International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC)

ITCC History

The International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC), previously named ISA Tree Trimmer's Jamboree, was initially proposed in 1975 by Dick Alvarez from Atascadero, California. Alvarez began running a number of events in his own company, Arbor Tree Surgery, with the intent to preserve the classic skills that would prepare a climber equipped with nothing more than a rope to have the ability to save a life in an aerial rescue. The competition grew as Alvarez invited other companies to attend his annual company picnic. Eventually, it became a chapter sanctioned event and attracted the likes of ISA members Bailey Hudson, City Forester City of Santa Maria, CA and Don Blair, President Sierra Moreno Mercantile Co. Both men assisted Alvarez with his bid to have the event held every year at the ISA Annual Field Day.

In addition, the ITCC has reinvented the tree climbing equipment and care industries. The competitions have brought the end users and manufacturers together, and the result has been an explosion of inventions and products specifically designed for tree care applications. Industry safety standards in nearly every participating country have benefited from these innovations. It has also instilled a respect for the role of the climber and a strong focus for the individuals of the climber community to improve the work environment for all tree care workers.

More Info: itcc.isa-arbor.com