Appendix E -‐ Management Plan Implementation Toolkit At the conclusion of the strategic planning process staff, stakeholders and the public identified 33 strategies to be implemented to accomplish 24 goals for the community. As the planning team synthesized all stakeholder and public input (Figure 18 Stakeholder and Public Priority Goals), four top priority strategies emerged: •
• • •
Implement neighborhood and citizen engagement initiatives to enhance general awareness of the critical role the community forest plays in creating a healthy and thriving city. Enhance agency and stakeholder cooperation by engaging a formal community forest stakeholder team in implementation of key strategies Implement key enhancements to critical community forest management tools starting with the city-wide tree inventory Collaborate with stakeholders and business owners on a successful plan and funding for downtown street trees
Using these four top priority strategies as the foundation, the planning team developed an Implementation Toolkit (to be used by Community Forestry Staff) to guide annual work plans and budgeting for the next ten years, ensuring sustained growth of a healthy community forest and Community Forestry Program.
Implementation Tool Kit In order to capture the extensive information gathered throughout the collaborative strategic planning process and ensure effective implementation of identified strategies, the planning team developed an Implementation Toolkit (Appendix E). The toolkit, created for Community Forestry Staff, outlines priorities and timelines for implementing the City's strategies. Staff will use this toolkit to: 1) develop annual work plans and budgets; 2) measure progress annually; and 3) report progress to stakeholders, the public and leadership. The key components of the Toolkit include: 1. Strategy Implementation Timeline: Provides timeline-oriented prioritization for implementation of strategies identified through the planning process. 2. Key Strategies Implementation Table: Identifies key collaborators to engage, goals that apply and city policies that impact implementation. o Community Forestry Goals and Strategies: Lists the 24 goals within each Resource Category and 33 strategies to be accomplished. o Community Forestry / City Policy Synthesis (Appendix A): Outlines all known city policy documents that impact community forest management in Boise. 3. Strategy Implementation Background: Provides background information, gathered from staff, stakeholder and public outreach that will inform strategy implementation.
Table of Contents 1. Strategy Implementation Timeline 2. Key Strategies Implementation Table •
Community Forestry Goals and Strategies
•
Community Forestry / City Policy Synthesis (Appendix A)
3. Key Strategies Implementation Background
Strategy Implementation Timeline TIMELINE (S = 1-3 yrs; M = 3-6 yrs; L = 7-10 YR 1 yrs) URBAN TREE CANOPY (UTC) 1. Neighborhood tree S canopy goals 2. Plan and fund strategic S tree planting 3. Assess UTC to measure progress since 2011 L measurement TREE INVENTORY / ANALYSIS 4. Update city-wide tree S inventory 5. Keep tree inventory M,L current 6. Expand city-wide tree M,L inventory and UTC data 7. Riparian and Open Space structure and M,L function TREE PLANTING 8. Implement strategic S tree planting 9. Progressive streetscape S design 10. Update City’s recommended tree S,M species list 11. Diversify species for S,M public tree planting 12. Establish green industry standards and M,L public outreach DEVELOPMENT / DESIGN EFFORTS 13. Community project S,M standards 14. Collaborative S,M landscape planning 15. Creative design of S,M functional landscapes MANAGEMENT – COMMUNITY FOREST 16. Tree risk assessment S policy STRATEGY **
17. Collaborative tree care in right of way with ACHD
S,M
18. Tree protection and M mitigation 19. Contract pruning of M,L juvenile trees 20. Community Forestry licensed tree care M,L program MANAGEMENT – OPEN SPACE 21. Native plantings in S,M riparian corridors 22. Invasive species M,L program in open space MANAGEMENT – DOWNTOWN 23. Downtown street tree management and S funding COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT 24. Multi-Disciplinary Community Forest S Stakeholder Team 25. Management Plan Annually annual review 26. Management Plan annual workplan Annually development COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 27. Public outreach S campaign 28. Boise's LIV Initiative S,M 29. Tree risk and mitigation outreach S,M campaign 30. Expand the Citizen S,M Tree Stewards Program 31. Engage with Treasure S,M Valley Canopy Network 32. Identify and engage M,L institutional landholders 33. Tree canopy performance measures in L COMPASS dashboard
YR 2
YR 3
YR 4
YR 5
YR 6
YR 7
YR 8
YR 9
YR 10
Key Strategies Implementation Table STRATEGY
**
TIMELINE S = 1-3 yrs; M = 4-6 yrs; L = 7-10 yrs
URBAN TREE CANOPY (UTC) 1. Neighborhood tree canopy goals
KEY COLLABORATORS
City
S
2. Plan and fund strategic tree planting
S
3. Assess UTC to measure progress since 2011 measurement
Citizens
Agency and Non-Profit partners
Green Industry
GOAL
Business /Developer
Community Forestry Stakeholder Team
(Ref. Appendix C Strategic Urban Forest Matrix)
(Document CITY POLICY #, See Appendix A Community Forestry: City Policy Synthesis; Governs and Addresses)
VR1 RM6
1, 2, 5, 6, & 7 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12
VR1
1, 2, 5, 6, & 7
CF4
1, 2, 5, 6 & 7
VR1
1, 2, 5, 6, & 7
RM2
1, 5, 6, &7
VR2 VR5 RM1 VR2 VR5 RM1 CF4 VR2 VR5 RM1 RM2
1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7 1, 2, 5, 6, &7 1, 2, 4, 5, & 6 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7 1, 5, 6, &7
VR6
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8
RM1
1, 2, 4, 5 & 7
M,L
TREE INVENTORY / ANALYSIS 4. Update city-wide tree inventory
S
5. Keep tree inventory current
S,M
6. Expand city-wide tree inventory and UTC data
M,L
7. Riparian and Open Space structure and function
M,L
RM10
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8
TREE PLANTING 8. Implement strategic tree planting
S
9. Progressive streetscape design
S,M
10. Update City’s recommended tree species list
S,M
11. Diversify species for public tree planting
S,M
12. Establish green industry standards and public outreach
M,L
DEVELOPMENT / DESIGN EFFORTS 13. Community S,M project standards 14. Collaborative landscape planning
S,M
15. Creative design of functional landscapes
S,M
MANAGEMENT – COMMUNITY FOREST 16. Tree risk assessment policy
20. Community Forestry licensed tree care prog
22. Invasive species program in open space
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 11
CF3
2
VR3
1, 2, 4, 5 & 6
VR4
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 11
VR3 CF3
1, 2, 4, 5 & 6 2
RM6 CF3
2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12 2
RM6
2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12
CF1
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 & 14
RM6 CF1
2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 & 14 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 & 12 1, 2, 4, 5 & 7
RM8
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9
RM7
2, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 13
CF1
2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 & 14
M
RM9
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9
M,L
RM7
2, 4, 5, 6, 9 & 13
M,L
RM9 CF3
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 & 9 2
S,M
VR6 VR7 RM10
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8 3, 6, 8 & 9 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8
VR6
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8
VR7
3, 6, 8 & 9
MANAGEMENT – OPEN SPACE 21. Native plantings in riparian corridors
VR4
VR5
S,M
18. Tree protection and mitigation 19. Contract pruning of juvenile trees
2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12 1, 2, 5, 6, &7 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, & 12 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12 & 14 2, 6, 8, 9, 13 & 14 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6
RM1
S
17. Collaborative tree care in right of way with ACHD
RM6 CF4 RM6 CF1 CF5 VR3
M,L
RM10
1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 8
MANAGEMENT – DOWNTOWN 23. Downtown street tree management and funding
S
RM7
2, 4, 5, 6 & 9
CF1
2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, 8, 12 & 13
CF5
2, 6, 8, 9, 12 & 13
RM5
2, 5, 6 & 14
CF1
2, 3, 4 , 5, 6, 8, 12 & 13
RM3
1, 2, 5 & 6
RM3 RM4
1, 2, 5 & 6 2, 5, 6 & 12
RM5
2, 5, 6 & 14
CF4
1, 2, 5, 6, &7
COMMUNITY FORESTRY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT 24. Multi-Disciplinary Community Forest Stakeholder Team 25. Management Plan annual review 26. Management plan - Annual workplan development
S Annually
Annually
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 27. Public outreach campaign 28. Boise's LIV Initiative 29. Tree risk and mitigation outreach campaign 30. Expand Tree Stewards Program 31. Engage with Treasure Valley Canopy Network 32. Engage institutional landholders 33.Tree canopy performance measures into COMPASS dashboard
S
CF6
2, 5, 6 8, 9 & 13
S
CF6
2, 5, 6 8, 9 & 13
S,M
RM8
1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12 & 13
S,M
RM1 CF4
1, 2, 4, 5 & 7 1, 2, 5, 6, &7
S,M
CF7
7&8
M,L
CF2
6 & 8 (mentions only)
L
CF7
7&8
Boise Community Forestry Goals and Strategies 24 goals and 33 strategies that will guide the work of the Community Forestry staff over the next ten years. VEGETATIVE RESOURCE (VR) This category relates to the composition and condition of the urban forest 1. Relative Canopy Cover – Grow the city’s tree canopy cover to a level between 16-25%, maximizing the potential available planting space •
Develop neighborhood level tree canopy goals
•
Develop plans and secure funding for strategic public (parks, streetscapes, right of way) and private (residential and commercial) tree planting
•
Assess urban tree canopy (UTC) in 10 years to measure progress since last measurement
2. Age Distribution of Trees - Ensure no single diameter class represents more than 50% of the total tree population •
Update city-wide tree inventory with current diameter classes and GIS locations
•
Prioritize and implement strategic tree planting city-wide – focus on pro-active replacement of large, aging tree populations to achieve diverse age distribution city-wide
3. Species Suitability - Ensure greater than 75% of city’s trees are of species considered suitable for the area •
2
Update City’s recommended tree species list – while always seeking new varieties to diversify the urban forest
Note: The strategies, actions that need to be completed in order to reach the goals, are listed under each individual goal. Some strategies, as they are accomplished, will result in progress toward attaining multiple goals.
•
Implement diversified tree species recommendations for streets, parks and city property plantings
•
Engage local nursery and landscape industry to collaborate on improved industry standards and outreach to the public
4. Species Distribution – Ensure no single tree genus represents more than 10% of the public tree population city-wide • •
Update City’s recommended tree species list – while always seeking new varieties to diversify the urban forest Implement diversified tree species recommendations for streets, parks and city property plantings
5. Condition of Publicly-Managed Trees – Develop a complete tree inventory which includes a formalized risk assessment protocol/public safety •
Update city-wide tree inventory with a formalized tree condition and risk assessment protocol
•
Develop a formalized tree risk assessment policy and protocol
6. Publicly-Owned Natural Areas – Enhance natural areas plans and surveys with urban tree canopy data and include in city-wide Geographic Information Systems (GIS) •
Quantify structure and function of the community forest in riparian areas within Boise Open Space and along the Boise River
7. Native Vegetation – Use native species in a project-appropriate basis. Recognize invasive species and employ aggressive eradication efforts •
Develop and implement a collaborative plan for establishment of native pants in riparian corridors
•
Identify, inventory and reduce populations of invasive or undesirable species from public open space
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (RM) This category speaks to the significant components of a city urban forestry program – staff, funding, resources, planning, policy, and operations. 1. Tree Inventory – Update the public tree inventory to include enhanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS) capability
•
•
Update city-wide tree inventory with current diameter classes and GIS locations
Annually review and measure progress toward accomplishing Goals outlined in the Community Forestry Management Plan
•
•
Develop a formalized system to keep the citywide tree inventory current
Establish annual work plans and budget requests for measured enhancement of the Community Forestry Program
•
Expand current city-wide tree inventory and UTC Assessment to include: all publicly owned properties and areas newly annexed into the city
2. Canopy Cover Assessment – Update the current Urban Tree Canopy Assessment (2013) as needed • •
Assess urban tree canopy (UTC) in 10 years to measure progress since last measurement Expand current city-wide tree inventory and UTC Assessment to include: all publicly owned properties and areas newly annexed into the city
3. City-Wide Management Plan - Implement a strategic multi-tiered management plan with significant stakeholder and public investment
4. Municipal-Wide Funding - Enhance funding to provide for an increase in stakeholder and public engagement for a measurable increase in urban forest benefits •
•
Establish a formal multi-disciplinary team (Community Forestry stakeholder team) consisting of key personnel from the City and other agencies to identify and address collaborations toward a sustainable and healthy community Establish annual work plans and budget requests for measured enhancement of the Community Forestry Program
5. City Staffing - Develop a multi-disciplinary team with community forestry and other city and stakeholder staff to implement the community forestry management plan
•
Establish a formal multi-disciplinary team (Community Forestry stakeholder team) consisting of key personnel from the City and other agencies to identify and address collaborations toward a sustainable and healthy community
6. Tree Establishment, Planning and Implementation – Implement tree establishment plans that are developed collaboratively and guided by needs derived from existing inventory data •
Develop standards and specifications for community projects
•
Improve collaborative planning for landscapes in new developments and re-design projects
•
Seek and secure plans for creative design of functional landscapes in street and building design
7. Maintenance of Publicly-Managed Trees - Consistently prune all mature publicly-owned trees on a 6-year cycle and structurally prune young trees as needed •
Improve coordination of tree care in the right of way with ACHD
•
Implement contract pruning of juvenile and middle-aged trees throughout the city
•
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan and funding for management of downtown street trees
8. Tree Risk Management - Develop a complete tree inventory and formalized risk-assessment protocol
10. Publicly-Owned Natural Areas Management Planning and Implementation - Develop and implement a stewardship plan for each publicly owned natural area focused on sustaining ecological structure and funding •
Quantify structure and function of the community forest in riparian areas within Boise Open Space and along the Boise River
•
Develop a formalized tree risk assessment policy and protocol
•
•
Create a public outreach campaign to educate contractors, landowners and residents about tree risk and mitigating that risk
Develop and implement a collaborative plan for establishment of native plants in riparian corridors
•
Identify, inventory and reduce populations of invasive or undesirable species from public open space
9. Tree Protection Policy Development and Enforcement - Integrate municipal-wide policies that ensure protection of publicly owned trees and increased awareness for protection of privately owned trees •
Establish, educate and enforce policies for tree protection and mitigation for tree removal city-wide
•
Create an outreach campaign around community forestry benefits and tree care
•
Update city tree ordinance to enhance current Boise Community Forestry Licensed Tree Care Company list and practice
Note: The strategies, actions that need to be completed in order to reach the goals, are listed under each individual goal. Some strategies, as they are accomplished, will result in progress toward attaining multiple goals.
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK (CF) This category offers all aspects and possible community relationships that impact the sustainability of the urban forest. 1. Public Agency Cooperation - Collaborate with formal interdepartmental and interagency teams to implement municipal policies on community projects •
•
•
Establish a formal multi-disciplinary team (Community Forestry stakeholder team) consisting of key personnel from the City and other agencies to identify and address collaborations toward a sustainable and healthy community Improve coordination of tree care in the right of way with ACHD – by developing a formalized agreement for maintenance duties and specifications for street tree pruning Improve collaborative planning for landscapes in new developments and re-design projects
2. Involvement of Large Institutional Landholders - Develop clear goals for the tree resource with large institutional landholders •
Identify and engage institutional landholders, establish tree planting and maintenance goals
3. Green Industry Cooperation - Collaborate with the green industry on enhanced consumer education •
Create an outreach campaign around community forestry benefits and tree care
•
Develop standards and specifications for community projects
•
Update city tree ordinance to enhance current Boise Community Forestry Licensed Tree Care Company list and practice
4. Neighborhood Action - Enhance collaboration with and engage neighborhood associations •
Create an outreach campaign around community forestry benefits and tree care
•
Develop neighborhood level tree canopy goals
•
Prioritize and implement planting city-wide
•
Expand the Citizen Tree Stewards Program
strategic
tree
5. Citizen-Municipal-Business Interaction Improve formal communication and cooperation with community partners •
Develop standards and specifications for community projects
•
Contribute to streetscape design standards and policies that balance tree canopy goals with business and community goals.
•
Develop and implement a comprehensive plan and funding for management of downtown street trees
6. General Awareness of Trees as a Community Resource - Engage the public to help recognize the community forest is vital to the community’s environmental, social and economic well-being •
Create an outreach campaign around community forestry benefits and tree care
•
Align with Boise’s LIV (Lasting, Innovative, Vibrant) Initiative to establish the urban tree canopy as a vital means for enhanced sustainability in the city
7. Regional Cooperation – Continue to enhance regional coordination and planning efforts •
Continue efforts with neighboring communities to establish a common voice to expand and protect our community forests through the Treasure Valley Canopy Network
•
Incorporate tree canopy performance measures into COMPASS (Community Planning Association of SW Idaho) dashboard.
BOISE COMMUNITY FORESTRY STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION BACKGROUND CANOPY COVER
1. Develop neighborhood level tree canopy goals S • Community Forestry will collaborate with Neighborhood Associations and Homeowners Associations • Focus efforts (planning, planting) on newly annexed communities that have low levels of canopy cover. 2. Develop plans and secure funding for strategic public (parks, streetscapes, right of way) and private (residential and commercial) tree planting. S • Community Forestry will collaborate with citizens, neighborhood associations, homeowners associations, city leadership, public and private partners • Develop private property tree canopy enhancement strategies that get the city to their desired goal. • For annual work plans -‐ provide breakdown of public (parks, streetscapes, etc) and private tree planting goals to inform leadership on strategic investments of funding 3. Assess Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) in 10 years to measure progress since last measurement (2011) L • Community Forestry will seek support from city leadership and potential funding assistance from public and private partners • Schedule assessment in 6 years (2020/2021) which is 10 years from last assessment.
TREE INVENTORY/ANALYSIS 4. Update city-‐wide tree inventory S • Community Forestry will implement this update and determine if outside contract assistance and additional funding is needed • Updates will include: - Geographic Information Systems (GIS) locations (incorporated into city’s new asset management system), - current diameter classes, - condition, - risk assessment (based on new protocol) 5. Develop a formalized system to keep the city-‐wide tree inventory current M,L • Community Forestry will collaborate with neighborhood associations, citizens and potentially engage the Citizen Tree Stewards • Examples may include: 1
- Citizen volunteers conduct a windshield survey for condition change and new trees, dead trees, etc., and send data through an a smart phone application to the city. - Community Forestry staff formalizes a protocol for regular updates and implements or seeks contract assistance as needed
6. Expand current city-‐wide tree inventory and UTC Assessment to include M,L • Community Forestry will collaborate with other city facilities and departments (airport, police and fire, etc.) and possibly engage outside contract assistance for inventory and UTC Assessment updates • all publicly owned properties – city-‐owned or publicly managed properties (city facilities – fire, police, airport, etc.) • areas newly annexed to the city 7. Quantify structure and function of the community forest in riparian areas within Boise Open Space and along the Boise River M,L • Community Forestry will collaborate with City Open Space, Boise River and Open Space stakeholders • Reference Boise River Riparian Stewardship Plan • share information from existing assessments and planning activities to increase awareness of community benefits provided by city natural areas
TREE PLANTING 8. Prioritize and implement strategic tree planting city-‐wide S • Community Forestry will collaborate with neighborhood associations and seek funding support from City Leadership and public and private partners • Use available resources and tools, such as the 2013 Treasure Valley UTC Assessment to plant in strategic locations that maximize community benefits • Seek funding in collaboration with Neighborhood Associations and other partners for expanded planting efforts through public and private funding sources • Give special consideration to planting along arterial and collector level streets • For annual work plans -‐ provide breakdown of public (parks, streetscapes, etc) and private tree planting goals to inform leadership on strategic investments of funding • Build on existing Community Forestry Programs to implement these efforts: ReLeaf Boise, Boise Neighborwoods, Treasure Valley Shade Tree Project, etc. • Public feedback included: emphasis on planting more fruit bearing trees and consideration for drought tolerance, water conservation and climate change 2
9. Contribute to streetscape design standards and policies that balance tree canopy goals with business and community goals S • Community Forestry will collaborate with PDS, ACHD, Downtown Boise Association (DBA), Capitol City Development Corporation (CCDC), local business stakeholders • Key components to address include: signage, transportation, walkability, bikeability, long-‐term tree canopy growth, etc • Public comments for consideration included: Community Forestry Plan needs to be adopted by ACHD, increase irrigation and canopy cover on streets and in medians, keep large trees whenever possible and ban paving of medians 10. Update City’s recommended tree species list S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with industry stakeholders and the community forestry stakeholder team • Always seek new varieties to diversify the urban forest • Schedule to review/update every 2-‐3 years; consider drought/climate change conditions in selection as well as pest/disease risk • Promote use of Community Forestry’s current Tree Selection Guide. • Public feedback included: emphasis on planting more fruit bearing trees and consideration for drought tolerance, water conservation and climate change 11. Implement diversified tree species recommendations for streets, parks and city property plantings S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with community forestry stakeholder team, (including: Additional City Departments (Planning and Development Services (PDS), Public Works, etc), Ada County Highway Department (ACHD)) • Interdepartmental and interagency coordination will be critical • Public feedback included: emphasis on planting more fruit bearing trees and consideration for drought tolerance, water conservation and climate change 12. Engage local nursery and landscape industry to collaborate on improved industry standards and outreach to the public M,L • Community Forestry will collaborate with nursery, landscape and tree care industry stakeholders • Develop industry-‐wide species, stock quality, and planting specifications that improve survivability and community forest health (increase species diversity, etc.) • Coordinate with the efforts in the Laura Moore Cunningham Arboretum • Implement a public outreach campaign with educational material targeted to homeowners regarding planting and long term care over the lifespan of the tree
DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN EFFORTS
3
13. Develop standards and specifications for community projects S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with: Industry (landscape, nursery, tree care) stakeholders, PDS, ACHD • Examples include: streetscapes, structural soil technology (silva cell, etc.), Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Operations and Maintenance (O&M), public and private developments, including. • Solutions may include: GSI Incentive Programs; Enhanced creativity in functional landscape designLook into incentive programs (GSI) for incorporating more green space into site development; seek opportunities for creative site-‐design in development • Public comments for consideration included: Community Forestry Plan needs to be adopted by ACHD, increase irrigation and canopy cover on streets and in medians, keep large trees whenever possible and ban paving of medians 14. Improve collaborative planning for landscapes in new developments and re-‐design projects S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with PDS • Incorporate Community Forestry early in development process, prior to plan review • Improve dialogue for plan review and “lessons learned” from past successes / failures (i.e. allow Community Forestry to see final development project plans and include a rationale for why community forestry recommendations were not accepted) 15. Seek and secure plans for creative design of functional landscapes in street and building design S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with PDS, ACHD, Capitol City Development Corporation (CCDC), Downtown Boise Association (DBA), business stakeholders • Current projects under development include: Broad Street (Central Addition LIV District), West End, Lusk District, etc. • Look for ways to incorporate wider planting space within the right of way, public open space within the building design or through creative public/private financing of a nearby park / open space • Public comments for consideration included: Community Forestry Plan needs to be adopted by ACHD, increase irrigation and canopy cover on streets and in medians, keep large trees whenever possible and ban paving of medians
MANAGEMENT – COMMUNITY FOREST 16. Develop a formalized tree risk assessment policy and protocol S • Community Forestry will work together with City Risk Management Department • Use the currently effective practice of risk assessment and response to develop and document a formal policy. • Create a public outreach program to educate contractors, landowners and residents about tree risk, mitigating risk and who to contact with questions
4
17. Improve coordination of tree care in the right of way with ACHD S,M • Community Forestry will work together with Ada County Highway Department (ACHD) • Develop a formalized agreement for maintenance duties and specifications for street tree pruning • Implement tree pruning practices prior to road maintenance projects, including: construction, chip seal, sweeping, etc. • Public comments for consideration included: Community Forestry Plan needs to be adopted by ACHD, increase irrigation and canopy cover on streets and in medians, keep large trees whenever possible and ban paving of medians 18. Establish, educate and enforce policies for tree protection and mitigation for tree removal city-‐wide M • Community Forestry will collaborate with PDS, CCDC, DBA, ACHD, business stakeholders, community stakeholders • Consider targeted education campaigns for the landscape and tree care industry and general public • Ensure staffing resources are available to ensure effective implementation of established policies 19. Implement contract pruning of juvenile and middle-‐aged trees throughout the city M,L • Community Forestry will evaluate needs for additional resources (staff or contract) and potential expansion of the Citizen Tree Steward Program 20. Update City Tree Ordinance to enhance current Boise Community Forestry Licensed Tree Care Company List and Practice M,L • Community Forestry will evaluate internally and engage with tree industry stakeholders • Develop a higher quality standard with more frequent monitoring and enforcement of standards
MANAGEMENT – OPEN SPACE 21. Develop and implement a collaborative plan for establishment of native plants in riparian corridors S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with Boise River stakeholders, Boise Open Space and stakeholders • Public feedback included addressing consideration for drought tolerance, water conservation and climate change 22. Identify, inventory and reduce populations of invasive or undesirable species from public open space M,L • Community Forestry will collaborate with Boise River stakeholders, Boise Open Space and stakeholders • Properties would include all city owned and operated open space and the Boise River 5
MANAGEMENT – DOWNTOWN 23. Develop and implement a comprehensive plan and funding for management of downtown street trees S • Community Forestry will collaborate with CCDC, Downtown Boise Association (DBA), downtown business stakeholders • Key issues that need to be addressed are: planting, maintenance, irrigation – who is responsible for these? How do we secure funding to support? • A sustainable funding mechanism for management needs to be developed • Public comments included for consideration included: Community Forestry Plan needs to be adopted by ACHD, increase irrigation and canopy cover on streets and in medians, keep large trees whenever possible and ban paving of medians CITY PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT 24. Establish a formal multi-‐disciplinary team (Community Forestry stakeholder team) consisting of key personnel from the City and other agencies to identify and address collaborations toward a sustainable and healthy community S • Community Forestry will engage the Community Forest Stakeholder Team and build on the team as needed • This team will develop efficient and effective systems for sharing of information, project and program collaborations, policy development and efficient use of public and private resources. • Key initial team priorities will include: i. Develop plans for improved planting and maintenance of downtown trees. ii. Develop standards and creative solutions to sustainable downtown streetscapes and unique developments (i.e. Central Addition LIV District, West End, etc.) iii. Coordinate pruning efforts with other maintenance projects (ACHD). iv. Align Community Forestry Management Plan strategies to ensure synergy with other public and private planning efforts. v. Share data between city departments in order to raise awareness about ecosystem services, ecological structure and function of natural areas throughout the City. • Objectives to the Team approach will include: vi. Educate other agencies/departments on the work/capacity of Community Forestry and their ability to assist other agencies/departments with their work. vii. Ensure long-‐term understanding of the importance of trees in our city to all departments and agencies. viii. Work to create a common vision for trees within the city departments and cooperating agencies. 6
25. Annually review and measure progress toward accomplishing Goals outlined in the Community Forestry Management Plan ANNUAL • Community Forestry will engage the Community Forestry Stakeholder team in this annual review effort • Use a consistent system for review and measurement of Strategies implemented and progress toward accomplishing Goals • Based from this review, adjust annual work plans, staffing and funding requests to maintain and enhance Community Forestry’s level of service 26. Establish annual work plans and budget requests for measured enhancement of the Community Forestry Program ANNUAL • Community Forestry will engage the Community Forestry Stakeholder team in this annual review effort • It will be key to collaborate with partners on mutually beneficial enhancements and seek opportunities for additional partnership or cross collaboration to maximize efficiencies across programs and departments. • Seek mutually beneficial staffing and funding enhancements, including base-‐level municipal funding, public/private partnership funding sources and key project funding opportunities.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 27. Create an outreach campaign around community forestry benefits and tree care S • Community Forestry will collaborate with Neighborhood Associations, Community Forestry Stakeholder Team and City Public Relations staff • Target this to the residential homeowner • Work closely with Neighborhood Associations, Tree Stewards to use this outreach to establish specifications for tree maintenance that are accessible and affordable to residents as needed • Collaborate with partners to expand public outreach efforts about importance of the community forest in functional landscapes that contribute great benefits to the community • Implement innovative campaigns (print, social, radio, etc.) for promoting the benefits of the whole community forest, including: ecological (including wildlife in the city), economic and social • Use tools such as on-‐line surveys to gather information on a program or project specific basis • Seek opportunities to not only inform the public, but engage them in active management and volunteer opportunities when possible • Raise awareness about available programs and resources, including: Treasure Valley Shade Tree project, Citizen Tree Stewards, multiple Boise Community Forestry programs, citizen engagement opportunities (neighborhood associations, schools & teachers, citizen inventory, etc.) 7
28. Align with Boise’s LIV (Lasting, Innovative, Vibrant) Initiative to establish the urban tree canopy as a vital means for enhanced sustainability in the city S,M • Community Forestry will engage with the Community Forestry Stakeholder Team and multiple city departments • Engage neighborhood associations • Contribute to sustainability discussions and develop sustainability metrics when possible 29. Create a public outreach campaign to educate contractors, landowners and residents about tree risk, mitigating risk S,M • Community Forestry will collaborate with Community Forestry Stakeholder Team and the green industry • Make sure to include information on who to contact with questions 30. Expand the Citizen Tree Stewards Program S,M • Collaborate with Neighborhood Associations and community partners and engage them in management of the community forest, including: ix. Developing models for pruning, citizen inventory, etc. x. Consider developing neighborhood “tree ambassadors” or neighborhood captains
31. Continue efforts with neighboring communities to establish a common voice to expand and protect our community forests through the Treasure Valley Canopy Network. S,M • City Staff will continue to engage with the Treasure Valley Canopy efforts seeking mutually beneficial projects and programs for community forestry across the Treasure Valley 32. Identify and engage institutional landholders, establish tree planting and maintenance goals. M, L • Community Forestry will engage with key large institutional landholders within the city, including: - Look at Hewlett Packard (HP) tree management plan as a template for other large corporate campuses in the city. - Work to get Boise State University (BSU) to Arbor Day’s Tree Campus USA status - Engage Boise School District for tree care and management - Engage Albertson’s, Walgreens, and Rite Aid (private organizations) for tree care and management - The Mall (Boise Town Center) should be incorporated into the discussion 33. Incorporate tree canopy performance measure into COMPASS (Community Planning Association of SW Idaho) dashboard. L • Community Forestry will engage with the Treasure Valley Canopy Network and COMPASS on developing this regional performance measure to further 8
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community forestry management not only within Boise, but across the Treasure Valley This exercise could measure benefits across two counties and provide a foundation for community directed initiatives around tree canopy
Based on feedback from staff, stakeholders and the public, the following top priority strategies are suggested to guide development of the 2016 work plan Enhance agency cooperation – engage Community Forestry Stakeholder Team in annual work plan development and key initiative development • Implement tree inventory updates • Develop a plan, implement and fund the management the Downtown Street Trees (including planting, tree care and irrigation) • Enhance general awareness through outreach campaigns and neighborhood/HOA/partner engagement – engage in public open space planning efforts as identified through public outreach
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