Outstanding Work in Advancing the Cause of Arboriculture

Monday, August 10, 2015 / Campus

Richard Harper headshot

Richard W. Harper (HBEM '00) of Amherst, Massachusetts, is the 2015 recipient of the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) Award of Achievement. This Award of Distinction recognizes ISA members for outstanding work in advancing the cause of arboriculture.

Harper works in the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst as an Extension Assistant Professor in the Arboriculture/Urban Forestry Program. An ISA Board Certified Master Arborist®, he was integral in coordinating the launch of an annual Arborist Certification Training. Harper continues to provide critical accredited continuing educational opportunities for Certified Arborists through the monthly webcast series, Urban Forestry Today. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the ISA New England Chapter.

“The Arborist Certification Training class Rick developed has contributed vastly to the growth of the ISA Certified Arborist program in the New England area,” says Mark Roberts, ISA board president. “Providing opportunities for more arborists to become certified improves industry professionalism overall.”

A former practicing arborist, Harper says his involvement in various industry organizations has helped him to better understand the importance of professional credentialing.