Algonquin General Services Superintendent Certified As Master Arborist

Press release from the Village of Algonquin:

Algonquin General Services Superintendent, Steve Ludwig, recently passed the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Board Certified Master Arborist Exam. Candidates for this certification must already be a Certified Arborist in good standing, along with other qualifications, which may include education, experience, and other professional designations. The ISA Board Certified Master Arborist credential is one of the highest designations tree industry professionals can acquire. A panel of industry experts representing all aspects of arboriculture compiles the certification exam for this credential.

“Algonquin is very fortunate to have a team of forestry professionals who strive to be the best in their profession” stated Acting Village President Debby Sosine. “We’re very proud of Steve’s achievement and his leadership in helping create a very high-quality urban forest in our community.”

The exam covers 19 areas of knowledge spanning three major categories, science, practice, and management. There are currently over 34,500 Certified Arborists worldwide. Only 913 individuals are ISA Board Certified Master Arborists. In addition to Ludwig, the Village employs six Certified Arborists on its Public Works General Services team.

“For over 25 years it has been our goal to provide Algonquin with one of the most respected urban forestry programs in the state. To do that, in forestry and other areas of our public works team, we foster quality teammates who are encouraged to grow, both personally and professionally” said General Services Superintendent Steve Ludwig. “Due to the commitment and professionalism of our teams, these certifications provide a testament as to why Algonquin has such an outstanding program, and why we are recognized statewide as one of the best.”

Ludwig has been with the Village of Algonquin and a practicing Certified Arborist for over 25 years. He is also a Certified Municipal Specialist and a past-president of the Illinois Arborist Association. Ludwig is currently on the Council of Representatives for the ISA representing the Illinois Arborist Association.

The Village of Algonquin maintains 21,464 trees and has been recognized as a Tree City USA for the past 24 years. For more information about the Village of Algonquin’s forestry operations, please visit www.algonquin.org/publicworks.

This press release was produced by the Village of Algonquin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.