TRAQ -TREE RISK ASSESSMENT QUALIFICATIONS - JULY 8, 9, 10, 2026

A summer workshop and testing to renew my TRAQ - Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications after 5 years took place in Hawai`i at the Lester McCoy Pavilion at Ala Moana Regional Park on July 8, 9, and 10, 2026. Kevin Eckert provided his teaching skills in this two-day educational course and a half day comprehensive written and performance-based field day assessment test. As an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist since 1995 and TRAQ Certified since 2022, qualified me to participate in the TRAQ workshop and test which if passed will be valid for 7 years.

TRAQ is a qualification program by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) to train and assess students in tree risk assessment using a systematic approach for assessing tree risk and determining the likelihood of failure, likelihood of impact, consequences, and recommending ways to mitigate hazards and protect people and property, while recognizing the benefits of trees.

Despite the rigors of studying and testing our TRAQ class of 18 listened to Kevin's Tree Risk Assessment class instructions and shared a bond of being in a class together. ISA Western Chapter leader, membership and event services, Rita Franco helped to put the class together. Kevin Eckert and Assistant George were so very caring, helpful, and made this class enjoyable. Students came from O`ahu, Maui, Hawai`i Island, California, and Canada. It was a pleasure meeting and learning from each other.