The people behind the saws.
Arborists, foresters, technicians and one very good dog, working together since 2005.
Our team
Carson Sprenger
Director, Forester, Restoration & Fire Ecologist
A forester and restoration ecologist with 25 years in island forests and a local expert on historical fire.
Jon Stoller
Sales Manager
ISA and TRAQ Certified Arborist who climbed for six years in Toronto before moving to the island in 2022.
James Karrasch
Operations Manager & Tree Technician
A farm-raised mechanic turned software developer who keeps the fleet running.
Galen Boydston
San Juan Crew Lead & Lead Trainer
ISA Certified and TRAQ arborist with the company since 2010; third generation on Waldron.
Thomas Sutton
Crew Lead
Started climbing in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley at 18.
Zoe Stasko
Arborist
Spent 11 years in the circus before trading her trapeze for a chainsaw.
Michael Umble
Arborist
Former trail crew member, wildland firefighter and park ranger.
Emmett Pearsons
Yard Manager
Welder and blacksmith who runs the yard for us and Orcas Biomass.
Ryan Uken
Forester & PHC Technician
Air Force veteran with an Environmental Science degree from UW.
Otto Sprenger
Tree Technician & Equipment Operator
Happiest running the tracked chipper.
Susan Noble
Administrative / Financial
Contract bookkeeper for small businesses for more than 25 years.
Jamal
Chief Bark Officer
Specializes in both tree bark and barking.
Safety First, every single day.
Crews start at the shop by checking every tool and machine, run a Job Safety Assessment on site, and debrief at the end of the day.
Every month we hold an all-staff training day. Each year our team renews:
- CPR and First Aid, led by Orcas Island Fire and Rescue
- TCIA Electrical Hazards Awareness Program certification
- Aerial Rescue Training, led by Ascension Group Northwest
- Washington State Flagger certification
Plus specialized training through the International Society of Arboriculture and the Tree Care Industry Association.
Two decades in island forests.
| 2005 | Rain Shadow Consulting is founded |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Good Steward Award |
| 2014 | Blakely Island management plan leads to FSC certification |
| 2019 | Sister company Orcas Biomass opens |
| San Juan | A new field office on San Juan Island, with foreman Galen Boydston |