a one-year term as President, and a one year term as Past President, each term to commence at the WAA Annual Business meeting.

2. The Secretary shall be elected for a two-year term, to commence upon election. The Treasurer shall be elected for a two-year term, to commence upon election.

3. Unexpired terms shall be filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

4. All chapter officers must be members of the International Society of Arboriculture.

B. Voting members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the President, President-elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, four membership representatives, and the Wisconsin Arborist Association representative to the International Society of Arboriculture.

1. The four membership representatives shall be elected for two-year terms. Not more than two representatives from each voting membership sub-group (at large, commercial, educational, municipal, and utility) shall serve at one time.

2. The Wisconsin Arborist Association representative to the International Society of Arboriculture shall be elected to a three year term, term to commence at the ISA Annual Conference following the election.

3. Unexpired terms shall be filled by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

C. Ex-Officio (non-voting) members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the WAA Educational Advisor, WAA representative to the ISA Certification Liaisons Committee (hereafter called the Certification Liaison) and the WAA representative to the TREE Fund Liaisons Committee (hereafter called the TREE Fund Liaison).

1. Ex-Officio members shall be elected to staggered three-year terms by majority vote of the Board of Directors, terms to commence upon election. The election will take place at the first Board of Directors meeting following the Association’s annual business meeting.

2. Ex-Officio members shall serve no more than two (2) consecutive three-year terms.

3. The WAA Certification Liaison and the WAA TREE Fund Liaison must be members of the International Society of Arboriculture.

4. Unexpired terms shall be filled by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Article 5. Duties and Powers of Officers and Board of Directors

A. The duties of the President shall be those usually assigned to the office.

B. The duties of the President-elect shall be those usually assigned to the office, including acting as chairperson on the nominating committee.

C. The duties of the Vice President shall be those usually assigned to the office, including acting as chairperson on the Program Committee.

D. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of all Association and Board of Directors meetings and maintain the necessary official records of the Association. The Treasurer shall receive and disburse all monies of the Association, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors. (Previously Article 5C)

E. The Board of Directors shall direct all affairs of the Association. (Previously Article D)

Article 6. Committees

The following committees shall be standing committees, whose chairperson, and members shall be appointed by the President, and confirmed by the Board of Directors. The chairpersons for all standing committees, with the exception of the Editorial Committee, must also occupy a position on the Board of Directors. Each standing committee shall report yearly activities at the annual business meeting.

A. Membership: Chair – Membership Representative
The membership committee shall actively participate in seeking and screening potential new members. They shall recommend to the Board of Directors regarding all application for membership and all termination and suspension cases.

B. Legislation: Chair – Membership Representative
The legislation committee shall keep abreast of legislation that might directly or indirectly affect professional arborists as well as the Association and advise the membership of such legislation.

C. Certification: Chair - Membership Representative
The professional certification committee shall administer the International Society of Arboriculture Certification Program is Wisconsin.

D. Publicity: Chair – Membership Representative
The publicity committee shall make public the work of the Association and arboricultural activities through the use of all news media, and create a favorable public image of the Association.

E. Finance: Chair – Treasurer
The finance committee will be responsible to audit the financial records before the annual business meeting, review and monitor funds and investments of the WAA, make sure taxes are filed in a timely fashion, and create and monitor an annual budget. The committee will meet at least once a year, with additional meetings as necessary. Committee members will consist of all WAA officers and report to the Board of Directors.

F. Nominating: Chair – President-Elect
The nominating committee shall present a slate of qualified candidates to the membership at the annual business meeting.

G. Program: Chair – Vice President
The program committee shall plan programs for all conferences, seminars, short courses, or other meetings of, and related to, the Association.

H. Research: Chair – ISA Representative
The research committee shall gather and disseminate information on arboricultural practices and initiate research projects.

I. Editorial: Chair – Off the BOD – Appointed
The editorial board shall be responsible for the production and distribution of "The Wisconsin Arborist" newsletter and for the production of any other printed materials necessary to the operation of the Association.


Article 7. Board Meeting

The President shall call at least one annual Board of Directors meeting and whatever additional meetings that are deemed necessary.

Article 8. Business Meetings

There shall be at least one business meeting a year, the place and time to be designated by the Board of Directors. The purpose of the meeting shall be to inform the membership of the business transacted by the Board of Directors and the standing committees, to plan the course of action for the coming year and transact other association business.

A. As provided in Article 4, officers and other voting members of the Board of Directors shall be elected at this meeting by a vote of those WAA members with voting privileges present (see Article III of the organizational by-laws). The persons receiving the most votes for each position shall be deemed elected to those positions.

B. A special business meeting shall be called upon petition of ten members of good standing.

C. At least ten voting members shall be present to conduct a business meeting.

D. All business meetings shall be conducted in accordance with “Robert’s Rules of Order.”

Article 9. Amendments

Amendments to this constitution may be made by a 2/3 affirmative vote of the voting members present at a business meeting. Amendments can also be made by mail ballot of the voting members with a 2/3 affirmative vote of those returned within 30 days.

A. Amendments shall be filed with the Secretary at least thirty days prior to the voting deadline.

B. Copies of the proposed amendment shall be distributed to all voting members at least fifteen days prior to the voting deadline.

Article 10. Dues
Annual membership dues for each membership classification shall be established by the Board of Directors.

Article 11. By-Laws
By-laws may be adopted as required or as deemed essential in the best interest of the Association by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.

BY-LAWS TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
WISCONSIN ARBORIST ASSOCIATION

Whistleblower Policy and Procedures

1. The WAA Finance Committee shall receive, retain, investigate, and act on complaints and concerns of volunteers and members regarding questionable accounting, internal accounting controls, and auditing matters, including those regarding the circumvention or attempted circumvention of internal accounting controls or that would otherwise constitute a violation of the organization’s accounting policies.

2. At the discretion of the WAA Finance Committee, responsibility of the WAA Finance Committee created by these procedures may be delegated to any members of the WAA Finance Committee or to a subcommittee of the WAA Finance Committee.

1. Any Accounting Allegation that is made directly to the Board of Directors, whether openly, confidentially, or anonymously shall be promptly reported to the WAA Finance Committee.

2. Each Accounting Allegation forwarded to the WAA Finance Committee by the Board of Directors and each Accounting Allegation that is made directly to the WAA Finance Committee, whether openly, confidentially, or anonymously, shall be reviewed by the WAA Finance Committee, who may, at their own discretion, consult with any member of the Board of Directors or any volunteer whom they believe would have appropriate expertise or information to assist the WAA Finance Committee. The WAA Finance Committee or Board of Directors should investigate the Accounting Allegation, taking into account the considerations set forth in Section C (below).

i. If the WAA Finance Committee determines that the Board of Directors should investigate the Accounting Allegation, the WAA Finance Committee will notify, in writing, the General Legal Counsel for the organization of that conclusion. The Board of Directors shall thereafter promptly investigate the Accounting Allegation and shall report the results of its investigation, in writing to the WAA Finance Committee. The Board of Directors shall be free in its discretion to engage outside auditors, counsel, or other experts to assist in the investigation and in the analysis of the results.

ii. If the WAA Finance Committee determines that it should investigate the Accounting Allegation, the WAA Finance Committee shall promptly determine what professional assistance, if any, it needs in order to conduct the investigation. The WAA Finance Committee shall be free in its discretion to engage outside auditors, counsel, or other experts to assist in the investigation and in the analysis of results.

1. Who is the alleged wrongdoer? If an officer is alleged in wrongdoing, that factor alone may militate in favor of the WAA Finance Committee conducting the investigation.

How serious is the alleged wrongdoing? The more serious the alleged wrongdoing, the more appropriate it is that the WAA Finance Committee should undertake the investigation. If the alleged wrongdoing would constitute a crime involving the integrity of the financial statements of the organization, that factor alone may militate in favor of the WAA Finance Committee conducting the investigation.

2. How credible is the allegation of wrongdoing? The more credible the allegation, the more appropriate it is that the WAA Finance Committee should undertake the investigation. In assessing the credibility, the WAA Finance Committee should consider all the facts surrounding the allegation, including, but not limited to, whether similar allegations have been made in the press or by another source.

Strategic Plan 2005-2009

Mission Statement:
Improving the understanding of trees and the practice of arboriculture.


Goals

1. Provide professional education for arborists.
2. Maintain a viable and vital organization that is responsive to member needs.
3. Support recruitment and development of a well-trained workforce.
4. Promote public awareness and understanding of trees and their care.
5. Promote compliance with recognized standards of arboricultural practices.
6. Support, stimulate, and communicate arboricultural research.
7. Develop relationships with organizations and policy makers to promote arboriculture.

Goal No. 1: Provide professional education for arborists.

A. Conduct educational seminars and meetings. (Program)

1. Continue existing meeting schedule (summer, fall, and annual conference with a Sunday workshop). (Program)
2. Create the opportunity for all interest groups, as defined by the directory, to be represented on the program committee. (Program)
3. Require the Program Committee to design meeting content to assure programs provide a minimum of 15 ISA continuing education units (CEUs) per year. (Program, Certification)
4. Identify and communicate a minimum of five training opportunities annually which carry ISA certification CEUs. (Program, Certification)
5. Identification of and response to educate members regarding potential insect/disease epidemics. (Program, Certification)

1. Provide newsletter on Web site. (Editorial) 

1. Provide members with the ISA’s list of publications and training materials at each conference and provide examples of this material. (Secretary) 

1. Conduct educational sessions to prepare for various certifications.

1. Survey needs and/or assess entire membership on biennial basis and evaluate results at the Board-of-Director (BOD) level. (Membership)
2. Publish survey results in newsletter following survey. (Membership)
3. Utilize survey results for continuous development of future needs and functions. (President)

1. Distribute and collect evaluation forms at all educational functions. (Program) 
2. Present and evaluate results at the BOD level; utilize for future planning (e.g., site, speakers, content, and conditions of site). (Program)

1. Evaluate and distribute orientation packet for new members. (Membership)
2. Develop orientation packet for new BOD/committee chairs to include such things as WAA history, contacts, job descriptions, and committee budgets. (Past President)

1. Develop and maintain budget and income projections for committees. (President, Treasurer)
2. Utilize independent accounting firm to assist in financial management. (President, Treasurer)
3. Evaluate dues structure on annual basis. (President)
4. Examine needs for additional database management. (President)

1. Provide attractive programs. (Program)
2. Develop activities for the cross-section of membership. (Program)
3. Update WAA directory and listing of certified arborists annually in March. (Editorial, Membership)
4. Increase student membership. (Membership)
5. Increase women and minority membership. (Membership)

1. Communicate and demonstrate benefits gained from ISA membership. (Membership)
2. Include ISA application in orientation packet. (Membership)
3. Encourage ISA to staff information booth at the conference. (Membership)

1. Call for volunteers via sign-up at conferences, in newsletter, or with annual nominations. (Program, Publicity)
2. Develop and implement a volunteer management system. (Past President)

a. Past President to connect and direct or link with volunteers.

1. Assign ad hoc committee. (President)

a. Conduct interviews with key figures on the evolution of WAA.
b. Review documents: archives, news articles, meeting notes, etc.

1. WAA board member on curriculum committees. (Ed. Advisor)
2. Promote internship opportunities. (Ed. Advisor)
3. Enhance scholarship opportunities to Wisconsin students. (Ed. Advisor)
4. Provide networking opportunities between students and professionals. (Ed. Advisor)
5. Form education committee chaired by Educational Advisor. (Ed. Advisor)

1. Explore partnership with Trees for Tomorrow. (Ed. Advisor)
2. Target high school biology and agriculture teachers with materials. (Ed. Advisor)
3. Participate in high school career days. (Ed. Advisor)

1. One-day regional seminars. (Program)
2. Focus summer workshop/climbing jamboree on basic arboriculture skills. (Program)
3. Provide WAA members electronic notification of pending training opportunities. (Program)
4. Promote safety training opportunities. (Program)
5. Explore with DNR Urban Forestry a multi-track, multiple-day, Urban Forestry Institute. (Program)

1. Provide four certification exam dates per year. (Certification)
2. Provide one certification update per newsletter. (Certification)
3. Market the value of certification to WAA members. (Certification)
4. Continue arborist certification test review at annual conference. (Certification)

1. Engage outside expertise (ISA, private, public) to develop a public relations plan.
2. Implement plan recommendations.

1. Sponsor and promote DNR poster contest. (Arbor Day)
2. Promote urban forestry LEAF program. (Editorial)
3. Promote Arbor Day. (Arbor Day)

1. Maintain certified arborist for hire list on WAA Web site. (Certification)
2. Develop and disseminate model RFP/contract standards for municipal tree work and encourage their use. (Ad Hoc)
3. Work with ISA to publicize new certified arborist classifications. (Publicity, Certification)

1. Continue “Day of Service.” (Publicity)
2. Proactively address emerging tree health threats, e.g., EAB. (Editorial, Program)
3. Offer fact sheet in newsletter for arborists to copy and hand out to the public. (Editorial)

1. Provide new members with a starter packet which references standards/best management practices (BMP) and how to obtain. (Membership)
2. Timely articles in the WAA newsletter on arboricultural standards and BMPs. (Legislative)
3. Provide updates/introductions of the new standards/BMPs at workshops and annual conference. (Program)

1. Provide a copy of WAA’s Code of Ethics in new member packets. (Membership)
2. Post WAA’s Code of Ethics on WAA Web site. (Web Site Committee)
3. Include WAA’s Code of Ethics in membership directory. (Editorial, Membership)
4. One article/presentation per year on ethics/case study. (Editorial, Program)

1. Communicate research results in WAA newsletter and Web site. (Editorial)
2. Wisconsin researcher grantee’s report at a WAA meeting. (Program)
3. Invite those from outside the chapter who are grant award winners to publish in newsletter and speak at meetings. (Editorial, Program)

1. WAA shall match up to $5,000 per research grant, up to $10,000 annual cap. TREE FUND grants to Wisconsin researchers, upon annual approval. (Research)
2. Meet ISA Chapter challenge goal. (Fund Raising, Tree Fund Liaison)
3. Develop fund-raising projects for the WAA TREE FUND account. (Fund Raising, Tree Fund Liaison)
4. Encourage other organizations to support tree research. (Research)

a. Meet annually with Dean of CALS, Extension, and UWSP College of Natural Resources. (Research)

5. Identify other funding sources and provide to researchers. (Research)

1. Survey WAA membership in 2005 and 2008 for research needs and report to membership. (Research)
2. Convene a working group of professionals to prioritize research needs. (Research)
3. Identify researchers who conduct urban forestry and arboriculture research. (Research, DNR Liaison)
4. Distribute ISA’s RFP and the list of research priorities to appropriate researchers annually. (Research)

1. Annually update list of key contacts of local government organizations and include on WAA mailing list (i.e., League of Municipalities, Wisconsin Towns Association, Wisconsin Alliance of Cities, and Wisconsin Counties Association, etc.).
2. Annually update list of key legislative committees, legislators, and staff, and contact as appropriate.
3. Annually update list of key administrators and policy makers at appropriate state agencies and university departments, and contact as appropriate. (Legislative)
4. Identify other organizations with similar issues as WAA and form partnership(s).

1. The policy/legislative liaison will work with the legislative, research, and membership committees and the BOD to develop a plan to communicate with federal, state, and institutional policy makers on items of importance (issues) to WAA (e.g., funding). (Legislative, Membership, Research, BOD)
2. The policy/legislative liaison will represent the WAA in communications and meetings with federal, state, and institutional policy makers as directed by the BOD. (Legislative, BOD)