(Courtesy photo) Utah's best tree climbers will be Layton Commons Park May 18 and 19 for the Utah Community Forest Council/International Society of Arboriculture's 18th annual tree climbing championship.

Utah tree climbers test their skills at Utah Community Forest Council event

Recreation » Climbers go out on a limb for fun and prizes at annual Utah chapter’s climbing event.

By ben Fulton

| The Salt Lake Tribune

First Published May 18 2012 10:46 am • Last Updated May 18 2012 10:46 am

Children’s author Shel Silverstein made The Giving Tree legend with his book of the same name, giving trees everywhere a bad name as dysfunctional partners in an abusive relationship with humankind.

The Utah Community Forest Council/International Society of Arboriculture-Utah Chapter is out to change all that with its 18th Annual Tree Climbing Championship. This is a two-day event about all things tree climbing, but the overall message is all about forest conservation for local arborists and anyone who thinks green.

With lots of trees to climb, it’s also a lot of fun. The competition is cut into five category climbs—the aerial rescue, secured foot lock, throw line, belayed speed climb and work climb. It’s all about agility and, of course, safety. But each climb also tests a pro’s ability to perform "work-related tree-care tasks," as the press release says.

"The championship is always a crowd pleaser," said Mike Marett, past president of the society in press materials. "It brings the best of the best together to compete, share knowledge and experience."

bfulton@sltrib.com

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