Skip Navigation

UW Madison alum known for protecting historic trees named ISA True Professional of Arboriculture: Mark Duntemann

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Mark Duntemann of Chicago has been named a “True Professional of Arboriculture™” by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). The True Professional recognition program honors arborists and tree care professionals for their positive impact on the industry in and around their communities.

The owner of Natural Path Urban Forestry Consultants, Duntemann is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist® and is ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ). As a consultant he specializes in the development of strategic policies for clients with emphasis on tree risk management and has been an expert witness in over 40 tree-related injury and fatality cases.

“Not only does Mark have the ISA qualification in Tree Risk Assessment, but he is also one of only 27 qualified TRAQ instructors in the world,” says de Gourét Litchfield, ISA board president. “In his work, he challenges clients to think past their current understanding of urban tree management and consider the long-term ramifications of their decisions.”

Besides tree risk, Duntemann’s passion is focusing on trans-generational trees and protecting historic species. “Trans-generational trees are trees that the residents of a community have come to revere over generations,” Duntemann explains. Introduced to this concept by Giovanni Morelli of Italy, Duntemann strives to raise cultural or ecologic significance of trees with community projects by creating a connection between the trees and families. “The hope of this heightened connection is that it will increase understanding and inform future choices.”

Honored to be selected as a True Professional, Duntemann commented, “I know a number of past True Professionals of Arboriculture™ and I have the highest regard for them. I also understand that the profession thrives because a lot of people devote their time to enhance the professional development of members.”

Duntemann was recognized at the opening general session of ISA’s 92nd Annual International Conference last month in Fort Worth, Texas, US. He is one of eight individuals selected as a 2016 True Professional. ISA launched the “True Professionals of Arboriculture™” recognition program in 2009 to increase public understanding of arboriculture and the professional skills of today’s arborists. Recipients are from various backgrounds in the profession and hold industry credentials including certifications from ISA.

Individuals are selected by the ISA Awards Committee, a diverse group of experts in arboriculture including university professors, retired arborists, tree care company owners, trainers, and forestry managers. After selection, award recipients are approved by ISA’s Board of Directors.

Profiles and case studies of the “True Professionals” will be featured on the ISA website at www.isa-arbor.com and highlighted in future ISA publications such as Arborist News.

ABOUT ISA
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., U.S., is a nonprofit organization of more than 30,000 members and credential holders worldwide, supporting tree care research and education. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org, which fulfills the association’s mission to help educate the public about the importance and value of proper tree care. Also, 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.

More Alumni Notes