MSA Tree Climbing Championship & Festival of Trees
MSA Tree Climbing Championship &
Festival of Trees
BAKER PARK RESERVE // MAPLE PLAIN, MN
MAY 17-19, 2024
2024 Competitor Registration Information
- The deadline to register is April 26 or when capacity is reached
- 60 climbers will be accepted; A waitlist will be used if capacity is reached
- Registration for Guest Climbers opens April 15; Up to 5 Guest Climbers will be accepted.
- All climbers must be MSA Members to compete.
- All climbers must pre-register; Late/walk-in registrations, or paying at the door is not allowed.
- All climbers must be able to attend the mandatory Event Walk-Through and Gear Inspection on Friday, May 17 at 3:00 pm.
- Please be sure to review the following materials before registering:
Camping & Lodging
- Each person is responsible for any lodging accommodations and reservations.
- Campsites are available for reservation at Baker Park Reserve.
- Campers at Baker Park Reserve are encouraged to reserve at the following sites to group TCC’ers together:
- For tent camping – Reserve in Loop E
- For RV electrical hookup – Reserve in Loop D
- Now is not too soon to make your reservation! Act now as this is a popular camping site and often fill in advance! Reservations can be cancelled up to 8-days prior for full refund, less the reservation fee.
- Click Here for Baker Park Reserve Camping Information & Reservations.
2024 Schedule of Events
Schedule of events is subject to change.
Thursday, May 16
All Day | TCC Event Setup Day – Select TCC Volunteers
Friday, May 17
All Day | TCC Event Set Up & Meetings – Judges and Techs
3:00 – 6:00 PM | Mandatory TCC Competitor Check In & Gear Check Meeting
Saturday, May 18
6:00 AM | Competitor & Volunteer Check-in & Pre-Stage
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Competition – Preliminary Events
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM | FESTIVAL OF TREES
~5:00 PM | TCC Awards & Celebration Dinner (free for TCC climbers & volunteers. Guest tickets available for purchase)
Sunday, May 19**
7:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Volunteer Check-in
8:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Competitor Check-in
9:00 AM | TCC Masters’ Challenge Competition
*Times subject to change. **Masters’ Challenge start times will depend on results from Saturday.
About the Competition
TCC simulates working conditions of arborists in the field. Competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds to qualify for the championship. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner.
Preliminary Qualifying Events
Competitors are scored individually in each event-Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. The competitor with the highest score is the winner of that event. First, second, and third place for men and women are awarded for each event. Competitors’ total scores for all five events are combined and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge Championship.
Masters’ Challenge
The Masters’ Challenge consists of one event and competitors are scored on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female Minnesota Champions and have the opportunity to represent Minnesota at the International Tree Climbing Championship.
Review the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship for full rules and competition details.
2023 Results
Congratulations to the 2023 Masters’ Challenge Champions!
Women’s Champion: Mariah Lundstrum
Men’s Champion: Scott Ferris