cal and chapter events and being asked to be a part of the judging team over the years, it’s quite a privilege,” he said. For Dunlap, these roles offered another way to share what he had learned and help the next generation of arborists develop their skills. A LEGACY THAT CONTINUES TO CLIMB Although Dunlap hasn’t climbed a tree in a decade, he remains connect- ed to the industry and the people who continue to advance its knowledge and practices. His last climb was an ash tree removal for the city of Min- neapolis. One of the most rewarding aspects of his career has been meeting arborists who remember hearing him speak ear- ly in their own careers and later adopt- ed his ideas in the field.
people have incorporated these tech- niques, especially single rope and sta- tionary rope,” he said. “So, it feels good to have left that legacy.” That legacy extends beyond any single climbing system. Through years of ex- perimentation, teaching, and advocacy, Dunlap helped encourage arborists to question established practices, explore new techniques, and consider how their work affects both trees and the people who care for them. As he looks ahead, his focus has shifted from reaching new heights in the cano- py to exploring the world beyond it. He hopes to travel, discover new places, and visit friends along the way. It’s a fitting next chapter for someone whose career has been defined by curi- osity, a willingness to challenge con- vention, and a commitment to making tree climbing safer and more efficient— all while enjoying the trees he has spent a lifetime protecting.
mentation, becoming an effective ed- ucator demanded deep subject knowl- edge and the ability to communicate it clearly. Dunlap devoted years to study- ing, conducting training sessions, and developing his presentation and pub- lic-speaking skills. He began by providing basic tree-climb- ing instruction to companies without compensation. Those early efforts eventually led to presentations and workshops at national and internation- al events. His contributions also extended to the professional community through competition judging and leadership roles with the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture (MSA) . He served as a program and education chair and as a tree-climbing championship chair, helping support educational opportu- nities and the development of climbing skills within the industry.
“Being able to be included in doing lo-
“It’s been very exciting to see how
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