Matthew Barker Email & Phone Number

Laguna Beach, California, United States

As the first permanent City Arborist in Laguna’s history, I have developed and expanded the urban forestry program that oversees public tree arboriculture and natural lands management for the City of Laguna Beach. I have successfully organized various tree maintenance processes into a progressive urban forest management program.● Write new public policy, advise the City Manager and the City Council at City Council Meetings.● Conceptualize the City’s Open Space and Natural Lands Management program● Establish and enact targeted maintenance pruning strategies for a diverse palette of tree species● Plan and Organize City’s annual Arbor Day celebration event● Streamline budget tracking and budget projection process● Facilitate new long-term tree maintenance contract and specifications● Complete annual urban forest Capital Improvement Projects.

As an Arborist for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, . I was responsible for maintaining the health and vigor of the City's tree canopy by monitoring and assessing the health, risk and long term viability of all trees in the city's urban forest. I also worked to optimize the value of these trees to provide the maximum benefits to all residents.I contributed to the city's vision of a healthy and thriving tree canopy by maximizing tree plantings on public lands and encouraging private land owners to plant native species. I work to educate the public to recognize the environmental, fiduciary, psychological and human health benefits of a vigorous tree canopy.

Washington D.C.

Working for the Tree Care Branch of the U.S Capitol Grounds Jurisdiction within the Architect of the Capitol, I was integral in the maintenance of the roughly 4600 trees on the campus. Many of these trees are nationally recognized memorial trees, diplomatic gifts from other nations and experimental strain specimens. Within the AOC, I was the climbing specialist; often called upon to climb the most difficult and dangerous trees to reach portions of the crown not accessible by heavy equipment. I must consistently work safely around historically significant architecture, landmarks, sculptures and other landscape fixtures. Another large portion of my duties on the campus of the US Capitol is to constantly conduct inspections to ensure that trees are maturing properly, and to identify existing or potential safety hazards, structural defects, various tree diseases, pest infestations and various abiotic disorders. I was responsible for determining the level of risk associated with these structural defects and prepare the proper documentation that will allow for corrective action.