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Select actions and tools
The goals and objectives in your plan should provide a clear picture of "what you want" for your urban forest. The next question to answer is "How do you get what you want?". In this step, you will consider and select actions and tools to achieve your goals and objectives.
As the term implies, an action is something you do to achieve an outcome - e.g. plant trees, conduct workshops, or enforce regulations. Tools are things you use to help you take an action. For example, a tree inventory is a tool that can be used to help schedule maintenance, manage tree hazards, identify planting spots, and so on. A tree ordinance is a tool that can be used to regulate tree removal or require tree planting in connection with development. You may have to take an action (e.g., purchase inventory software, and collect data; write and pass an ordinance) to make a tool available for use.
Appropriate tools and actions will vary with the overall target (tree resources, management, community) and whether management is direct (e.g., maintenance of trees that you manage) or indirect (e.g., improve tree planting practices used by contractors or the public).
Some goals and objectives can be addressed through a variety of potential actions. For example, to increase tree canopy cover by planting more trees, a city could take some or all of the following actions:
- increase street tree planting
- increase tree planting in parks, open spaces, or around public facilities
- adopt improved standards for nursery stock and planting site preparation
- more closely monitor and enforce replanting of empty spaces in commercial landscapes such as parking lots
- encourage and/or facilitate tree planting by residents and/or local groups on private land
What seems to be a single action may actually require a number of specific steps. For example, using public education as a way to increase tree planting on private properties may require that:
- A person is designated to run the program.
- Educational materials are prepared and distributed.
- Workshops or field days are planned and conducted.
- The program is publicized in local media and via other materials.
- The impact of the program is measured by record keeping or surveys.
Before choosing a given action, you should consider the steps that will be needed to implement it. This will help you compare the feasibility, cost, and effectiveness of alternative actions. You may also want to see how well such actions and tools have worked for other similar programs in your area. Results from a survey rating the usefulness of various management actions and tools are available here.
How much detail? Strategic, implementation, and work plans
Actions and tools can be specified to varying levels of detail. At the strategic plan level, you won't list the individual steps related to each action. The strategic plan is typically subject to approval by a city council or upper management. If the action section of the strategic plan is overly detailed, any small change might require council or management approval.
Details of executing actions, including personnel, timing, and budgeting are commonly placed in an implementation plan, which may be developed as a separate document. Implementation plans are typically reviewed and revised more frequently than strategic plans. Revisions are typically done at staff level.
The level of detail in a plan can be increased to the point that it addresses the management of specific trees - this is a work plan. Work plans are more subject to change and may need to be updated multiple times in a given year. Work plans may be included as addenda or supplements to the overall plan, but are more commonly included only by reference. For instance, the strategic plan may specify that work plans will be developed to assist in short-term planning.
At every level of detail, actions should support the overall goals and objectives of the management plan. Implementation and work plans are really extensions of the strategic plan rather than a distinct type of plan. If your management plan is comprehensive, every action specified at the work plan level should show a connection to management plan goals.
Example
The following examples are presented under the categories of tree resources, management, and community.
Tree resource goals
Goal 3. Choose and locate new trees to maximize tree-related benefits
Objective 3.1. Match species to sites to the greatest degree possible.
Actions
Provide guidelines on tree selection and placement to residents to promote planting the right tree in the right place and avoid tree/site combinations that will result in shortened tree life or excessive maintenance costs (e.g., redwoods on thin soils, big trees planted in small places, tall trees under electric distribution lines, etc.)
Continue to select suitable species and place trees appropriately to minimize conflicts with infrastructure along streets (e.g., signs, traffic signals, streetlights).
Objective 3.2. Increase the use of large-canopy trees where practical to maximize tree benefits relative to costs.
Actions
Include large-statured trees in planting plans for parks, streets, and other public lands where practical.
Objective 3.3. Locate new tree plantings in areas that will maximize energy conservation in buildings and shading of pavement.
Actions
Provide homeowners with information on how to place trees to maximize energy conservation.
Use the planning and design review processes to encourage the use of parking lot and streetscape designs that provide greater amounts of pavement shading.
In the following example the actions are not listed specifically under the plan goals, which are shown here.
The following is a summary of the major short and long-term management recommendations
contained in this plan.
| Type | Recommendation | Description | Page |
| General | Zone rotation | Tree maintenance and planting should rotate through one designated management zone each year for seven years. | 23 |
| Maintenance | Immediate pruning and removal needs | All the “high priority” and “mid priority” trees should be inspected immediately and either pruned, removed, or otherwise treated. | 23 |
| Tree removal | Frequently look for and then quickly remove dead or almost dead trees to reduce risk to park patrons, prevent the spread of disease, and maintain the park’s appearance. | 24 | |
| Tree health inspection | Every spring bring a trained arborist into the park to inspect the trees in the management zone that will be the focus of that year. He or she should identify trees in need of removal or pruning, suggest trees that would benefit from aeration, fertilization, mulching, and inspect trees for pests. (see map 15) | 24 | |
| High use area inspection | Annually inspect trees in playgrounds and other high use areas for dead wood, bark damage, etc. | 24 | |
| Soil erosion amelioration | Plant trees or erect fences to reduce soil erosion where necessary. | 27 | |
| Tree Protection | Young tree protection | Fence young trees to prevent injury or vandalism | 26 |
| Planting | Conifer stands | Plant evergreen trees to supplement pineta. | 31 |
| Views | Maintain, and enhance views where possible. Do not plant new trees that will obscure views. | 31 | |
| Perimeter street tree allee | Determine the most appropriate species to maintain the integrity of the horsechestnut allee while minimizing the potential for future pest outbreaks | 29 | |
| Replacement | Replace trees as old ones die to maintain the highest possible canopy cover | 31 |
Fort Green Park Urban Forest Management Plan, New York City, 2004
Management
In the following example, policies are similar to objectives as described above. Actions are subdivided into two subcategories: Standards and Actions
Goal 4. Facilitate collaboration among City departments related to issues and projects involving trees.
Policy 4.1 Review existing Tree Division staffing levels. Create City Arborist (and/or professional Urban Forester) job description and continue to maintain the position with a highly qualified urban forester.
Policy 4.2 Follow existing plan review process that includes the City Arborist’s review of public works projects and/or projects requiring a building permit or discretionary project review and their potential impacts to the Community Forest, according to provisions of the Tree Planting, Preservation and Protection Ordinance.
Policy 4.3 Establish an annual tree management plan, prepared by the City Arborist.
Standards
A. Use the Tree Management Planning Tool/Level of Service (LOS) Matrix, page 53, as a tool for establishing the priorities and implementation strategies for ongoing community forest management and administration needs, along with the potential budget as set by City Council and Parks and Community Services Department, by the following recommended process.
1. Establish minimum to optimum tree management budget range (including City and street trees) for the planning period (i.e. annual, 5-year, etc.)
2. Review inventory data and existing conditions. Establish size of community forest being managed, including City and street trees (i.e. 40,000 trees: percent at 0-3”, percent at 3”-6”, percent at 6”-12”, etc.)
3. Prioritize program areas for planning period and rank importance in LOS matrix. Establish special management projects and prioritize.
4. Consider budget implications of priorities:
a. Evaluate budget implications of all applicable levels of service; modify generic LOS definitions as necessary for conditions (i.e. delete minimal LOS 1 and/or upgrade LOS 2,3,4 with additional special projects if adequate budget exists.)
b. Evaluate budget demands of special projects.
c. Evaluate best funding options, including capabilities of community based partners and private funding, grant availability, comparative costs for private service contracts compared to staff costs, and other alternative sources of funding.
5. Parks and Community Services Director/City Arborist and/or Tree Commission recommend budget and Level of Service (LOS) to City Council for adoption.
Actions
B. In preparation for each new fiscal year, the City Arborist will prepare an annual tree management plan for City and street trees, including annual goals for new tree plantings, routine maintenance and pruning, tree removals and replacement program, parking lot shade enforcement, task scheduling, public education programs, funding and resources, inspections, etc.
C. The City Arborist will circulate the plan among City departments to better coordinate annual City and street tree maintenance/improvement projects and avoid scheduling conflicts with other City departments.
D. The City Arborist will use this plan as a basis for an annual report to City Council (see Policy 5.2).
Policy 4.4 Implement a landscape inspection and ordinance enforcement process to promote compliance with City policies and regulations that influence the Community Forest.
Actions
A. The City Arborist will meet once each year, before preparing annual tree maintenance plan, with appropriate City staff from Parks and Community Services and other departments, TREE Davis, and other partners to discuss procedures outlined in the plan, including tree planting and maintenance, removals and replacement program, Small Tree Care Program; reviewing street and parking lot shade monitoring in accordance with Parking Lot Shading Guidelines; inspections; monitoring compliance with ordinances, enforcement, etc. Decisions about coordination and responsibilities for these tasks will be made. City Arborist will continue to meet with these partners as necessary throughout the year to operate the tree program.
B. Produce summaries and informational material about tree-related issues to better inform the public and City staff about responsibilities related to Community Forest policies and regulations.
Type Recommendation Description Page General Master landscape plan Develop a comprehensive landscape plan that reflects both historic planting plans and current community values and desires. Consult the National Park Service’s Cultural Landscape Initiative. 28 Tree Protection Construction protection Require contractors to use best practices to protect the trees in construction areas. 28 Research Inventory Inventory the park’s trees every 10 years. 34 Mortality analysis Use this inventory to track urban park tree mortality, both of newly planted trees and of established trees. 34 Management Information Maintain Tree Data Equip the park’s forester with ArcPad in order to view and update park maps 35 Fort Green Park Urban Forest Management Plan, New York City, 2004
Community
The following example comes from the City of Portland, Oregon. In this example, actions are prioritized.
Goal 2. Develop and maintain support for the urban forest.
Goal 2 - Outcome A: Shared Stewardship.
Stewardship of the urban forest is shared by residents, agencies, and nongovernmental organizations (NGO's) and businesses.Selected Current Actions
- Educating property owners about their responsibilities for the care of street trees.
Lead: Portland Parks & Recreation
Support: Bureau of Environmental Sciences
Note:Expand program currently in progress through Neighborhood Tree Liaison Program.- Providing financial and technical support to community and non=profit groups engaged in planting and maintenance of trees.
Lead: Portland Parks & Recreation, Bureau of Environmental Sciences
Note: Expand current programsMedium Priority Actions
Five-year Actions
- Outreach to and coordination with state and federal agencies to encourage proper tree establishment and maintenance procedures.
Lead Portland Parks & Recreation
Note:Based on standards to be developed (see Goal 1)City of Portland Urban Forest Action Plan 2007 (developed to implement the 2004 Urban Forest Management Plan.
Another example from the Fort Green Park Management Plan
Type Recommendation Description Page Maintenance Tree stewardship Establish a stewardship program to allow park patrons to care for young trees. 33 Tree protection Vandalism reduction Use public outreach and education to reduce vandalism and accidental tree injury. 28 Outreach Signage Increase and improve tree signage around the park – both tree species labels and other descriptive signs. 33 Tree Guide Develop a great tree walk for Fort Greene Park’s trees – provide patrons with maps and information to find the largest trees in the park. 33 Bird watching Establish a bird watching group in the park to highlight Fort Greene Park’s trees as important migratory bird habitat. 33 Education Management plan in schools Use the management plan to show how important the trees are to the park, to discuss different species, invasives/exotics/natives and urban forest values. 34 Data use Make tree census data available for student use in math, statistics, and science projects. 34 Fort Green Park Urban Forest Management Plan, New York City, 2004
Planning questions
- Should the plan list viable actions that were considered but not selected due to lack of funding?
- How should goals, objectives, and/or actions be prioritized?
- Should goals, objectives, and/or actions be organized by time frame (e.g. within 1, 5, 10 years)
- Can we adopt appropriate standards available from professional (e.g., ISA), government (e.g., CalFire), and industry (e.g., ANSI) sources? Do we need to modify or append to these standards to account for local conditions?
Work plan
Save to work plan
Use this worksheet to plan and track selection of actions and tools needed to achieve your goals and objectives
Participants
Format:
Discussion session/ meeting / Email / OtherPerson(s) responsible for collating/recording
Target completion date
Generate action/tool options for each objective Vetting / additional input / selecting between alternatives Final actions / tools list Outline
Add actions for each objective. For actions that may apply to more than one objective, fill out the action for the first occurence, then cite the action number under the additional objectives.
Goal 1 (from previous step)
Objective 1.1 (from previous step)
[Add Action 1.1.1] [type your action here] [Add Action 1.1.2] [type your action here] Add others [type your action here]
Objective 1.2 (from previous step)
[Add Action 1.2.1] [type your action here] [Add Action 1.2.2] [type your action here] Add others [type your action here]
etc for any other objectives for goal 1
Goal 2 (from previous step)
Objective 2.1 (from previous step)
[Add Action 2.1.1] [type your action here] [Add Action 2.1.2] [type your action here] Add others [type your action here]
Objective 2.2 (from previous step)
[Add Action 2.2.1] [type your action here] [Add Action 2.2.2] [type your action here] Add others [type your action here]
etc for any other objectives for goal 2
etc for all goals and objectives from previous steps
Save to Outline-goes to Strategic Plan>Actions
Next-Monitoring plan