City Trees is a premier publication focused on urban + community forestry. In each issue, you’ll learn how to best manage the trees in your community and more!
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/599208
4 benefits of using contract forestry services: 1. Provides ADDITIONAL EXPERTISE for specific projects and tasks. 2. Allows for EASIER RELEASE from service. 3. Includes NECESSARY EQUIPMENT, vehicles and insurance. 4. Requires MINIMAL SUPERVISION, especially when paired with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. ADVERTORIAL "Our goal is to increase tree canopy 30 percent by 2025," says Joan Blaustein, Director of the Urban Forestry and Ecosystem Management Division. "And though we received funding for installation, we didn't receive any for additional staff." Factor in some pretty dramatic changes to planting specifications, an at-capacity staff, and a lone planting contractor, and Blaustein and her team were left momentarily scratching their heads. "We had to do something," she says, "that would enable us to increase numbers, yet still manage everything from planting to initial inspection to warranty sign off." An RFP went out for a Contract Forestry Services provider and in came Davey Resource Group (DRG). Selected for what Blaustein calls "their expertise, ability to work in a local office and long history of understanding urban trees issues," DRG is doing what otherwise would have been impossible for the Division's in-house team. Andy Hillman, DRG's Regional Business Developer, explains: "We're supplying the staffing and expertise required to properly oversee the city's program and increase tree survivability." Now in its third year, the partnership is working very well indeed. DRG has oversight and inspection responsibilities for the City's five different planting contractors. And they've leveraged technology to streamline processes, improve reporting and ensure contract compliance. Blaustein couldn't be happier. "We had certain ideas of what we wanted to accomplish, and through this collaboration we accomplished even more," she says. "DRG has given us good advice along the way, bringing technical knowledge to help us refine our program, well above and beyond what I expected." Philadelphia boasts more than ONE MILLION TREES on over 5,600 ACRES of urban forest land. smart SOLUTIONS How the City of Philadelphia increased annual street tree planting and ensured better survival — without increasing staff. To some, a sixfold increase might be considered small, medium or even large, but to the City of Philadelphia, it was monumental. In 2012, the city's Parks and Recreation Department's tree planting program went from 500 trees a year to 3,000 as part of its Greenworks sustainability plan. " We needed qualified professionals and certified arborists who understood our planting specifications and sustainability goals." — Joan Blaustein, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation