Action Step #1: Organize a Canopy Team for Implementation
Community-wide plan require entire communities to implement.
Progress Made To-Date
Last Updated April 2020
An initial attempt in 2017 to form a Canopy Team was not successful. However, we are moving forward in 2020 with a second attempt during the upcoming Tree Canopy Policy Action Plan. This Action Plan will supplement of the Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan, and will strive to better define policies that preserve, restore and enhance the canopy in Charlotte.
To get involved in the Canopy Team or the Tree Canopy Action Plan email Erin Oliverio
Original Action Step 1 Directive from 2017:
Stakeholder meeting during the 2016 urban forest master planning process.
Due to the large scope of the plan, the action steps can only be achieved through the cooperation of multiple groups and entities. The coalition of a professional "Canopy Team" is strongly recommended to tackle this work together as a community.
A team approach is critical for a number of reasons:
To Maintain the Momentum. Over 40 organizations participated in the urban forest planning meetings during summer 2016 and have expressed a desire for continued plan development. A Canopy Team will empower team members to spearhead or own an action step so that tangible progress is achieved.
To Establish a Unified Voice. To date, many organizations have taken their own steps in their respective areas of expertise and influence to improve the urban forest. However, most organizations are acting independently and with different goals and messages. While all efforts are valuable, independent efforts and messages have watered down the movement. A central voice is integral to building an effective campaign that fosters progress in the urban forest. That voice could take shape through the work of the Canopy Team.
Because Tree Canopy is Regional. Like all environmental resources, tree canopy does not adhere to political boundaries. Canopy also spans both public and private lands. In fact, 80-90% of Charlotte's tree canopy is located on private land. Any significant change in tree canopy preservation and care ultimately depends on partnerships. Many stakeholders working beyond city boundaries have expressed interest in participating in this urban forestry renewal effort (for example, utilities, regional planning entities, watershed groups, county agencies, and faith-based organizations). Collective involvement in the plan development process is a unique opportunity to achieve economy of scale.
For More Effective Fundraising. A coalition of partners can be much more effective in raising funds for urban forestry projects than an individual city or other entities. Funds can be raised for tree plantings and stewardship, but also to support the roll-out campaign and larger city projects like raising funds for establishing a management plan, undergoing an operations review, and providing short-term supplemental assistance to reduce the backlog in city maintenance work.
Next Steps:
Assemble the Canopy Team by initiating a first meeting, starting with the stakeholders active in this planning process.
Prepare for the first Team meeting by defining the group's goals, developing suggested working groups, and prioritizing tasks. A starting list of working groups could include City Management, Neighborhood Engagement, Development Study, Funding, Corporate Engagement and Outreach & Education.
Host the first Team meeting to map out a program of work over the next three years. Agenda items should include:
Review of Master Plan. Provide a quick review of the plan's findings and action steps.
Mission and Goal of Canopy Team. Describe the reason for the team and convey the team's big picture goals and mission.
Agree on Progress Measures. Approve and formalize choice of benchmarks and progress measurements to gauge success in coming years.
Working Group Formation. Develop a suggested organization of working committees that will be tasked with specific steps. Assign a chair and suggested members for each group based on potential owners/participant recommendations, plus any expressed interest or expertise.
Develop a Plan Roll-Out Strategy. The results of this master plan have to be conveyed to the public (from citizens to city staff to organizations) to spur action. This must be achieved through purposeful outreach using consistent terminology and asks. Consider using a professional in marketing and public relations to assist in development and implementation of a roll out plan.
Discuss the Best Structure of Organization. How formal should this team be? Is an official charter required? Is an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) from each member adequate? Consider making these decisions as a group.
Set Schedule. Set up a plan or schedule to reconvene the team on a regular basis. The purpose of additional meetings would be to update the group on the progress of each working committee and provide opportunities to re-evaluate tasks and goals.
After the meeting, implement the roll-out plan and start working on committee tasks over the next 12 months.
Potential Owner: City of Charlotte (Erin Oliverio) to initially spearhead development of team and working committees. Potential Participants: Stakeholders from initial plan development group initially (additional team members likely to be added).