Nature in Neighborhoods: Community Stewardship Grant Pre- Application

Transcription

1 Nature in Neighborhoods: Community Stewardship Grant Pre- Application A. Organization, project and contact information Date of application Organization April 21, 2015 (ANTT) Albina Neighborhood Tree Team Organization Address Oregon Deli Co N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR rd Monday monthly meetings at 6pm Organization website: Coming soon Facebook group: Project contacts: Fiscal agent: Project partners: Potential partners Project title Heather Wheeler, Bloom With Nature, LLC - owner bloomwithnature.com heather@bloomwithnature.com Jeff Ramsey, Botanic Specialist I, City of Portland Urban Forestry jefframsey@gmail.com Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods City of Portland, Parks and Recreation: Urban Forestry Karl Dawson, Education and Outreach Coordinator Karl.Dawson@portlandoregon.gov Friends of Trees Andrew Land, Neighborhood Trees Specialist AndrewL@FriendsofTrees.org Neighborhood Sustainability Alleyways Project Katy Wolf, coordinator katyewolf@gmail.com PSU Institute for Sustainable Solutions Cheryl Leontina, PSU Intern leontina@pdx.edu Boise Neighborhood Association Eliot Neighborhood Association Depave Eric Rosewall, Program Director eric@depave.org Portland Bureau of Transportation Oregon Department of Transportation Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, East Multnomah Soil & Water Conservation District, The City Repair Project Albina Tree Canopy Project Project summary The Albina Tree Canopy Project will improve the health, safety, and environment of the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods through the planting of large native and climate resilient tree species, in combination with educational outreach and civic beautification projects. Category Project length Community stewardship in developed areas One year Post project maintenance length One year

2 Habitat type Acres Upland conifer/deciduous forest: Enhancement projects implemented in forests outside the floodplain or riparian zone (urban forest) 795 acres Site Location Boise and Eliot Neighborhoods Boise is located in inner north/northeast Portland. Boise neighborhood boundaries are N Skidmore Street to the north, I- 5 to the west, N Stanton Street to the south, and NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the east. Eliot neighborhood boundaries are NE Fremont Street to the north, the Willamette River to the west, N/NE Broadway Street to the south, and NE 7th Avenue to the east. Estimated funding Estimated Total Project Cost $50,000 Estimated amount requested $25,000 Estimated match funds $25,000 Estimated in- kind match ($5,500) Material donations ($6,550) Volunteer Hours ($12,950) BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES: Estimated amount requested $25,000 ($12,000) Professional arborist services for dead and dangerous tree removal ($1,500) Professional design and consulting services ($4,800) Trees and planting supplies: tree watering bags, stakes, mulch ($3,500) Non- tree plant materials ($2,200) Debris removal and disposal ($1,000) Marketing materials and promotional expenses Match $25,000 total In- Kind $5,500 ($4,500) Miller Family Foundation support for Alleyway Project - funds PSU interns of Institute for Sustainable Solutions ($1,500/term for 3 mo.) ($1,000) Two $500 Native Plant Mini Grants from Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) Material donations $6,550 ($4,000) Plant and tree materials ($1,800) Tools ($500) Food ($250) Printing of flyers and brochures Volunteer Hours $12,950 Volunteer hours at per diem of $22 per hour from partner organizations, local residents, interns, PSU fraternities for planning, planting, clean up, implementing educational activities, maintenance such as invasive plant and trash removal, plant establishment (watering, weeding, applying mulch) B. Organizational preparedness The Albina Neighborhood Tree Team (ANTT) mission is to manage and improve the urban forest in the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods, where lack of homeowner resources, pressure from development, and unfortunate urban planning all contribute to low canopy and a lack of species and functional diversity in trees. In 2014, ANTT organized a complete inventory of the neighborhoods street trees with the help of Portland Parks and Recreation Urban Forestry and now have data that support the proposed actions outlined in this application, and critical information for accomplishing our goals including maps of tree health, size, and species, as well as

3 information about the infrastructure limitations to planting: high voltage wires, planting strip widths, and street improvement. ANTT s members include certified arborists, educators, neighborhood activists, and natural resource managers. Our collective experience in urban forestry and arboriculture gives us the tools and the networks of professional connections to both carry out the details of the project and make the case of its need to the community. Our membership also represents the public, private, and non- profit sectors all of which we will be looking to for professional services and expertise throughout this project. Two key organizations represented by our members are Friends of Trees and PP&R Urban Forestry, and each of these organizations has committed to support ANTT s project in the form of neighborhood outreach and permitting. We are confident that our team and partners have the capability and resources to engage with our neighbors to plant trees and improve planting sites. ANTT recruited 46 neighborhood volunteers for the 2014 inventory, and we are confident that we can once again get our neighbors to help us complete this project. C. Project description COMMUNITY NEED City Street Tree Inventories in past years have identified a serious lack of suitable planting spaces for trees in the right- of- way, particularly in Boise and Eliot Neighborhoods more than other areas. This problem combines with heavy development pressures in the area to create a severe lack of adequate growing space for trees, which are essential for the quality of life in communities in so many ways. Street trees are an important public asset in urban environments, serving as a buffer between our transportation corridors and our homes while enhancing the livability of our city. As integral components of a community s green infrastructure, street trees provide multiple economic, environmental, and social benefits such as cleaner air and water, cooler summer temperatures, safer streets, and increased property values. Unlike traditional, grey infrastructure, which begins to deteriorate the moment it is installed, the benefits that street trees provide increase over the lifetime of the tree, making their planting and maintenance one of the best investments a city and its residents can make. From direct economic benefits of saving energy costs, to the less obvious values of stormwater and pollution mitigation, there is no question that trees are essential to community livability. ANTT strives to create balance between the grey infrastructure and the green by increasing tree canopy cover in Boise and Eliot neighborhoods where there is serious need, and by establishing a system of management to ensure this investment will be a long- term asset to the community and city. This broad goal will be supported by objectives that include building community, civic beautification, and connecting people with nature. A partner organization, Friends of Trees, has experienced an ongoing lack of interest in planting trees from residents in the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods. Even free tree giveaways, with planting services included, have not generated much interest in getting more street and yard trees planted. Through conversations with local residents, we commonly hear concerns of tree safety and complaints of tree maintenance being a problem due to lack of knowledge and affordability. ANTT plans to address this problem through public education and subsidized tree care events. Some of these events will be aimed toward removing dead and dangerous trees, followed by replacement with the right trees in the right places, in addition to organizing tree walks to increase people s awareness of the value in our urban forest and encourage participation in protecting and managing natural areas.

4 Other problems, as identified by Street Tree Inventories, include a lack of species and age diversity in the urban forest of Boise and Eliot Neighborhoods. Boise s street tree population is dominated by cherry and maple and does not meet species diversity guidelines recommended by the City. While 73 tree types were found in last year s inventory, and 76 in Eliot, the predominance of the Rosaceae family and the Prunus (cherry, plum) and Acer (maple) genera leave this resource vulnerable to pests, pathogens, and a changing climate. The dominance of broadleaf deciduous trees found in this inventory points to a need to diversify functional as well as genetic diversity in order to maximize value and create a more resilient, sustainable urban forest. Eliot's street tree population is dominated similarly, by maples, and shares the same types of vulnerabilities to pest and disease outbreaks. SPECIES DIVERSITY AND TREE TYPE COMPOSITION A diverse tree population in terms of species, age, form, and function maximizes urban forest benefits through time while minimizing costs and risk. Maintaining a diverse species mix is a critical way to promote a healthy and resilient urban forest. The conventional metric for evaluating urban forest species diversity is the rule, according to which the urban forest consists of no more than 10% of one species, 20% of one genus, or 30% of one family. However, this guideline has been found to be inadequate in some cases, leaving cities vulnerable to catastrophic forest loss due to pests and pathogens. Considering Portland s temperate climate, where a great variety of trees are able to thrive, limiting this to , as other progressive urban forestry programs have, should be the goal. Young trees are slightly over represented in Boise with 46% of trees in the 0-6 diameter size class. This is the result of successful tree planting efforts in recent years and provides an opportunity for inexpensive young tree maintenance activities that will reduce future costs and ensure the longevity of these trees. If young trees are properly cared for today, Boise will have a healthier age distribution of street trees in the future. Eliot has an abundance - nearly 50% - of trees on their way to maturity in the mid life size classes. These trees have survived the establishment period and are now on the right path to providing benefits to the community. More trees need to be planted in Eliot for a healthy age distribution and to offset mortality in young trees. Thirty- six percent of trees are young and in the 0-6 diameter class and are prime candidates for inexpensive young tree maintenance activities that will reduce future costs and ensure their longevity. Planting additional trees and caring for young tress properly will ensure that Eliot will have a healthier age distribution of street trees in the future. Large form trees are necessary to increase canopy cover and the benefits they provide for Boise s residents. Only 8% of Boise s street trees are large form varieties. Planting the four available large planting sites and replacing the 38 undersized trees in large sites identified in this inventory will maximize tree canopy in Boise rights- of- way. Only 21% of Eliot s street trees are large form varieties, and these trees are not present in most residential areas of the neighborhood. Planting the 25 large, available spaces and assessing poor condition and undersized trees in large sites identified in this inventory will maximize tree canopy in Eliot rights- of- way. PLANTING SITES AND STOCKING LEVEL Trees are planted in 56% of all street tree planting spaces in Boise. The predominance of small planting sites in Boise poses a challenge to the growth and longevity of street trees. Small sites represent the vast majority of planting spaces in the neighborhood. While it is important to plant all available spaces, the small trees appropriately sized for these sites will never grow large enough to meet canopy goals in Boise. Creative expansion of planting sites or increased planting on private

5 property may be the only ways to adequately expand Boise s urban forest. The predominance of small planting sites in Eliot poses a challenge to the growth and longevity of street trees. Small sites represent 43% of planting spaces in the neighborhood. While it is important to plant all available spaces, in some areas this may not be enough to equitably distribute canopy in Eliot. Creative expansion of planting sites or increased planting on private property may be the only ways to meet this goal. Two- thirds of all street tree- planting spaces are currently stocked with trees. Planting efforts should first focus on the largest sites with no overhead high voltage wires first, as large form trees will provide the most long- term benefits to the neighborhood. URBAN FOREST VALUE AND BENEFITS Boise s street trees produce $124,000 annually in environmental and aesthetic benefits. The replacement value of this resource is $6.3 million. Planting efforts focused on appropriately sized trees distributed across the neighborhood will ensure that future benefits are equitably distributed among all residents. Cherry trees represent more than half of the replacement value of Boise s street trees ($3.2 million). Cherries are larger, on average, and more numerous than any other tree type in Boise, but they are also in poorest condition, with 31% rated as poor. Individual assessment and managed replacement of these trees will ensure a healthier urban forest that provides more long- term benefits to the community. Eliot s street trees produce $317,000 annually in environmental and aesthetic benefits. The replacement value of this resource is $9.1 million. Planting efforts focused on appropriately sized trees distributed across the neighborhood will ensure that future benefits are equitably distributed among all residents. PRIORITY HABITAT Priority habitat for the Albina Tree Canopy Project focuses on upland conifer and deciduous forest, specifically the urban forest of N/NE Portland. Enhancement projects will be implemented in forests outside the floodplain or riparian zone of the Willamette River. ANTT projects will also address Oregon white oak habitats including savanna, woodland and mixed- oak conifer forest, which will involve oak planting, invasive species control and native species enhancement. One project, pictured in an attached photo, focuses on enhancement of a greenspace along the industrial section of Mississippi near highways, through planting large conifers and oaks, with work parties scheduled for maintenance in June, and more planting to be continued in the future. This project is in partnership with ODOT and PP&R Urban Forestry. ODOT has recently approved another proposal for our team to commence a similar project of planting a grove of oak and pine on ODOT land near and I- 405 on/off- ramp area. PUBLIC OUTREACH ANTT has formed a relationship with Boise- Eliot School, beginning with an Arbor Month activity on April 24, 2015 to plant a tree and work with first- graders to create tree guides, which educate kids about form and function of trees. Students can then bring these projects home to share their excitement about trees with their parents. Future plans include re- planting their native garden that became overgrown and no longer exists. This school serves students from Humbolt School, which closed in Boise- Eliot School represents an underserved, low- income community of color with low capacity for environmental education. ANTT works to help bridge the gap between students and their environment through fun educational activities to get the students interested and aware of their natural surroundings. The Albina Tree Canopy Project will be conducted in phases, which include a remove and replace event for dead and dangerous trees, educational Arbor and Earth day celebrations, a planting strip widening project, and several civic beautification projects involving tree planting on land of willing property owners. ANTT intends to plant 100 trees and widen 25 planting strips by the end of April

6 2017. Greenspace creation and connectivity will be enhanced through partnership with an Alleyways Project, in which we will plan and plant a linear arboretum along with pockets of native habitat to create corridors for people and wildlife and restore ecological functionality in these urban areas. The project phases included in this application include planning events, implementing plans, post- planting maintenance such as organizing weeding, mulching and watering parties during tree establishment periods, and maintaining records of these efforts along with volunteer hours and other contributions. GOALS ANTT goals and objectives contribute to the regional goals of Metro to support a resilient economy, keep nature close by and respond to a changing climate through protecting and enhancing our urban forest as the region grows. This strategy also aligns with missions of partner organizations, such as Friends of Trees aim to grow healthy communities, PP&R Urban Forestry's mission to manage and ensure Portland's urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations, Heather Wheeler s mission to empower communities to bloom with nature, and the mission of PSU s Institute for Sustainable Solutions to support meaningful community partnerships that contribute to a just, prosperous, and vibrant future for our region and the world. Other ANTT partnerships will align similarly to advocate for community health and wellbeing through connection with nature, strengthening stewardship of local natural areas and encouraging meaningful public engagement in our efforts. Partners of ANTT have long standing reputations for planning, implementing and maintaining successful community programs and engagements, which greatly supports the feasibility and strength of the Albina Tree Canopy Project. Several ANTT members are arborists certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), demonstrating strict adherence to best management practices and ANSI standards developed by the ISA, and communicating the value of these practices and standards to the public. ANTT projects also support Oregon and Regional Conservation Strategies and other local environmental plans and initiatives through weaving greenspaces and habitat into local planning and development which helps to serve communities and economies with clean drinking water, habitat connectivity and replenished soil. PARTNERSHIPS In 2014, ANTT worked with PP&R Urban Forestry to organize volunteers and conduct a street tree inventory. Over the course of four work- days, 46 volunteers contributed 280 hours collecting data on tree species, size, tree condition, and site characteristics for each of the neighborhood s 1,759 street trees. After analyzing the results, ANTT created a vision statement, set goals, created objectives, and made property owner recommendations designed to improve the health of the community s urban forest. The result is the ANTT Tree Plan, which will guide the team s stewardship activities in future years. The Urban Forestry department of Portland Parks and Recreation is foundational partner of ANTT, supporting events and efforts in many ways. This partnership provides advertisement to the public and past volunteers through printing signage, brochures and flyers, in addition to social media and marketing. Urban Forestry brings tables, tools and food to events such as the pruning day in January and various planting events. City staff aid in identifying planting sites, granting permits, gaining other permissions, planning and implementing events as well. Friends of Trees plays a similarly important role in organizing and implanting urban forestry activities by supplying trees, volunteers, and other forms of support to accomplish mutual goals.

7 Coordinators with the Alleyway Project will be working with ANTT on activities geared toward building community, clearing out invasive plant species, naturescaping, setting up water gardens and drainage to manage storm- water runoff, and educating residents to the toxicity of using pesticides and herbicides. Other related public education will express the benefits of permeable alley surfaces and a healthy tree canopy to aid in filtering pollutants and increasing sewer system efficiency. The partnership to improve alleyways is intended to become a self- sustaining program that will become established within the next year and sustained by PSU interns and volunteer energy from the Alley Allies a group of urban planners and activists who offer knowledge and skills to support projects that seek to re- imagine alleys and public rights- of- way in the Portland Metro area. Other sustaining volunteer energy will come from neighborhood residents, PSU Fraternity and International Student Groups volunteering service project hours. Surveys have been a successful outreach tool to gain community interest and support of alley residents. The Alleyway Project is funded in part by the PSU Institute for Sustainable Solutions. Boise and Eliot Neighborhood Associations will be providing funding and volunteer support for planting strip widening efforts and tree planting costs. Depave has offered to supply volunteers and tools to aid in planting strip widening efforts. ODOT has approved two planting proposals submitted by PP&R s Urban Forestry in partnership with ANTT, and these sites will be further enhanced with future restoration and stewardship activities. We hope to work more with ODOT over time to identify more planting spaces. Portland Bureau of Transportation will be involved with inspections and ensuring compliance with City regulations that pertain to widening planting strips. D. Location and project reach The Boise and Eliot neighborhoods are located in N/NE Portland bounded to the north by N. Skidmore St., to the east by NE 7 th Ave., to the south by NE Broadway St., and to the west by Interstate 5 and the Willamette River. Historically thriving African- American neighborhoods, the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods are now experiencing a period of rapid transition and development, with many of the areas older residents being replaced by a younger, whiter population. Because of the historic nature of many of the homes, these neighborhoods remain affordable and as such have substantially lower median incomes than Portland as a whole. Boise and Eliot each also have larger non- white populations than the city. Importantly for this project, Boise and Eliot are both considered low canopy by the City of Portland and have been cited as examples of areas that need more tree planting, and creative solutions that find more space for trees. Please see maps and demographic table below. Neighborhood and citywide demographics Demographics Portland Boise Eliot (2010 Census) % low income households 45% 54% 46% Race 72% white 6% black 9% Hispanic/Latino 1% Native American 7% Asian 61% white 23% black 8% Hispanic/Latino 1% Native American 2% Asian Tree Canopy Cover 29.9% 21% 16% 65% white 20% black 7% Hispanic/Latino 1% Native American 2% Asian

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