Arborscape Contracted by Army Corps of Engineers for Tree Removal at Chatfield Reservoir

Immediate Release

11/3/2009

Denver, Colo. - ArborScape Inc, a Denver commercial tree care service, was contracted by the Army Corps of Engineers to remove trees and woody vegetation from the South Platte downstream channel at the Chatfield Dam and Reservoir.

"We're happy that the federal procurement staff recognized that we had the equipment, staff and knowledge to get the job done on time and on budget," said ArborScape owner David Merriman.

Work on the project has already begun with an anticipated completion date in early 2010. The project at Chatfield Dam involves removing trees and woody vegetation near water level so the downstream channel can pass the amount of water that it was originally designed to divert.

While the project is not directly funded by federal stimulus dollars, the scope has grown as stimulus money became available for other Army Corps projects. "It sort of had a trickle-down effect. They didn't have to spend money somewhere else so they were able to have both sides of the downstream channel cleared out instead of just one side," according to Merriman. "That increase should allow us to operate all winter without any layoffs or downtime."

ArborScape has done tree trimming and removal for the City and County of Denver, the City of Littleton, CO and other commercial clients. "I felt that as a smaller, locally owned tree company, we were given a fair shake alongside some of our larger competitors," Merriman said. "Winning the contract only provided further proof to me that the federal government is open to working with small business."

One of the unique challenges of the project is working on sand, which can bog down heavier equipment. Also, since the crew is working alongside the South Platte River weather will be an obstacle deeper into winter.

"There are always going to be unforeseen things that come up no matter how well you scout the area, or how well you plan. You just have to be flexible and have the mission support to complete the job," Merriman said.

Questions may be directed to Matt Johnson at 303-795-2381, David Merriman at 303-885-6959 or by email at arborscapeservices@msn.com. Visit www.arborscapeservices.com/about-us for more info.