29th International Tree Climbing Championship

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

World's Best Tree Climbers to Compete at International Competition

CHAMPAIGN, IL (July 13, 2005)- On August 6 and 7, incredible skill and agility will be demonstrated by the world's best tree climbers at the International Society of Arboriculture's (ISA) 29th International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) at Ellington Agricultural Center in Nashville, TN.

The event will showcase the talents of some of the best climbers in the world as they compete for the title of world champion. Over 50 Competitors from 14 countries, including the United States and Canada, will perform six different climbs over a two-day period. Each event tests a competitor's ability to quickly, professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks.

"The events are meant to simulate the working conditions of climbers, and arborists around the world can learn new techniques from one another and get a chance to see new and different equipment," said ISA Associate Executive Director Jim Skiera. "Arboriculture is a rapidly growing industry. This event brings the best of the best together; not only to compete, but to also share knowledge and experience gathered from around the world. It is a great information resource."

ITCC features both a men's and women's division of competition. The men's competition has been in action since 1976. The women's division wasn't introduced until 2001, however it is steadily increasing in participation. This year a record number of women (15) will be competing for the title of women's champion.

The competitors with the highest scores during the preliminary events move on to compete in the Masters' Challenge competition. The Masters' Challenge winners from each division are named the international champions. This title allows them to return the following year to defend the championship.

Bernd Strasser of Germany, 2004 Men's International Champion will be in Nashville to compete for his sixth title. Strasser has now held the Men's Masters' Challenge Champion title for five years (1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004). The 2004 women's champion, Kathy Holzer from Seattle, WA, has chosen to be a judge as this year's competition.

The ISA will also be hosting Field Days on Saturday and Sunday during the competition. Activities include an outdoor trade show with equipment demonstrations, and a kids' tree climb. The arrival of the TREE Fund (www.treefund.org) Tour des Trees bicycle ride for research will also be on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information on the ITCC, visit www.itcc.isa-arbor.com. Details regarding the annual conference, the ISA, and a schedule of events can be found at www.isa-arbor.com.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.