Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name

Eric Frei · 16th June 2011, 09:51 PM

I decided to investigate certain allegations that simply did not wash with me. I managed to obtain information via FOI and have the evidence to clear well respected and known consulting arborist Dennis Marsden's (of The Sugar Factory) name.

Dennis was involved in the Newcastle Laman street figs case.

CaityR here and Caity Raschke on the saveourfigs blog made posts which are not true. During my research of this ugly event I also learned that certain presentations were made by "fictitious" or "cannot be located" people to council.

I have gathered all the evidence I could to prove without doubt that Dennis is the victim of some serious slander, which started back in 2005 in a newspaper print.

I have also loaded up PDF's of everything just incase websites start deleting or changing the evidence.

First of all lets look at the posts made by Dr Caitlin Raschke of Newcastle, that is her true identity.

Her first post was on the saveoufigs blog dated 4.10.2010.

She wrote:

Quote:

No matter how experienced or eminent an expert, there will be someone out there who sees things differently. I read an interesting article from a few years ago about the well-known arborist who first assessed the Laman Street trees for Newcastle City Council.

He was charged with assessing the trees on North Ryde Common. There were over 100 trees. This was reported in ‘The Weekly Times Online an ‘independently owned suburban newspaper, established in 1921 and serving Sydney’s north western district’.

‘As few as four trees in North Ryde Common will face the chop following latest tests carried out by Ryde City Council using state-of-the-art technology. This was good news for Council who in September received an arborist report by Dennis Marsden of The Sugar Factory detailing that 102 trees in the park were unhealthy with a possibility of 36 trees facing immediate removal.’

The second report used a method called ‘Sonic Tomograph Testing’ so we’re not comparing apples with apples, and there was obviously more information available to arborist number 2. It’s an alarming example of how unreproducible and unscientific a lot of tree assessment work is.

36 vs 4 in Ryde. Please. It’s a bit like 14 vs zero in Laman Street depending on your expert.

Then she made two post here at Treeworld which are below:-
15 November 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaityR

Could I suggest you read about North Ryde Common where it wasn't until MRI technology was combined with VTA that council was able to save tens of trees condemned by an experienced arborist.

The Weekly Times Online

19 March 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaityR

Mr Marsden has assessed zillions of trees and is an extremely experienced arborist. Laman Street is not an example of his best work, however, as he was unfortunately told by Newcastle Council that there were whole tree failures in the street in the 2007 'Pasha Bulker' storm (according to his affidavit to the Land and Environment court) when this was not the case. He therefore judged the remaining trees incorrectly.
While this is not about topping, have you seen his work for Ryde council?
He assessed trees on Ryde Common and said 102 trees had to go, 36 straight away. This was based, I believe, on visual tree assessment.
Fortunately the council wanted evidence before they removed all these trees so they had further tests done and only four of the trees had to be removed.
The Weekly Times Online
The Weekly Times Online
As a Newcastle person who believes there is nothing wrong with the Laman Street trees -apart from the fact that council don't like big trees and fig trees in other streets in Newcastle whose roots had been pruned by council fell over

I followed the newspaper links (pdf's by date attached) and was taken back to read something so damning so I had to get the reports. The newspaper article and comments by councillors are way out of line and blatantly false.

Here's the February 2005 one, it's so ugly it is not funny, read what Clr Michael Butterworth apparently said

:-

Quote:

North Ryde Common trees escape the chop

As few as four trees in North Ryde Common will face the chop following latest tests carried out by Ryde City Council using state-of-the-art technology.

This was good news for Council who in September received an arborist report by Dennis Marsden of The Sugar Factory detailing that 102 trees in the park were unhealthy with a possibility of 36 trees facing immediate removal.

The new report used Visual Tree Assessment and Sonic Tomograph Testing (STT) to determine the state of the trees.

STT operates in a similar way to an MRI scan providing an internal view of the tree and the wood's condition.

Clr Michael Butterworth said, "The first report was disappointing so Council called for a second and more detailed report because of the large number of trees recommended for removal was unacceptable.

"This is a more thorough report that details the need for a lot of dead-wooding and removal of four trees, all of which will be replanted with the same species."

Clr Nicole Campbell said: "Ryde Council is for a more pro-active approach to saving our natural assets which are just as important as our built environment."

You can read the reports, the fact is Dennis Marsden did not recommend any trees be removed, at all. In fact he encouraged further investigation of poorly rated trees. His report was a survey, a preliminary report of what was onsite charting species DBH condition etc. And that is where the second report by Enspec comes in, not because he condemned trees at all. Read it for yourself it is a solid decent report.

Then I also happen to come upon a letter (PDF attached) where some-one had organised a presentation representing these falsehoods to denigrate Dennis Marsden enmass to Newcastle Council.

I was so disturbed by these false remarks that I actually phoned Dr Caitlin Raschke today and asked her who put her onto this articles. Her response was, "oh, there's a number of us".

To the best of my knowledge perpetuating a lie is also slander but I did mention to Caitlin that I was surprised no-one validated the articles especially considering she is a doctor who to the best of my knowledge works on facts. She believed the articles but when I stressed to her that she didn't know the facts she became distant, and hung up!

I am appalled by what has happened here. We have a thread running on exactly this type of stuff:-

Ignorance is Contagious| Critical Thinking| Mob mentalities

I decided to write this thread and post to clear Dennis's name, having been the victim of numerous vicious lies myself I understand the frustration he must be experiencing. I also will write to Newcastle City Council and inform them of this thread, of what has happened.

I'd expect Caitlin would remove her defamatory blog post at saveourfigs website, the newspapers to also remove their misinformation and lies from the internet. Upon removal of those others I too will move this thread from public view but will keep it handy should ever anyone try to muddy Dennis's name with such lies from some two bob newspaper who cannot print the truth.

I am a treeman not a lawyer nor investigator, but I am disgusted that so many parties did not do the obvious and validate their information and I had to go to this trouble. Shame on you all.

Keep up the great work Dennis, some of us look through the smoke and mirrors.

Eric Frei · 16th June 2011, 10:33 PM

Copy of email sent just now to NCC

Quote:

Hi

Thanks for the release of documents that were used to help clear a man's name of some pretty ugly lies.

I must admit I was disturbed to read that a newspaper quoted a NCC councillor in 2005 as saying certain things which documentation now clearly shows is a lie.

The paper printed it's trash twice in 2005, which then was perpetuated in a recent case by the saveourfigs blog mob involved in the Laman Street Figs fiasco.

The details can be seen (for a limited time as once the matter has been resolved all evidence on the net will be removed) at this URL:-

http://www.treeworld.info/f6/clearing-arborist-dennis-marsdens-name-20628.html

I'd hope NCC also contacts that newspaper about those two online articles to have them deleted, they are clearly incorrect, and addresses any other parties involved accordingly.

Regards
Eric Frei

jmcg.insight.gardens · 16th June 2011, 11:34 PM

Well done Eric,

you have shown that you are a person whom pursues the truth, few would be bothered to spend the time to try to clear another's name.

These articles demonstrate how easily a professional can be slandered and how others are willing to, without checking the facts, continue this slander.

I think that some apologies are due to Dennis Marsden, public ones.

It will be interesting to see if any mentioned in the PDF's or your posts, will come forward in this thread to do so.

Eric Frei · 17th June 2011, 07:00 AM

I have banned Caitlin from this forum but she can email if she wants to.

Jeff Darby · 17th June 2011, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmcg.insight.gardens

Well done Eric,

you have shown that you are a person whom pursues the truth, few would be bothered to spend the time to try to clear another's name.

These articles demonstrate how easily a professional can be slandered and how others are willing to, without checking the facts, continue this slander.

I think that some apologies are due to Dennis Marsden, public ones.

It will be interesting to see if any mentioned in the PDF's or your posts, will come forward in this thread to do so.

Tall poppy syndrome is very real here in Australia..This man definitely deserves an apology, however I feel it will not be forthcoming as much as it is warranted.

Shame to all the low life that took part in this sort of behaviour.!!

Dennis Marsden is known in the industry for a very logical, systematic and very factual approach to his report writing.

I take my hat off for this mans input to Arboriculture..

and ofcourse for Eric for having the courage to stand up for what he believes in..

Garry Brockley · 18th June 2011, 01:34 PM

As always Eric factual and precise in your work, i would liken you to a dog with a bone! once you have hold of the truth nothing stands in your way. well done it's such a pity Caity r didn't put in half the effort that you did, if she had then these lies may well have been stopped at scource, doctor huh!.

Urban Treecare NZ · 19th June 2011, 09:41 PM

From the information provided it seems completely irrational that these type of accusations could even be made public!!! Obviously some good detective work was undertaken on your part Eric.

Jeffrey Lovstrom · 20th June 2011, 01:44 AM

Jeff

Aka Jes · 30th June 2011, 06:27 PM

Good evening Tree World Community
Good Work Eric!
C. Rashke has discredited so many people in her rabid attacks on anyone who doesn't agree with her 100% percent. It's getting grubbier.
If the information doesn't fit her argument.. just make it up and hide behind a veil of BS propaganda. Newspapers do little to help the cause in lack of understanding anything Technical or Scientific.. and more than often lazy journalists get fed false information.
Your article 'Ignorance is contagious' is a cracker and sums this particular case up to a T.
Adious Amigos

Eric Frei · 30th June 2011, 06:37 PM

Thanks.

You know early in the piece she says QTRA is a load of rubbish, later when Hartley writes of more favourable QTRA numbers she likes it and changes her mind and believes in it.

There's the warning signs for me, unstable and biased. She also slagged Treeworld down with a biased outlook and did not publish our comments on their blog.

You have a mob there, that's all.

Old saying of mine, birds of a feather flock together.

Eric Frei · 12th August 2011, 08:17 AM

Fresh in. Fee Drelincourt is Fee Mozeley, the one behind the lying powerpoint presentation and appears to be in charge of the lying mob.

Evidence:-

Well now perhaps Marsden's Lawyers can peruse her, and the arrogance of not removing the content from their blog shows the type of characters you are dealing with.

16th June 2011, 11:34 PM	#3
jmcg.insight.gardens Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Mannering Park, Australia Posts: 623	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name Well done Eric, you have shown that you are a person whom pursues the truth, few would be bothered to spend the time to try to clear another's name. These articles demonstrate how easily a professional can be slandered and how others are willing to, without checking the facts, continue this slander. I think that some apologies are due to Dennis Marsden, public ones. It will be interesting to see if any mentioned in the PDF's or your posts, will come forward in this thread to do so.

17th June 2011, 07:00 AM	#4
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name I have banned Caitlin from this forum but she can email if she wants to. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

18th June 2011, 01:34 PM	#6
Garry Brockley Bayside Tree Care Brisbane Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brisbane Aus Posts: 1,641	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name As always Eric factual and precise in your work, i would liken you to a dog with a bone! once you have hold of the truth nothing stands in your way. well done it's such a pity Caity r didn't put in half the effort that you did, if she had then these lies may well have been stopped at scource, doctor huh!. __________________ My business:- Brisbane Bayside Tree Care

19th June 2011, 09:41 PM	#7
Urban Treecare NZ Certificate in Horticulture (Level 4) + Diploma in Arboriculture (Level 6) Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: New Zealand Posts: 256	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name From the information provided it seems completely irrational that these type of accusations could even be made public!!! Obviously some good detective work was undertaken on your part Eric. __________________ www.urbantree.co.nz www.urbantreecare.co.nz

20th June 2011, 01:44 AM	#8
Jeffrey Lovstrom Mature tree Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 292	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name Jeff

30th June 2011, 06:27 PM	#9
Aka Jes I'm new here so be nice Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Central Coast Posts: 2	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name Good evening Tree World Community Good Work Eric! C. Rashke has discredited so many people in her rabid attacks on anyone who doesn't agree with her 100% percent. It's getting grubbier. If the information doesn't fit her argument.. just make it up and hide behind a veil of BS propaganda. Newspapers do little to help the cause in lack of understanding anything Technical or Scientific.. and more than often lazy journalists get fed false information. Your article 'Ignorance is contagious' is a cracker and sums this particular case up to a T. Adious Amigos

30th June 2011, 06:37 PM	#10
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name Thanks. You know early in the piece she says QTRA is a load of rubbish, later when Hartley writes of more favourable QTRA numbers she likes it and changes her mind and believes in it. There's the warning signs for me, unstable and biased. She also slagged Treeworld down with a biased outlook and did not publish our comments on their blog. You have a mob there, that's all. Old saying of mine, birds of a feather flock together. __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

12th August 2011, 08:17 AM	#11
Eric Frei Admin - Owner Palm & Tree Services in Brisbane Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 12,994	Re: Clearing Arborist Dennis Marsden's Name Fresh in. Fee Drelincourt is Fee Mozeley, the one behind the lying powerpoint presentation and appears to be in charge of the lying mob. Evidence:- Well now perhaps Marsden's Lawyers can peruse her, and the arrogance of not removing the content from their blog shows the type of characters you are dealing with. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Protect your rights to work - Join Australian Tree Association My businesses:- Qualified Brisbane Palm and Tree Lopping \| Stump Grinding Brisbane \| Brisbane - Gold Coast Consulting Arborist

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