ISA Focuses on Pioneers and Trendsetters with 2011 "Awards of Distinction"

CHAMPAIGN, Ill., July 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight distinguished professionals make up the circle of winners for this year's International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Awards of Distinction.

ISA President Tim Gamma will present the awards at the 87th ISA Conference and Trade Show, July 23—27th in Sydney, Australia, honoring:

• Mark Hartley — Award of Merit (New South Wales, Australia)
• Lauren Lanphear — Award of Achievement (South Euclid, Ohio)
• Dr. Thomas Green — Excellence in Arboriculture Education (Macomb, Ill.)
• Dr. Ken James — Arboriculture Research (Victoria, Australia)
• Dr. Brian Kane — Early Career Scientist Award (Amherst, Mass.)
• Dave Nowak — Author's Citation (Syracuse, N.Y.)
• Mark Schnobrich — Honorary Membership (Hutchinson, Minn.)
• Dr. Robert Miller —Honorary Life Membership (Oriental, N.C.)

The Awards of Distinction acknowledge the accomplishments of ISA members and industry professionals for outstanding achievement in the following areas:

• Hartley organized an effort to stop the lopping of trees and set the standard for pruning trees, which later became an adopted practice in Australia
• Lanphear carried ISA's vision for improved safety to an international level and remains head of a more than 100-year old family tree care business
• Green enhanced a comprehensive college-level urban forestry program and added new courses in practical tree climbing skills
• James researched tree biomechanics, which led to the discovery of how branches moderate wind loads and lessen the chance of tree failure
• Kane improved arboriculture practice and worker safety through biomechanical studies
• Nowak investigated the health and change of the urban forest, air quality and greenhouse gases
• Schnobrich trail-blazed an initiative by planting of hundreds of trees and a restoring a native tree species as city forester
• Miller inspired students as a distinguished instructor with his depth of knowledge in Urban Forestry and Arboriculture

"This year's group is a great representation of what is happening around the globe," says Gamma. "Some of them are in the early years of their careers and showing much promise, while others continue to be engaged in a lifelong commitment to arboriculture."

ISA, headquartered in Champaign, Ill., has been honoring members and industry professionals with the Awards of Distinction since 1963. More than 20,000 members make up the organization worldwide. For more information, visit www.isa-arbor.com

Contact:
Julie Gaier 262-786-5970
[email protected]

SOURCE ISA