Trees and the Law

Arrive early to the 2024 Annual Conference: Under One Canopy, and join us for Trees and the Law, a half-day workshop bringing together experts to discuss managing urban forests, navigating legal and regulatory challenges, and balancing sustainability with infrastructure needs in Tennessee.  Through a series of panel discussions, attendees will learn about legal frameworks, best practices, and upcoming legislation affecting urban forestry, while addressing the balance between trees, infrastructure, and municipal liability.

Agenda:

Trees and the Law Workshop Agenda

Panel Sessions:

Are You Getting Enough Fiber?
The Struggle Between Utilities and Trees in City Planting Strips, and Who Controls Rights-of-Way

The Lorax’s Dilemma
Can Local Sustainability Measures Succeed Without Risking Preemption?

Covering Your Ash
How Municipalities Can Address Liability for Hazardous Trees and Emerald Ash Borers

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
A Comparison of Tree Canopy Ordinances Among Tennessee Counties

The Legislative “Branch”
A User’s Guide to the Tennessee General Assembly – Anticipated Legislation for 2025, Legislative Ideas, and Legislative Advocacy Tips

Roadside Assistance
TDOT Guidelines for Beautifying Interstate Exchanges and Rights of Way: From Landscaping to Pollinators

Speakers:

• Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, Metro Council (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Sen. Heidi Campbell, District 20, Tennessee Senate
• Rep. Caleb Hemmer, District 59, Tennessee House of Representatives
• Chaz Griffith, TN Urban Forestry Council
• Mike Jameson, J.D., Metro Water Services (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Hal Balthrop, Nashville Dept. of Transportation (NDOT)
• Jack Baxter, Nashville Electric Service (NES)
• Eddie Davidson, Piedmont Natural Gas
• Lora Fox, J.D., Department of Law (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Eric Kuehler, Metro Water Services (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Craig Ingram, Tennessee 811
• Nick Fischer, Google Fiber
• Tara Ladd, J.D., Department of Law (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Kasey Krouse, Urban Forestry Division (City of Knoxville)
• Margaret Darby, J.D., Metro Council Office (Nashville and Davidson Co.)
• Will Worrall, P.E., Nashville Tree Conservation Corps
• Laura Martin, J.D., Nashville
• Lindsay Sisco, J.D., TN Dept. of Transportation (TDOT)
• Michael McClanahan, TN Dept. of Transportation (TDOT)

Continuing Education:

• 4.25 CEUs – International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist
• 4.25 CFEs – Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Urban & Community Forester (CUCF) and Certified Forester (CF)
• 4.25 CLEs – State of Tennessee Licensed Attorney

If you are a licensed attorney seeking CLEs, registration is available through the Tennessee Bar Association.  All other attendees may use the registration link below:

Registration: