Disaster Arborist Team

[DisasterArboristResponse]

Hi, first posting on here and not entirely sure if this is the right place - please redirect me if in the wrong area.

 

Having recently returned from voluntary humanitarian work in the Philippines and giving this a great deal of thought, I am in the early stages of putting together a team of trained, experienced and qualified arborists who would be able to respond to natural disasters internationally.

 

It is clear that when disasters occur and the different aid workers fly in from all over the world one of the most crucial aspects that is overlooked currently is the need for trained men and equipment to clear the devastation left from the fallen trees. My recent trip developed into not just rebuilding a safe place for children but clearing the roads of fallen trees to enable the aid to get through - without the clearance work it is impossible for the supplies to be taken to the people who need it most.

 

I've been working in the trade for a number of years and am employed as an arb in the west country. The training and practical experience of arborists is something that is so diverse and totally required in disaster relief but not currently offered as a specialist service.

 

Its early days but having talked to a few people the support is growing by the day. I am looking for people who may be interested in joining this voluntary team. I'm also looking for sponsorship and kit donations to be used solely for the disaster work. The work will be challenging and tiring, probably for a two week stint. There will be training sessions taking place soon. We are taking advice on the formation of the group - as its totally not for profit.

 

Website is being built at the moment and can let anyone interested have more info if interested.

 

Loads more info will be available shortly, I just wanted to put this post out there to see if anyone would be interested.

 

Look forward to hearing from you and answering any questions. Thanks for reading.

[silky fox]

Well done on your Aid Efforts!:thumbup: the Phillipines is a place that is close to my heart. the images on the News were heartbreaking...I think your idea is a good one and i welcome you to Arbtalk:cool:

Edited January 2, 2014 by silky fox

[Rich2484]

I have a few questions and some points.

 

But first, welcome and hats off to you for the work so far.

 

I volunteer for the lifeboats so know how much spare time it can take up. Also how hard some of the work can be.

 

First question, do you know who will be sponsoring it all yet? Are they good for it?

 

There is a lot that goes into the disaster work, not to mention ins.

 

I know I wouldn't be able to do it as money will never allow it, doing the lifeboats is one thing as it's normally just a short trips, and mostly just a few hours from a day, but packing up and leaving for a few weeks without getting paid is another.

 

Good luck on the quest but to do it just for trees will be a huge problem as most will not see it that way, and why would you need chainsaws as most trees that are down will just get dragged or pushed out the way for the relief to get through.

 

So with that could you not add an extra in, such as power line trained, or any other form of profession? Such as medics, a lot of arbs are trained medics now, also the utility arbs are trained in power line safety and such.

 

Maybe getting people out there under different professions will get you more interest.

 

Good luck.

[5 shires]

great idea fella but can't ever see you getting any half decent guys to do it for nothing. It's a skilled ,dangerous and expensive industry and to be doing our kind of work for free is a none starter at least for 99% of the guys on here. family,morgages, staff etc. could see a good opportunity though just like RED ADERE doing oil well blow outs could be good money if networked correctly? Sorry to sound harsh but real world nothing free. best of luck anyway.

[DrewB]

I'm based in nz but I'd be keen

[5 shires]

Good on ya fella would be good for someone to get some experience and travel a bit I guess. spose depends on each individual's circumstances.

[DisasterArboristResponse]

Cheers for the input guys. Very positive.

 

Every point raised is being thought of and appreciate your input. I am a utility arb so know about the power part etc., I also know its hard to do it for nothing - I did - but the wife isn't too keen on the non income. We are therefore looking for funding to enable every person that attends a response to get a basic allowance for the two week period. Hard to guage as no one knows when disasters are going to strike.

 

I spent the first ten days of my recent stint making areas safe - the lack of chainsaws and experienced operators was horrific. The only saw i could get my hands on was an O70 chainsaw that was museum worthy. After ten days we got hold of two - this meant that aid could get through and safe zones could be established.

 

Loads to work on, lots of paperwork to sort out etc., but the interest and possible sponsorship is amazing.

[Dan Earp]

Since the government has a pot of cash for aid, would you be able to get into that pot?

 

That way basics are covered saws fuel oil rigging gear etcetc

[J Hurle and Sons]

I would be keen and so would some of my guys let us know when you have more details

[Dan Earp]

Theres also a company called ' Goal Zero' an american firm that deals in solar energy pack and small generators ones called 'yeti'.

They also do relief work maybe a chat to them may help. You can also find them on facebook