Guadalupe Maldonado practices proper
climbing technique during the D.I.T.S.
Paul Vega learned rigging and rope work is just
another component of the D.I.T.S. curriculum.
Max Letizia and Felicia Speranske
take a closer look at a lab specimen.
March/April 2017 | The Davey Bulletin 17
"I could see how fungal identification, especially for the structure of the tree,
would help me identify risky, hazardous trees," he said. This knowledge will
help Maldonado keep his 16-to-18-member utility crew safe while working
on dead or dying trees on utility rights-of-way.
Elise LeBlanc, crew lead, invasive species management, Davey Resource
Group, appreciated the personal, visual and interactive learning associated
with D.I.T.S. courses.
"It's good to learn it hands on rather than in a book," LeBlanc said. "I have
a fair amount of climbing experience, but I have never done removals or
rigging, so all of that was completely new."
LeBlanc passed her ISA certification exam a few years ago, so she saw D.I.T.S.
as an opportunity to review while gaining expertise in areas she lacked.
"Reading about something versus having someone up there walking you
through it is a different experience," she said.
After four intense weeks, the students – after many cups of coffee, countless
hours of studying and many rigorous exams – left their D.I.T.S. experience
more equipped, better educated and motivated to advance their careers,
and the Davey Company.
Elise LeBlanc inspects a tree during a
field exercise as part of the 2017 D.I.T.S.
D.I.T.S. students inspect trees for signs of
emerald ash borer as part of a field exercise.
David King inspects a lab sample as
part of the 2017 D.I.T.S.
