Richmond, Virginia: An Assessment of Municipal

Transcription

Richmond,Virginia:
AnAssessmentof
MunicipalTree
Utilizationandthe
UrbanForestry
Program
Preparedby:Dovetail
Partners
WithsupportfromtheU.S.ForestService,
SouthernRegionandtheVirginia
DepartmentofForestry
August2015
ScopeofProjectandBackground
ThisprojectexaminedbothurbantreeutilizationintheRichmondmetropolitanarea,andtheCityof
Richmond’sUrbanForestryprogram.PartsIandIIofthisreportfocusonurbantreeutilization;PartIII
dealswithRichmond’surbanforestryprogram.PartIVincludesacasestudy(basedonPartsIandII),an
appendix(basedonPartIII),andreferencesforbothurbantreeutilizationandurbanforestry.
Theurbantreeutilizationassessmentwasinformedbythefollowingfactsandperspectives.America’s
urbanforestsprovidediverseandessentialbenefitsandservicestocommunities.Whentreesare
removed,thewoodismostoftenmulched,composted,orsenttoalandfillsite.Buturbanforestsoffer
thepotentialforenhancedutilizationwithestimatesofannualavailabilityrangingfromover16to38
milliongreentons.
Barrierstourbantreeutilizationincludetechnicalandlogisticalconstraints,availabilityofprocessing
facilities,andmarketconsiderations.Perhapsthemostsignificantbarriertourbantreesenteringthe
woodprocessingstreammaybetheprevalentideathaturbantreesaresuitableonlyforlow-value
products.Manyurbanforestryprograms,aswellasurbanresidents,arenotfullyawareofthe
opportunitiesandbenefits.
AcrosstheU.S.,urbanforestryprogramsaretypicallylocatedineitheraDepartment/DivisionofPublic
WorksoraDepartment/DivisionofParks.InRichmond,thePublicWorksDepartmenthasresponsibility
forthemanagementoftheurbanforest.TheassessmentoftheUrbanForestryprogramincludeda
reviewofthesustainabilityoftheCity’sprocessesforurbantreeprogramplanningandimplementation.
Specifically,theassessmentwasinformedbyareviewofprogrammaterials;asitevisitincludingstaff
interviews,Citytour,andobservationofon-the-groundprogramactivitiesandoutcomes;andasurvey
ofstakeholdersfortheidentificationofprogramstrengthsandweaknesses.
Thetwoassessments,urbantreeutilizationandurbanforestryprogram,providerecommendationsand
actionstepsfortheCity.Theseprojectoutcomesprovideapathwaytoenhancetheutilizationofurban
treesthroughastrongandrobusturbanforestryprogram.
Reportpreparedby:
S.Bratkovich,K.Fernholz
DovetailPartners,528HennepinAve,Suite703
Minneapolis,MN55403
www.dovetailinc.org
ProjectcompletedwithsupportprovidedfromtheU.S.ForestService,SouthernRegionandassistance
fromtheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry.SpecialthanksalsototheCityofRichmond.
August2015
August2015UrbanForestryAssessment–Richmond,VA
2
TableofContents
ScopeofProjectandBackground...........................................................................................2
ExecutiveSummary................................................................................................................4
PartI....................................................................................................................................11
Introduction...................................................................................................................................11
RichmondBackground...................................................................................................................11
RichmondUrbanTreeUtilizationActivities...........................................................................13
TreeServiceFirms/PrivateArborists..............................................................................................13
WoodResidueRecyclers(Mulch)...................................................................................................16
Wood(Lumber)Reclaimers............................................................................................................16
NicheUrbanTree-BasedBusinesses...............................................................................................18
PowerPlants/PaperMills...............................................................................................................20
CityofRichmond/CommunityProjects.................................................................................20
Non-Profits/VirginiaGovernmentOffices.............................................................................21
RelatedBusinesses.............................................................................................................................22
SummaryofUrbanTreeUtilizationintheRichmondArea....................................................22
PartII...................................................................................................................................24
WhatisanIndustryorBusinessCluster?........................................................................................24
IngredientsforaSuccessfulCluster................................................................................................25
TheClusterModelAppliedtotheRichmondMetropolitanAreaUrbanTreeUtilization........26
FeasibilityAnalysis.........................................................................................................................26
Education,TechnicalandResearchSupport....................................................................................27
SupportiveGovernmentActionsincludingGrants..........................................................................28
SupportingandComplementaryIndustries...................................................................................28
EntrepreneurshipandInnovation...................................................................................................29
AccesstoRawMaterials,MarketsandTransportationNeeds.........................................................29
Leadership,CommitmentandCollaboration..................................................................................30
BusinessClimate............................................................................................................................30
RecommendationsforAdvancingUrbanTreeUtilizationClusteringintheRichmondArea...31
BottomLine..........................................................................................................................34
PartIII..................................................................................................................................34
UrbanForestryProgramAssessment....................................................................................34
DescriptionofAssessmentDesign..................................................................................................34
AssessmentFindings:On-siteVisitandDocumentReview..............................................................37
AssessmentFindings:SurveyResults.............................................................................................38
SummaryandConclusionsfromSurvey..........................................................................................46
ConclusionsandRecommendations...............................................................................................46
PartIV..................................................................................................................................48
CaseStudy.....................................................................................................................................48
Appendix1.ExternalSurvey.............................................................................................................50
References.........................................................................................................................................51
3
ExecutiveSummary
Fromanationalperspective,thenumberoftrees,andhencethevolumeofwood,removed
annuallyfromurbanandcommunityforestsissignificant(theremovalcanbeduetoland
conversion,insectandpestdamage,stormevents,hazardtrees,etc.).Removalestimatesrange
from16to38milliongreentonsperyear.Eventhelowervalueoftheseestimatesis
comparabletototalannualharvestsfromAmerica’sNational(U.S.ForestService-managed)
Forests(Bratkovichetal.2008).
Thisprojectincludedanassessmentoftheurbantreeutilizationcapacityandtheurban
forestryprogramfortheCityofRichmond,Virginia.Theassessmentsincludedinterviewsand
sitevisitsfocusedontheurbantreeutilizationcapacityintheRichmondareaplusareviewof
thesustainabilityoftheCity’sprocessesforurbantreeprogramplanningandimplementation.
Bothassessmentsproviderecommendationstosupportcontinuedenhancements.
ThecityofRichmondislocatedinHenricoCounty,about100milessouthofWashington,DC.
RichmondisthecapitaloftheCommonwealthofVirginia,andduringtheCivilWarservedas
thecapitoloftheConfederateStatesofAmerica.In2013,Richmondhadapopulationofover
214,000withametro-areapopulationofover1.2million(thisincludestheindependentcities
ofColonialHeights,HopewellandPetersburgaswellasthecountiesofCharlesCity,
Chesterfield,Dinwiddie,Goochland,Hanover,Henrico,NewKent,Powhatan,andPrince
George).1
AnoverviewofRichmondandsamplingofitscurrenttreeutilizationactivitiesprovidesthe
followingSummaryofUrbanTreeUtilizationintheRichmondArea:
•
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Innovativeandentrepreneurialtreeservicefirms(privatearborists)existinthe
Richmondarea–Logsawing,furniture-making,andcustommillworkareafewofthe
products/servicesofferedbysometreeservicefirms.
Alargepercentageoftreetake-downs(includinglimbs,brush,etc.)bytreeservicefirms
endupasmulchand/oraredivertedfromlandfills–Itappearsthatmulchlocations
(drop-offsitesfortreeresidue)serveasdistributionyards(orpotentialdistribution
yards)forothermarketssuchaspulpandpaper,boilerfuel,etc.
Fuelexpenses(relatedtotransportation),equipmentcosts,laborcosts,anddisposal
fees,alongwithstoragespacefortreematerials,hinderenhancedurbantreeutilization
–Thisisespeciallytrueamongtreeservicefirms.The“efficiencies”ofenhancedurban
andcommunitytreeutilizationarecriticaltosuccess.
TreedisposalcostsareNOTnecessarilythelargestcost(financialburden)of
organizationsthatremoveurbantrees–Asnotedabove,itemssuchaslabor,
equipmentandfuelcanbeverycostly.
1
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richmond,_Virginia.
4
•
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Themulchindustry(woodresiduerecyclers)islargeintheRichmondarea–Manyofthe
largertreeservicefirmssendthemajorityoftheirtreestothemulchindustry.This
observationfitswiththepatternofagrowingpopulationbase(morehomes,
businesses,etc.)thatneed/wantmulchandrelatedproducts.Understandingthemulch
industryappearstobekeyinbetterunderstandingurbantree(wood)flowinthe
Richmondarea.
BoilerfuelisapotentialmarketfortheRichmondarea–However,thedirectcostsof
engaginginsuchamarketareenormous(tubgrinders,18-wheelers,etc.).Partners
(collaborators)areneeded(likely)totapintothismarket.
TheCityofRichmondisinvolvedininnovativeprogramslikeProjectWARMandthe
ConvenienceSite-AnunderstaffedDepartmentofPublicWorks,UrbanForestryDivision
(2arborists),however,hindersadditionalcreativeprogramsbeyondday-to-day
activities.
Historicpreservation,renovationandtheuseofreclaimedlumberissignificantinthe
Richmondarea–Manyfirmsspecializeinthisindustrynicheincludingbuilders,lumber
reclaimers,architectsandmore.
NichebusinessesrelatedtourbantreeutilizationexistintheRichmondarea–Included
inthesenichebusinessesaresawmillersandtreematerialaggregatorsthatdeliver
productstovariousend-users.
ThereisstrongadvocacyforurbanforestryprogramsamongRichmondareanon-profits
andgovernmentalagencies-Thesegroupshavealsobeenintheforefrontofpushing
forenhancedurbantreeutilization.
Enhancedcoordinationamongkeyplayersisneeded–Thisincludesnotonlyidentifying
thekeyplayersbutprovidingaforumforkeyplayerstoexplaintheirpoints-of-view,
servicesandproductofferings,identificationofmarkets,etc.Theupshotofthis
observationisthata“leader”isneeded,especiallyonethatcanbridgethegapbetween
privateandpublicsectors.
Additionalaggregatorsareneeded–Mostorganizations(privateorpublic)arenotin
thebusinessofaprofit-centeredurbantreeutilizationproject.Consequently,thereisa
needforadditionalaggregators(and/orcollectionsites)oftreematerial(logs,limbs,
brush,etc.).Theseaggregators,inturn,cansortandmarketthematerial(s).
ThefollowingRecommendationsforAdvancingUrbanTreeUtilizationClusteringinthe
RichmondAreaareofferedinnoparticularorder.Therecommendationsarebasedon
numerouspersonalinterviews,site-visits,observations,pastexperiencesinworkingwithurban
treeutilizationclusters,andreviewofpublicdocuments.
•
Conductafeasibilitystudy-Thisisthestartingpointforadvancingtheideaofbusiness
clusteringasitrelatestourbantreeutilization.Afeasibilitystudyshouldincludea
comprehensiveinventoryoftreeremovals,includingleaves,limbsandbranches(tree
pruningresidue),andacategorizationoftheseremovals(sawlogquality,pulpwood,
firewood,etc.).TheprotocolusedinsoutheastMichiganisamodelworthadopting
and/oradjustingfortheRichmondarea(MacFarlane2007).
5
•
Evaluatetheoverallbusinessclimateintermsofeconomicconditions,existing
infrastructure,laborresourcesandotherfactors-Thiseffortcanbeincludedinthe
feasibilitystudyiftimeandresourcespermit;ifnot,aseparateanalysisshouldbe
conducted.Strategiesthat“makeitpay”tobetterutilizeurbantreesshouldbecarefully
examined.Sometimesa“makeitpay”or“makeabuck”messageisquicklydismissed
whenaproducercontemplatestheadditionalexpensesthathis/herfirmmightincurto
betterutilizetrees.Anothermethodofdescribingthisissueistotalkintermsof“costavoidance.”Allfirms,bigorsmall,urbantreeutilizersornon-utilizers,canrelatetothe
messageofcost-avoidance.
Apubliceducationcampaign(tiedintorecyclingawarenessandthegreenmovement)
andcoupledwithbettermarketsforurbantreeproductsisneededintheRichmond
area.Forexample,recyclingmessagesshouldincludeurbantreesinalistofrecyclable
itemssuchasaluminumcans,mixedpaper,andnewspapers.Thesameistrueforthe
“buylocal”movement–lumberandlumberproductsinadditiontomulch,compost,
andfirewood–shouldbetoutedasaproductthatcanbeproducedintheRichmond
area.Tyingurbantreeutilizationintotheexistingreclaimedlumbermovementisa
strategythatshouldbeinvestigated.
Since“lackofspace”and“transportationcosts”werecommonthemesunder-mining
innovativeurbantreeutilization,anideaistolocatetreedrop-offpoints(yardswith
freeorreducedtippingfees)aroundtheRichmondarea.Thesepublic/privateyards
couldbecomeutilizationcenters(hubs)forlogsortingandsales,logsawing,etc.(a
personwithexperienceinoperatingalogyardshouldoverseethiseffort).Existing
disposallocations,suchasmulchsites,shouldbecontactedfirsttodiscusstheprosand
consofsuchastrategy.
•
Collaboratewithstakeholdersfromindustry,governmentandsupportingindividualsand
organizations-Thekeyistogetbuy-infromvariousstakeholdersanddevelopavision
forutilizationofurbantreesincludingnext-stepsandactionitems.Itisimportantthat
stakeholderssharekeyinformationwithoneanother(withoutdivulgingcompanyor
organizationalsecrets).Storagespaceandtransportationcosts(asnotedabove),
equipment,tippingfees,etc.aresomeoftheissuesthatneedtobe“onthetable”for
meaningfulcollaborationtotakeplace.Differentstakeholdersoftenhavedifferent
“issues”sobettercommunicationisneededbetweenthegroups(forthebettermentof
everyone).
•
Selectaleadertocoordinateactivities,facilitatedevelopmentandgainpolicysupport-
Theleaderorchampiondoesnotnecessarilyhavetopossessautilizationbackground
butshouldstronglysupporttheutilizationeffortandshouldhavetheability(andtime!)
tousehisorherpositionto“rallythetroops.”Alocalandrespectedurbanforestry
leadercouldfillthisrole.
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•
Securefunding-Financialresources,bothprivateandpublic,areimportanttosupport
feasibilitystudies,technologydevelopment,workforcetraining,capitalinvestment,
appliedresearchandotherprojectcomponents.Fundingsourcescanincludenational,
state,orlocal.Programsdirectedatwoodutilizationandurbanforestryeffortsare
obviousavenuesforobtainingfundingbutbroad-basedrecyclinggrants,smallbusiness
loans,andbio-basedenergyprograms(asexamples)canalsoprovidedirectfinancial
supportforurbantreeutilization.
•
Focusoneducationandengagementofentrepreneurialthinkingandinnovation-
Supportthecreationofapositionwiththeassigneddutiesof‘urbanwoodutilization’
eitherforRichmondorinastatewidecapacity(perhapsbasedinCharlottesville).A
personinthiscapacitycanefficientlyfocusoneducationandtrainingopportunitiesfor
arborists,assistandencouragestart-upurbanwoodbusinesses,conductutilizationbasedfeasibilitystudies,andbecomeafocalpointfortechnical/hands-onutilization
activities.
•
Nurturesupportingandcomplementaryindustries-Animportanttaskofeitherthe
leader/champion,urbanwoodspecialist,orkeystakeholder(s)istofacilitate
partnershipsandrelationships(formalorinformal)betweenthenumerousindustries
(andorganizations)thatareinthecluster(orbeginningstagesofacluster).Thiseffort
shouldshowclustermembershowtheirbusinessesareinter-connectedanddependent
ononeanotherfromprocurementofrawmaterialstoproduction,marketingand
distributionofend-products.
•
Recognizethedifferencesintypesofclustersandactaccordingly-Onestrategyfor
clusterdevelopmentistoselectornurtureoneoffourmodelsasastartingpoint,or
builduponwhatalreadyexists.Thiscanhelpfocuseffortsandprovideaframeworkfor
collaborativework.Richmond(especiallytheprivatesector)appearstobeintheearly
stagesofaMarshalliancluster–onethatistypicallycomprisedofsmallandmediumsizedcompaniesthattradetheirproductsandserviceswithotherclustermembers.
•
DevelopaRichmondregionallistofsmallsawmills,loggers,timberbuyers,andforest
productmanufacturers-Adirectoryisneededfor“small”timberusersinthearea.The
mills,loggers,andothersonapotential“smallproducer”listareoftennotincludedina
statewidedirectoryofprimaryandsecondaryproducers.Thelistshouldbespecificto
theRichmondarea.
•
Workcloselywiththeexistingmulchindustry–Sincemulchisalargeandseemingly
growingmarketintheRichmondarea,innovatorsandentrepreneursshouldexplore
‘other’productsthatcouldbemanufacturedfromurbantreesthatfitwiththemulch
industry.
7
Includedwithinthescopeoftheprojectwasanassessmentoftheoverallurbanforestry
programcapacityandoperationstoidentifyandevaluatecorestrengthsandopportunities.
Thisassessmentprocesswasinformedbyseveralexistingapproachestosystemevaluations
andforestryassessments.Theassessmentprocessincludedtheuseofasurveytooltogather
asmuchinputaspossiblefromexternalstakeholdersandinterestgroups.
Basedupontheinputfromtheexternalsurvey,thereareseveralcommonthemes.Thereis
clearrespectandappreciationforthequalityandeffortsofcurrentstaff.Thereisconcern
aboutlong-termcapacity(staffingandfundinglevels).Thereisalsoconcernaboutsomeofthe
policiesthatimpacttheurbanforestsinRichmond(e.g.,ordinances,enforcement,etc.).
Overall,thereisahighopinionandlevelofsupportfortheurbanforestryprograms.
Respondentsgenerallyagreethatthereisaneedtoincreasethecapacityoftheprogramswith
morestaff,volunteers,andresources.
Opportunitiesforimprovementidentifiedwithintheresultsinclude:
- Fillvacantarboristposition(s)
- Increasefundingandfinancialresourcesfortheprogram
- Strengthenvolunteerprogramsandcollaborationswithdiversepartners
- Identifyanddevelopskillsetswithindepartment
- Completeinventoryproject
- Developcomprehensivestrategicplan
Fromtheentiretyoftheurbanforestrymanagementprogramassessmentprocess–including
thereviewofdocuments,on-sitevisitsandinterviews,andcompletesurveyresults–the
followingsummaryofprogrammaticstrengthsandopportunitiesisprovided.
Strengths:
- Well-trained,credentialed,professionalstaffandvolunteerpartners
- Detailedinventoryinformationbeingdevelopedtoprovideassessmentofurban
forest
- Innovationandurbanforestryactivitywithinpartnershipsandprivatesector
- Well-structuredcityprogram–reporting,recordkeeping,tracking,andinventory
Opportunities:
- Completeinventorydevelopmentandleverageresultstoinformresource
allocationsandprogramplanning
- CompleteMasterPlan/ComprehensiveManagementPlan
8
NEXTSTEPS
Therearefour“nextsteps”thatRichmondcanundertakeasa“leader”inurbantreeutilization
andurbanforestry.
1. Developastrategicplanfortheurbanforestryprogram.Therecommendationsand
opportunitiesfromthisreportcanbeusedasabasisfortheplan.
2. Establishastructureformeasuringprogressfortheurbanforestryprogram.This
includesclearlydefiningtherolesandresponsibilitiesofstaffmembersaswellasa
scheduleofreviewmilestones.
3. Developadirectoryofsmallmills,drykilns,loggers,furnituremakers,etc.,thatoperate
intheRichmondmetropolitanarea.Individualsandbusinessesinthisdirectoryshould
haveadesiretoworkwithurbantrees.TheCityofRichmondcould“appoint”someone
todothistask(orlookforavolunteer).TheCity,however,shouldtaketheleadonthis
directory,eveniftheactualworkisaccomplishedbyathird-party(internorwork-study
studentfromalocalcollege,tree-relatedvolunteer,governmentalemployeefromthe
DOForotherstateagency,etc.).TheimportantstepisfortheCityto“gettheball
rolling.”
4. Holdregularmeetingsofstakeholdersinvolvedwithurbantreeutilization(orassign/ask
someonetoholdthesemeetingssinceCitystafftimeislimited).Thesemeetingsshould
includeareaarborists,urbanforesters,smallsawmillanddryeroperators,loggers,
mulchyardowners,stateregulators,municipalmanagers,smallwood-basedbusiness
owners,andsoforth.Ideally,themeetingswouldbeheldata“neutral”locationto
encouragemaximumparticipation.
Conclusions
TheCityofRichmondhasastronghistoryandwellestablishedurbanforestryprogram.The
privatetreecareindustryinRichmondalsoprovidescapacitytosupportahealthyurbanforest.
ThefullpotentialoftheCity’surbanforestryprogramiscurrentlylimitedbycapacityconcerns.
Toimprovetheprogram,itislikelynecessarytoincreasethenumberofarboriststoalevelthat
issufficienttomaintainandcarefortheextensiveurbanforest,especiallywhereprivatetree
careservicesarenotareasonablealternative.
TheRichmondmetropolitanareaishometoover1.2millionpeople,andgrowing.Eastcentral
Virginia(whichincludesthecapitalcityofRichmond)supportsastrongforestryandforest
productsindustry.Historicpreservationandrenovationareimportantbusinessesinthe
Richmondarea,dueinparttotheproximityofWilliamsburg.
Richmond,andthesurroundingarea,ishometo“undertheradar”firmscurrentlyutilizing
urbantreesbeyondthetraditionalproductsofmulchandfirewood.Evidenceofanemerging
urbantreebusinessclustercanbefoundintheprivatesector,butaleaderisneededtomove
themomentumforward.Anurbantreeutilizationleadercanmobilizebothprivateandpublic
sectorstocollaborateonissuesthatimpactbothgroups.
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Aleadercouldalsoprovidethesparkforamuch-neededfeasibilityanalysisinRichmondthat
estimatestreeremovalsandpotentialproducts.
TherearefouractionitemsthatRichmondcantaketomovethemtonextlevelofurban
forestryandurbantreeutilization.Actionitemsdirectlyrelatingtotheurbanforestryprogram
includeastrategicplanandestablishingastructureformeasuringprogress.Toenhancethe
utilizationeffort,aRichmondareadirectoryisneededaswellasregularmeetingsofkey
stakeholders.
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UtilizingMunicipalTreesinthe
Richmond,Virginia,MetropolitanArea
PartI.
Introduction
Thereareanestimated4billionurbantrees2intheU.S.,withanother70billionorsogrowing
inmetropolitanareas.3Infact,30percentofallforestlandintheU.S.isinametropolitanarea.
Between1997and2002,therewasa5percentincrease(morethan5millionacres)inforestsin
‘major’metropolitanareasasdevelopedlandsintheU.S.expanded.Also,estimatesfromthe
U.S.CensusBureaushowa130-percentincreaseincensus-definedurbanareabetween1960
and2000(Aligetal.2010).
UrbanlandintheU.S.isprojectedtogrowfromabout3-percentin2000toover8-percentin
2050,anarealargerthanthestateofMontana.Focusingonjustforestland,theamount
subsumedbyurbanizationbetween2000and2050isprojectedtobeover29millionacres,an
areaapproximatelythesizeofPennsylvania(NowakandWalton2005).Accordingtothe
NaturalResourcesConservationService(NRCS),thelargestincreasesinU.S.developedarea
between1982and1997wereintheSouth.
Fromanationalperspective,thenumberoftrees,andhencethevolumeofwood,removed
annuallyfromurbanandcommunityforestsissignificant(theremovalcanbeduetoland
conversion,insectandpestdamage,stormevents,hazardtrees,etc.).Removalestimatesrange
from16to38milliongreentonsperyear.Eventhelowervalueoftheseestimatesis
comparabletototalannualharvestsfromAmerica’sNational(U.S.ForestService-managed)
Forests(Bratkovichetal.2008).
RichmondBackground
ThecityofRichmondislocatedinHenricoCounty,about100milessouthofWashington,DC.
RichmondisthecapitaloftheCommonwealthofVirginia,andduringtheCivilWarservedas
thecapitoloftheConfederateStatesofAmerica.In2013,Richmondhadapopulationofover
214,000,withametro-areapopulationofover1.2million(thisincludestheindependentcities
ofColonialHeights,HopewellandPetersburgaswellasthecountiesofCharlesCity,
2
Urban areas as defined by the Census Bureau include (1) urbanized areas with a population of 50,000 or more and a minimum
density of 1,000 people/sq. mi., (2) places that contain some urbanized areas within their boundaries, and (3) places with at least
2,500 people and located outside of urbanized areas. Also, areas totally surrounded by urbanized areas but not within an urbanized
area are considered to be an urban area (Nowak et al. 2001).
3
Metropolitan areas as defined by the Office of Management and Budget defines metropolitan areas by county, not
places (except in the six New England states). Metropolitan areas have one or more large core populations that are
socially and economically linked to adjacent counties. For example, the New York metro area—the largest in the country—
covers 36 counties in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (Sherrill 2003).
11
Chesterfield,Dinwiddie,Goochland,Hanover,Henrico,NewKent,Powhatan,andPrince
George).4RichmondislocatedattheintersectionsofInterstate95andInterstate64.Interstate
295formsanouterringaroundthecity.
AsStateCapitol,RichmondishometodozensofStateOfficesincludingtheScienceMuseum,
SupremeCourt,andDepartmentsofEducation,EnvironmentalQuality,andGameandInland
Fisheries.RichmondisalsohometotheSecretaryofNaturalResources,theSecretaryof
AgricultureandForestry,andTheLibraryofVirginia.5
RichmondisheadquarterstotwoFortune500companies–DominionResourcesand
MeadWestvaco–withother‘500’companiesinthemetropolitanarea.Thecityishometo
boththeU.S.CourtofAppealsfortheFourthCircuitandtheFederalReserveBankof
Richmond.6
RichmondishometotheUniversityofRichmondandVirginiaCommonwealthUniversity(VCU),
withVCUincludingamedicalcenter.TheRichmondregionoffersundergraduate,graduateand
professionaldegreeprogramsatmorethan10collegesanduniversities.7
Figure1.MapofVirginia
Figure2.Richmond,VAAreaMap
Sources:http://www.goplayoutdoors.com/Member/RichmondVA/index.htm;
http://www.homefinders.com/map_facts.php
IntheU.S.Southeast,theareafromRichmondtoAtlanta(sometimescalledtheurban
PiedmontCrescent),haswitnessedaconcentrationofdevelopment.Theurbanareasofthe
Piedmontareexpectedtowitnessthefastestgrowth(Aligetal.2010).Accordingtoa
UniversityofUtahstudy(EwingandHamidi2014),Richmondisamongagroupoflargemetro
areasthatranksnearthebottomofthe“sprawlspectrum”(themostsprawlinglargeregionis
Atlanta).8
4
http://www.agencydirectory.virginia.gov/.
6
7
http://www.visitrichmondva.com/about-richmond-region/universities-colleges/.
8
http://www.forbes.com/sites/andrewbender/2014/04/14/study-reveals-americas-most-sprawling-cities-and-l-aisnt-one-of-them/.
5
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RichmondUrbanTreeUtilizationActivities
Thereareanumberofurban/municipaltreeutilizationactivitiesoccurringintheRichmond
metropolitanarea.Thefollowingsectionsummarizessomeoftheseactivities.
TreeServiceFirms/PrivateArborists
TrueTimberTreeService(http://www.truetimber.net/)isafullservicetreecareproviderbased
inRichmond.Treeremoval,stumpremoval,treepruning,andcablingandbracingareservices
providedbyTrueTimber.Thefirmemploys20+individuals(fourcrews)andincludesaplant
healthdivision.
PeterGiradi,arboristandvice-presidentofTrueTimber,said,“Ourchipsgototwomain
sources,YardworksandMulchUnlimited.Weproducefirewood,donateourbetterlogstoan
independenthaulersoastosaveclientsmoneybyreducinglabortohaullogsoutoftheiryard,
andprovideuniquepiecestolocalwoodworkers.”PeternotedthatTrueTimber’sdisposalfee
foroneyear(approximately$26,000annually)ismuchlessthanfuelandequipmentfeesfor
theyear(approximately$10,000permonth).Peteralsostated,“Thereisnotagoodnearbyfuel
market.”
TrueTimber’screws(inthefield)typicallymakethefinaldecisiononwhethertomake“logs”
(frombettertrees)fortheindependenthauler.(TheindependenthaulerchargesTrueTimbera
feepersite;thehaulerpicksuplogsfromothertreeservicefirms,andthensellssawlogsand
pulpwoodtoanindependentmill).TrueTimberoccasionallyusesahorselogger.
JamieSwensonTreeService(http://www.jamieswensontreeservice.com/)offersthetypical
servicesonemightexpectforatreeservicefirm:treeremovalandtake-downs,pruning,stump
grinding,cabling,etc.Whatsetsthistreeserviceapartfromsomanyotherservicesisthat
custommillwork,milledlumber,customfurniture,andcustombuiltlogcabinsarealsooffered.
Swensonestimatesthat60%ofthehardwoodtreesremovedbyhis4-personfirmcanbe
convertedtoavalue-addedproduct.Swensonhasfamilymembersandfriendswithsawmills
anddrykilnswhicheasestheinvestmentburdenonhisfirm.SwensonalsoownsanAlaska
chainsawwithasixfootbarforsawingslabssuchasfortabletops.
13
Figure3.JamieSwensonTreeService(PhotocourtesyofJamieSwensonTreeService)
Swensonsaidthattree/logsawingisaserviceheofferstocustomers.Hisfirmcanoftenturn
downedtreesintoproductsliketablesandothervalue-addeditems.Oneofhisfavoritestories
isaboutahomeownerthatboughtahouselargelybecauseoftheredoakinthefrontyard.
Unfortunately,astormbroughtthetreedownbutthankstoSwensonthetreeliveson.
Swensonsaid,“Wemadeaswingsetfromthetree.”
Humanitree(http://humanitreeservice.com)alsooffersthecustomarytreeservicesbut
includeslinksontheirwebsitetourbanharvesting,andthesawmillproject.Thewebsitenotes,
“Theideabehindoursawmillprojectisthatweneededamoreefficientwaytoturnremoved
treesintoaunique,localRichmondbuildingmaterial.Thewoodthatweharvestcanbemade
intopartofsomeone’shome,agardenshed,oraprizedfamilyheirloom.Italsomaybe
donatedtohighschoolwoodshopclasses,habitatforhumanity,oranyothernon-profit.”
ArborCareProfessionalTreeServiceinHanoverCountyemploysJoelKociasanarborist.Joel
currentlyworkspart-timewithVirginiaStateUniversityExtension(urbanforestry)in
Petersburg.Joelnotedthatmosthomeownersarefixedonpricesoutilizationisnotabigdeal
tothem.Hesaid,“Mostfolksgowiththelowbidder.”
Joelsaidthatthereareanabundanceofportablemillsinhisgeographicareabutnotmany
traditionalsawmills.Therearetwoportablemills(bothWood-Mizers)thattakelogsfromJoel’s
jobs;onemillownermakesfurniture.Henotedthatmostmillshave“passedthestage”of
concernoverhardwareinthelogs.
14
Joelmaintainsalistoffolkswhowantchipsfortheirgardenorotheruses.Heneverdumps
woodatalandfill,includingtheRichmond“conveniencecenter”(seebelow).Joelalsokeepsa
listofpeoplewhotakefirewood.Henoted,“Alotofwoodfrom‘take-downs’goesinto
firewood.”
Inmanycases,Joelgivesawaythewoodfromtreeremovals.Thisresultsinabetterpricefor
homeownersandagooddealforportablemillowners.Joelsaid,“Thissavestimeforme,
createslessmess,andmakesclean-upeasierontheproperty.”Healsonotedthatcuttingtrees
intolonglengthswaspreferabletobuckingintosmallerpieces.
BartlettTreeExpertswasfoundedin1907andhasnearly100officesworldwide.TheRichmond
officeismanagedbyEthanCrockett(http://www.bartlett.com/locations/Richmond-VA.cfm).
Ethansaid,“Probably75to80percentofourmaterialgoestolocalmulchcompaniesthat
operateatubgrinder.Theother20percentorsoisleftonsiteforhomeownerstouseinfire
pitsforexampleorjustleftinthewoodssincemanyofourjobstakeplaceonapropertythatis
connectedtoaforest.”Ethannotedthatallsolidwood(logs)incuratippingfee(atthemulch
site)butchips(andothernon-solidwood)incuratippingfee“sometimes”dependingonquality
ofmaterial,mulchsupplies,etc.
Ethanstressedthat“efficiencies”needtobebuiltintoutilizationefforts(forsawlogs,forex.).
HesaidthatlaborisBartlett’sbiggestcostintheRichmondofficesodrivingaroundwithalog
ortwoneedstobeeconomicallyeffective.Ethannotedthatiftransportation(Bartlettprovided)wereinvolved,hewouldlikelyneedtobepaidforlogs;ifsomeonecameon-siteto
pickuplogs,thenthematerialcouldpossiblybedonated.
TheDaveyTreeExpertCompanyismanagedbyMarkBennettinRichmond(Virginiabranch)
(http://www.davey.com/local-offices/richmond-tree-service/).Marksaidthatapproximately
95%ofDavey’swoodgoestoamulchsitewhereanyone,largeorsmalloperators,candump.
HenotedthatnoDaveywoodgoestoalandfill.
Markstressedthatwoodisadisposalissueandthatsawinglogsisnotonhis“radar.”Also,he
said,“Safetyisabigconcernwhenremovingatreesosawmillspec’ssuchasloglengtharenot
aconsiderationforus.”
ArborscapesLLC(http://www.arborscapesllc.com/)alsonoted(asabove)that95%oftheir
woodgoestoamulchsitewhereitissortedandeitherconvertedtomulchorshippedtoa
papermilland/orusedforboilerfuel(inotherwords,themulchsitesortsandsendsmaterial
toothermarkets).Atippingfeeispaidforlogsatthemulchsitebutnotforchips(Arborscapes
chipbrushandlimbswheneverpossible).ThegoalofArborscapesistodisposeofwoodas
cheaplyaspossible(thefirmwasmore“into”gradesawlogsandsuchbeforetheeconomy
crashed).LogisticsisabigissuewithArborscapesaswellasspace(storageareaformaterial).
15
WoodResidueRecyclers(Mulch)
GilliesCreekIndustrialRecycling(http://www.gilliescreek.com)inRichmond(Eastside)labels
itselfasadiversifiedcompanywithproductsandservicestomeettheneedsoftheconstruction
industry.Atthefirm’sheadquartersjustoffI-64,itacceptsstumps/brush,concrete/asphalt,
crates/palletsandwastedirt/topsoil.MudandC&D(constructionanddemolition)debrisare
acceptedatothersites.GilliesCreekhastwoprimaryproductionfacilities–awoodgrinding
plant(mulch)andaconcretecrushingplant.
Majorproductsincludelandscapeproducts(topsoil,shreddedmulch,organicfines),crushed
aggregates,andfillmaterials.Themulchiseitherdoubleortripleshredded;Gilliesalsodoes
mulchcoloring.
GilliesCreekobtainsalargevolumeoftheirrawmaterial(wood)fromlandclearers,storm
debris,etc.Themajorityoftheirsalesareinbulkquantities(wholesale).
GilliesCreekisalwayslookingfornewmarketsfortheirproducts.Also,GilliesCreekisa
memberoftheU.S.GreenBuildingCouncilandparticipatesinLEED-certifiedprojects.
YardWorks(http://yardworksva.com/)wasfoundedin2001whentwomanufacturingand
recyclingcompaniesjoinedforces.YardWorkshasacorporateofficeinMoseleyplusfour
retail,andthreerecyclinglocations,allwithinthegreaterRichmondarea.
YardWorksproductsincludegravelanddecorativestone,mulch(includingbaggedand
playgroundmaterial),sand,grassseed,strawbales,firewood,andmore.YardWorkssells
manyproductsdirectlytothepublic(retail)aswellasoperatingawholesaledivision.
YardWorksalsoofferssiteclearingandlogging.Thisincludestubandhorizontalgrindersthat
canbetakentoajobsitesuchasagolfcourse,highway,orsubdivision.
Wood(Lumber)Reclaimers
Althoughthefollowingfirmsdonotuseurbanormunicipaltrees,theirbusinessisoriented
towardsreusing(reclaiming)wood(lumber).
E.T.MooreManufacturingInc.ofRichmond,afamily-ownedbusiness,wasestablishedin1969
(http://etmoore.com/).Today,thefirmproudlyproclaimsitselfastheworld’slargestproducer
ofvintagepineproducts.
16
Figure4.E.T.MoorePhotoGallery(PhotoscourtesyofE.T.Moore)
E.T.Moore’sspecialtyissalvagingandre-millingheartpine(longleafpine)fromoldmillsand
factories.Productsincludeflooring,lumber,mouldingsandcomponents,woodbeamsand
mantels,customhomebuilding,andmore.SpeciesofferedbyE.T.Mooreinclude(inadditionto
heartpine)redcypress,spruce,hemlock,Douglasfir,andoak.
E.T.Moorehaswarehousespaceof250,000squarefeet,andstoresover2.5millionboardfeet
oflumberproducts.Thewarehouseandofficessitona30acretractofland.
TektonicsDesignGroup(http://www.tektonics.com/)isafull-servicedesignandmanufacturing
firmofferingindustrialdesign,productdevelopment,machining,fabrication,andlasermarking.
Foundedin2003,Tektonicsiscomprisedofindustrialdesigners,artists,blacksmiths,
machinists,sculptors,andtradesmen,dedicatedtocraftinguniquedesignsolutions.
OwnerandarchitectChrisHildebrandsaid,“Ourfocusnow[intermsofwood]isonheartpine
fromsalvagedbuildings.”Chrisseeshimselfasanurbantreehobbyistwhichhedescribed,“I
havetheinterest,butnotthetime.”
Chrisnotedthatthereisnotmuchcoordinationbetweenthekeyplayersinurbantree
utilizationsuchasthecity,homeowners,privatefirms,hobbyists,etc.Hesaid,“Keyequipment
isabigpartofbetterutilization.”Healsoaddedthathewouldsawtreesonsiteifheowneda
treeservicefirm.
Oneofhisrecommendationsisthatthecity(Richmond)needstomakeboards.Ifboardswere
made,Chrissaid,“ThenI’dlookatthem.”
Wellborn&Wright(http://www.wellbornwright.com/)specializesinreclaimedwoodsurfaces
(antique)includingflooring,beams,paneling,lumber,furniture,andbarnwood.Speciesinclude
oak,heartpine,chestnut,hickory,elm,cypress,redwood,Douglasfirandmore.Themajorityof
thecompany’swoodcomesfromagriculturalstructures,whiletimbers(beams)aretypically
salvagedfromindustrialfactories.
HollandRhoads,presidentofWellborn&Wright,notedthaturbantreesalvageisdoneon
occasion(walnutforex.)afteralightningstrikeorblow-down.However,hepointedoutliability
issueswhenenteringprivateproperty.Healsosaid,“Akilnisneededtodrythewood,orwe
needtoselltofolkswhohaveakiln.”
17
EcoSupplyCenter(https://www.ecosupplycenter.com/)distributesavarietyofsustainableand
highperformancebuildingmaterialsforinteriorandexteriorapplications.Thefirmgrewoutof
cabinetryandfinefurnitureshopswhichprioritizedtheuseofsustainablematerialsindesign
andfabrication.
EcoSupplywasoneofthefirstcabinetshopstobeFSCcertifiedintheU.S.,andEcoSupply’s
distributioncompanyisaFSCchainofcustodycertified.ThefirmhasLEEDAP’sandPassive
Houseconsultantsonstaff.
AnthonyBraza,EcoSupplyownerandfurnituremakersaid,“Wemostlysalvageoldbarnsfor
rawmaterial.”Brazaalsonotedthatbecauseofmetalincitytrees,“It’shardtomakemoney
salvagingtrees.”
SurfaceArchitecturalSupply(http://www.surface-supply.com/)ofRichmondisafamily
businessfoundedbyHunterandKirstenWebb.Thefirmspecializesinsourcingreclaimed
materials(wood)toproducecustomflooringandotherarchitecturalcomponents.Species
includeoak,pine,chestnut,walnut,andcherry.Muchofthereclaimedwoodcomesfrombarns
–haystorage,grainstorage,horse,cattle,etc.
HunterownsaWood-Mizerportablemill.Hesaid,“Ihavedonesomeworkforclientsontree
products,butourfocusnowisonsalvagingoldbuildings.”
Hunterstressedtheimportanceofmovingtreepartsfromoneurbanlocationtoanother.He
said,“Transportationcanbeabigdeal!Andnailsandotherhardwarecanbeaproblem.”He
alsonoted,“Idon’tknowwhotocallifIseeagoodtreemarkedforremovalbythecity.”
NicheUrbanTree-BasedBusinesses
NewEarth,LLC(http://newearthva.com)ofRichmond,isownedand
operatedbyPaulIwashchenko.NewEarthservicesinclude(1)contractor
services–specializinginhistoricrenovations–(2)realestate–buyingand
sellinghomes,and(3)additionsandremodeling.
Manufactured(wood)productsincludecustomwoodworkingand
furniture,saltandpeppermills,andbeams/boards.NewEarthworkswitha
hostofspeciesincludingash,walnut,redandwhiteoak,poplar,beech,
birchandcherry.Landscapingbouldersandrocksarealsosold.
NewEarthhasaboutadozenemployeesandhasbeeninvolvedin
harvestingtrees,cuttingwood,makingproducts,etc.formorethan8
years.NewEarthhasitsownsawmillandproducesproductstofitthe
Figure5.New
Earth,LLC.
(Photocourtesyof
NewEarth,LLC.)
18
needsofthecustomer(beamsforexample).Paulsaid,“I’vegottenlogsfromtheCityandalso
fromtreeserviceguys.”
CitiwoodisownedandoperatedbyEdBath.Ed’snicheismakingandmarketing“taphandles”
forbreweries–RichmondtoTexastoCalifornia.Heusesfallentreesforhisproductswhich
includetastingpaddlesandfurniture.Edusesallspeciesofwood(althoughpineandwalnutare
NOThighonhislistbecauseofengravingissues).Hesometimesworkswitharboristsin
obtaininglogsforhisprojectsbutbecauseofthesmallsizeofhisrawmaterialuse,heisnot
dependentonthem.Edsaid,“ThepotentialforusingfallenurbantreesinRichmondis
exceptional.”
Edhastwodrykilns–asolarandaNyle–twolaserengravers,aLucasportablemill,anda
lathe.Healsomakeswoodenplaquesandotherproductsbutfoundthathisnichewastap
handles.InRichmond,Ed’sworkcanbeseenattheHardywoodParkCraftBrewery(HPCB).He
alsopartnerswithanotherlocalcraftsperson(useroffallentreesalso)whomakesfurniturefor
localrestaurantsandwhohastheequipmenttotransportlargelogs.
HPCBrecentlypurchasedlandinGoochlandCountyandaskedCitiwoodtouserecycledtreesto
helpinconstructionofthebrewery.Inadditiontotaphandles,CitiwoodwillbesupplyingHPCB
withbeams,flooring,furniture,signsandmore.
RichardO’DellisagraduateofVirginiaTechinBlacksburg,VA.RichardhasaBakerportable
dieselmillequippedwithhydraulics.Hedescribeshisoperationasa“hobbybusiness.”Richard
hasusedurbanlogsinthepastbutnotesthatheis“picky”whenitcomestosawinglogs.
Richardstates,“Ineverpayforurbanlogssincetheyoftenhaveforeignobjectsinthem.Evena
hand-heldmetaldetectorisnotgoodenoughformesincesometimesalogwillhaveanail
buriedmorethansixinches.
Occasionally,atreeservicefirmdropslogsat/nearRichard’smill.Thisisa“noout-of-pocket
expense”forbothparties.
JamisonHenleyhasasmallbusinessthathasfoundanicheintheRichmondarea.Jamisonhas
onelogtruck(approximatecapacityof18,000lbs.)andoneforklift.Hechargestreeservice
firms($150/site)toremovesawlogandpulpwood-sizematerialfromtheirworksite.Jamison
thentrucksandresellsthematerialtoathirdparty.
Jamisonsaid,“Mylogsgotothepaperindustry.WhateverspeciesIdeliver–oak,pine,maple,
gumforinstance–thepapermilltakesitall.”
19
PowerPlants/PaperMills
TheHopewellPowerStationisa51MWbiomass-fueledelectricgenerationfacilitylocated
about25milesfromRichmond.Originallydesignedtousecoal,DominionVirginiaPower
convertedthestationtobiomassin2013.Thefuelisprimarilywoodwasteleftbehindinthe
forestbytheloggingprocess.Someurbanwood(trees)areusedasfuel(obtainedfrom
Richmondareaprivatearborists).
AccordingtoRandyFieldsattheHopewellStation(https://www.dom.com/corporate/what-wedo/electricity/generation/biomass/hopewell-power-station)thefirstorderofbusiness(asfaras
sellingmaterialtotheHopewellplant)istobeset-upasaboilerfuelsupplier.Second,achipper
orgrinder(canbeexpensive!)isneededtoconverttreesintoauseableform.Lastly,an18wheelerisneededtotransportanddumpthematerial(theHopewellplantissetuptoaccept
tractortrailerloadsonly).Alltreespeciesareacceptedandthewoodmustbefreeofdirt,
plasticandothercontaminants.PalletsareNOTaccepted.Currentdeliveredprice,asofApril
2015,isabout$22-$23perton.
BearIslandPaperCompanyinAshland,Virginiahasasporadicneedforboilerfuelatdifferent
timesoftheyear(contactScottRickettsat804-393-1125).Chipsizeis4-5inchesmaximum(a
standardchippershouldprovidepropersizing).AsnotedwiththeHopewellStation(above),
truckstransportingchipsare18-wheelers.Trucksdisconnectbeforeunloadingandtheentire
trailerisliftedanddumped;consequently,smalltrucks/vanscannotdelivertoBearIsland.
CityofRichmond/CommunityProjects
Richmond’sUrbanForestryDivisionishousedintheDepartmentofPublicWorks.TheCityof
RichmondhasbeenaTreeCityUSAforover20consecutiveyears.TheUrbanForestryDivision
hasapproximatelyeightmaintenancepersonnelandtwoarborists(downfromfourarboristsin
thepast).Theleadarborist/cityforesterisLukeMcCall.Tree“climbing”andmanyother
maintenancefunctionsarecontractedtoprivatefirmsduetostaffingissues.Approximately
$600,000peryearispaidtooutsidefirmsfortreemaintenancework.ThemajorityofCitytree
removalsaregroundformulch.
Richmond’sUrbanForestry(UF)DivisionhasfourPrentissloadersplusafifththathasbeen
modifiedtoworkintandemwithastumpgrinder.Aswithmanycommunitiesaroundthe
country,safetyisabigissueinRichmond.Afterastormevent,openingstreets,clearingpower
lines,etc.,bytheUFDivision,takesprecedenceovertraditionaltreeutilization(logsalesfor
example).Anestimateof99%oftheUFDivision’streeandbrushremovalsisdumped(no
tippingfee)attheCity’s“ConvenienceSite”(operatedbyRichmond’sSolidWasteDivision);the
materialisgroundintomulch.
20
TheCityofRichmondparticipatesinProjectWARM(WoodAssociationoftheRichmond
MetropolitanArea).TheSalvationArmyandJC’sarealsoactiveintheproject.ProjectWARM
providesfirewoodtoneedyindividuals(identifiedbytheSalvationArmy).TheCitybuckslogs
intofirewoodsizeandthenvolunteerssplitanddeliverthewood.Althoughaworthwhile
effort,ProjectWARMcanbeadrainontheUFDivision’stimeandresources.Also,inrecent
years,theCityisnotremovingasmanytreesperyearthatqualifyforthisprogram.
Richmond’sSolidWaste(SW)Divisionoperatesagreenwastedump,referredtoasthe
“ConvenienceSite.”Thissiteisfree(notippingfee)andisfortheuseofprivatecitizensaswell
astheSWandUFDivisions.Onceayearormore,theSWDivisionhiresatubgrindertoconvert
thetrees,limbsandsoforthintoamulch-typeproduct.Thegroundmaterialisthentrucked
off-site.
DuringarecentstormthathittheRichmondarea,theConvenienceSitewasdesignatedby
FEMAasacollectionpointfortrees,limbs,etc.Othersitesinthearea—suchasright-of-ways
andopenfields—werealsodeemedappropriatebyFEMAascollectionpoints.
Non-Profits/VirginiaGovernmentOffices
TheCityofRichmondUrbanForestryCommissionisavolunteerandadvisorygroupchairedby
AndreaAlmond,aLandscapeArchitectwith3north.Thecitycouncilandmayorappointedthe
Commissionin2010.OneoftheCommission’srolesistoserveasaliaisonbetweenprivate
citizensandtheDepartmentofPublicWorks/DivisionofUrbanForestry.TheUrbanForestry
Commissionhasbeenastrongadvocateforforestryandtree-relatedprojectsinRichmond.
(See:http://www.richmondgov.com/commissionurbanforestry/index.aspx).
RichmondTreeStewards(http://richmondtreestewards.org/about-us/)hasbeenanactive
organizationsince2007whenthedormantgroupwasrevived.Thegroupworkscloselywith
theCityofRichmondUrbanForestryDivisiontoplanprojects,eventsandclassesconsistent
withthemissiontocarefortheurbanforestandprovideeducation.Sampleactivitiesofthe
TreeStewardsincludewateringtrees,pruningprojects,mulching,andtreeplanting.
TheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry(DOF)http://www.dof.virginia.gov/isheadquarteredin
Charlottesville.PaulRevellleadstheUrbanForestryprogramforVirginia.Inadditionto
providingoverallcoordinationandleadershipfortheRichmondproject(thisstudy),Paulhas
establishedanUrbanForestStrikeTeamprogramtodocument—followingamajorstorm
event—existingpublicpropertytreesneededforFEMAreimbursement.
CharlieBeckeristheUtilization&MarketingForesterfortheDOF.Charlie,likePaul,has
statewideresponsibilityforhisareaofexpertise.Charlieisthe“go-toguy”inVirginiaregarding
primaryandsecondarymills/woodproducers(loggers,timberbuyers,sawmills,pulpandpaper
mills,pelletplants,specialtywoodmills,etc.).Charlieoverseesagranttitled“Addressing
21
OpportunitiesandIssuestoDevelopServiceProvidersandWoodProductsfromInterfaceand
Urban/UrbanizingAreas.”CharliehascontractedwithVirginiaTechtodothesurveyand
analysisofthebarrierstoutilizationofinterfaceandurbanwoodthroughoutVirginia(plus
NorthCarolinaandGeorgia).
TheVirginiaDepartmentofTransportation(DOT)isdividedintoninedistrictsacrossthe
Commonwealth.EachdistricthasaRoadsideManagerthatoverseestreeplanting,tree
removal,etc.intheirjurisdiction(multiplecounties).TheRichmondRoadsideManagerisChris
Terrywhooversees14counties.Chrisisanarboristbytrainingandhastwoarboriststhat
reporttohim.
TheDOTcontractsouttheirworktoprivatefirmsfortreeremoval.TheDOTdoesn’thaveany
equipment(chippersforex.)sotheirresponsibilitiesincludedraftingcontractsandmonitoring
work.Contractsaretypicallywrittensothatanywoodgeneratedontheworksitebecomesthe
propertyofthecontractor(oftenthecontractorisatreeservicefirm).Thecontractor,inturn,
isfreetousethewoodforanylegalpurpose.Sometimesacontractiswritten(sitespecific)so
mulch(woodchips)mustbedeliveredtotheroad-killcompostyardnearNewKent,eastof
Richmond(thewoodchipsaremixedwithroad-killanimalstoproducecompostthatishighly
demandedforuseasasoilamendment).
RelatedBusinesses
WoodcraftofRichmond(http://www.woodcraft.com/stores/store.aspx?id=325)isdedicatedto
thewoodworkinghobbyistandcontractor.Wood,finishingsupplies,andtoolsandequipment
aresomeoftheproductsofferedintheGlenAllenstore.Also,thefirmstocks3,000boardfeet
ofkilndriedlumber,providesmeetingspaceforfourwoodturninggroups,hostsnumerous
workshopsincludingwoodworkingfundamentalsandlatheturning,andhasanupcyclingand
repurposingprojectareathatfocusesonreusingpallets,olddoors,whiskeybarrelsandother
lumberproducts.
SummaryofUrbanTreeUtilizationintheRichmondArea
TheaboveoverviewofRichmondandsamplingofitscurrenttreeutilizationactivitiesleadto
thefollowingobservations:
• Innovativeandentrepreneurialtreeservicefirms(privatearborists)existinthe
Richmondarea–Logsawing,furniture-making,andcustommillworkareafewofthe
products/servicesofferedbysometreeservicefirms.
• Alargepercentageoftreetake-downs(includinglimbs,brush,etc.)bytreeservicefirms
endupasmulchand/oraredivertedfromlandfills–Itappearsthatmulchlocations
(drop-offsitesfortreeresidue)serveasdistributionyards(orpotentialdistribution
yards)forothermarketssuchaspulpandpaper,boilerfuel,etc.
22
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fuelexpenses(relatedtotransportation),equipmentcosts,laborcosts,anddisposal
fees,alongwithstoragespacefortreematerials,hinderenhancedurbantreeutilization
–Thisisespeciallytrueamongtreeservicefirms.The“efficiencies”ofenhancedurban
andcommunitytreeutilizationarecriticaltosuccess.
TreedisposalcostsareNOTnecessarilythelargestcost(financialburden)of
organizationsthatremoveurbantrees–Asnotedabove,itemssuchaslabor,
equipmentandfuelcanbeverycostly.
Themulchindustry(woodresiduerecyclers)islargeintheRichmondarea–Manyofthe
largertreeservicefirmssendthemajorityoftheirtreestothemulchindustry.This
observationfitswiththepatternofagrowingpopulationbase(morehomes,
businesses,etc.)thatneed/wantmulchandrelatedproducts.Understandingthemulch
industryappearstobekeyinbetterunderstandingurbantree(wood)flowinthe
Richmondarea.
BoilerfuelisapotentialmarketfortheRichmondarea–However,thedirectcostsof
engaginginsuchamarketareenormous(tubgrinders,18-wheelers,etc.).Partners
(collaborators)areneeded(likely)totapintothismarket.
TheCityofRichmondisinvolvedininnovativeprogramslikeProjectWARMandthe
ConvenienceSite-AnunderstaffedDepartmentofPublicWorks,UrbanForestryDivision
(2arborists),however,hindersadditionalcreativeprogramsbeyondday-to-day
activities.
Historicpreservation,renovationandtheuseofreclaimedlumberissignificantinthe
Richmondarea–Manyfirmsspecializeinthisindustrynicheincludingbuilders,lumber
reclaimers,architectsandmore.
NichebusinessesrelatedtourbantreeutilizationexistintheRichmondarea–Included
inthesenichebusinessesaresawmillersandtreematerialaggregatorsthatdeliver
productstovariousend-users.
ThereisstrongadvocacyforurbanforestryprogramsamongRichmondareanon-profits
andgovernmentalagencies-Thesegroupshavealsobeenintheforefrontofpushing
forenhancedurbantreeutilization.
Enhancedcoordinationamongkeyplayersisneeded–Thisincludesnotonlyidentifying
thekeyplayersbutprovidingaforumforkeyplayerstoexplaintheirpoints-of-view,
servicesandproductsoffered,identificationofmarkets,etc.Theupshotofthis
observationisthata“leader”isneeded,especiallyonethatcanbridgethegapbetween
privateandpublicsectors.
Additionalaggregatorsareneeded–Mostorganizations(privateorpublic)arenotin
thebusinessofaprofit-centeredurbantreeutilizationproject.Consequently,thereisa
needforadditionalaggregators(and/orcollectionsites)oftreematerial(logs,limbs,
brush,etc.).Theseaggregators,inturn,cansortandmarketthematerial(s).
23
PartII
WhatisanIndustryorBusinessCluster?
Thissectionofthereportintroducestheconceptofindustryclusters,outlinestheresearchbasedclusteringredientsforsuccess,anddescribestheclusteringcomponentsofurbantree
utilizationintheRichmondmetropolitanarea.Recommendationsforstartingorexpanding
urbantreeutilizationactivitiesonacommunity-widebasisareoffered.
Fromadefinitionalstandpoint,industryclustersaregroupsoffirmsand/ororganizations
locatedwithinadefinedgeographicregionwhohavedevelopedcooperativelinkswithone
anotherthroughvalueandsupplychains,labor,anduseofsimilarinputs,technology,and
complementaryproducts.Anotherwayofthinkingaboutthisconcept,isthataclusterisany
instanceofcloselylocated(i.e.,geographicproximity)andcloselyalignedoperations(i.e.,high
frequencyornumberoftransactions,orcloselyrelatedproductlines).Foraclustertoflourish,
itisnecessarythatthepartiesinvolvedreceiveamutualbenefit.
Clusterscanbeformallyorganizedthroughtradeassociations,buyersgroups,orcooperatives,
ordevelopedthroughaninformalmanner(e.g.viafriends,families,orneighbors).Some
clustersaredevelopedintentionallythroughgovernmentinterventionoractionsbya
developmentagency,whileothersevolveasaresultoflocalentrepreneursthatdiscover,and
seize,newmarketopportunities.
Abenefitofclustersisthattheyoftenprovidebenefitsofefficiency,enhancedproductivity,and
greaterresiliencetomembersduetothesynergiesandrelationshipstheysupport.Onthe
downside,clustershavebeenknowntocreateconditionsofco-dependence,whichcanlimit
anyindividualparticipant’sabilitytoinnovate.Interdependencecanalsocontributetothe
quickdemiseofenterprisesduetosignificantchangesineconomic,social,orenvironmental
conditions.
Examplesofwell-knownclustersthroughouttheU.S.includethehightechnology-oriented
(computer)industryinSiliconValley,California;theautomotiveindustryinandaround
southernMichigan;9themovieproductionindustryinandaroundHollywood;andtheResearch
TriangleParkclusterinNorthCarolina.Onasmallerscale,wood-basedclustersincludethe
AmishfurnitureindustryinHolmesCounty,Ohio;theForestIndustryParkinLadysmith,
Wisconsin;andthewoodenboatclusterinPortTownsend,Washington.
9
TheautoindustryhasbeenoneofthemostrecognizedindustryclustersintheU.S.Fordecades,hundredsof
firmsclusteredaroundthiscoreindustrytoprovidesupportingservicesandproduct.Today,someofthe
shortcomingsofclusterscanbeillustratedwithinthisindustrysector.
24
Types of Clusters
There are four descriptive categories of clusters.
•
Marshallian clusters are typically local small and medium-sized companies that
trade their products and services with other cluster members.
•
Hub and spoke clusters include one or several large companies serving as
anchor companies interacting with numerous small suppliers.
•
Satellite platform clusters consist of large companies with multiple branch
locations that act independently.
•
State anchored clusters are based on an anchoring institution such as a
university, government agency or military installation.
IngredientsforaSuccessfulCluster
In2008,theU.S.EndowmentforForestryandCommunitiescommissionedastudytoexamine
thestatusof,andopportunitiesfor,businessclusteringwithintheU.S.forestproductssector
andothercloselyalignedsectors.10Oneoftheoutcomesofthisstudywasasummaryand
descriptionofingredientsforasuccessfulindustrycluster.Theingredientsforsuccessinclude:11
ü Feasibilityanalysis
ü Education,technicalandresearchsupport
ü Supportivegovernmentactionsincludingfinancialgrants
ü Supportingandcomplementaryindustries
ü Entrepreneurshipandinnovation
ü Accesstorawmaterials,marketsandtransportationnetworks
ü Leadership,commitmentandcollaboration
ü Businessclimate
10
ThecompletereportisavailableattheU.S.Endowmentwebsite:http://www.usendowment.org/.Anadditional
summaryreportisavailablefromDovetailPartnersat:http://www.dovetailinc.org/reports/ForestBased+Economic+Clusters_n300?prefix=%2Freports.
11
Becauseclusterscaninitiallyformandgrowindifferentways(viaentrepreneurship,governmentintervention,
cooperatives,etc.)theelementsoringredientsforsuccesscanvaryfromtheabovelistandincludeother
ingredientssuchasprivatefinancing(privateinvestment),laborresources,andoverallinfrastructureincluding
availabilityofutilities,buildings,buildingsites,workforce,etc.
25
Inanygivencluster,certainingredientswillbemoreimportantorcriticalforsuccessthan
others.Forexample,entrepreneurshipandinnovationmightbethecriticalingredientfora
businesspersondevelopinganewproductinanuntappedmarketwhichcanleadtoawaveof
similarindustriesinageographicregion.Likewise,leadership,commitmentandcollaboration
spearheadedbyachampion(individualorgroup)areoftenvitaltojump-startaclustersuchas
inthecaseofanindustrialparkdevelopment.Regardlessofthecriticalkeytosuccess,most
successfulindustryclusterswillexhibitmost,ifnotall,oftheaboveingredientsduringtheir
developmentandinitialexpansion.
TheClusterModelAppliedtotheRichmondMetropolitanAreaUrban
TreeUtilization
Thefollowingsectionhighlightstheaboveingredientsforsuccesswithabriefexplanationofthe
ingredient(element)adaptedfromtheU.S.Endowmentreport(initalics).Thisexplanationis
followedbyadescriptionofactivitiesrelatedtothecityofRichmond(andgreatermetropolitan
area)urbantreeutilization.
FeasibilityAnalysis
Afeasibilityanalysisservesasastartingpointforactivitiesleadingtothedevelopmentofnew,
orexpansionofexisting,businessclusters.Tocapturemarketpotential,theanalysisshould
includeassessmentofaregion’seconomicconditions,rawmaterialsupply,laborresources,
existinginfrastructure,potentialmarketsanddevelopmentopportunities—includingtypesof
newindustriesthatwouldcomplementexistingfirms.
Thereexistanumberofstatewideassessmentsorfeasibilityanalysesthatincludeurbanand
communityforestry.OneexampleistheVirginiaStatewideAssessmentofForestResources
(www.dof.virginia.gov/print/aboutus/2010-State-Assessment.pdf).Otherexamplesincludeurbanand
communityforestrystudiesconductedforRoanoke,Radford,andFairfaxCounty(seereferencesatend
ofreport).AstreettreeassessmentforRichmond(andahostofothercommunities)wasconductedby
VirginiaTechusingthei-TreeStreetsmodeldevelopedbytheUSDAForestService
(http://urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/STREETS/reports.html).Noneofthesestudieshowever,investigated
urbanandcommunitytreeutilization.
26
Education,TechnicalandResearchSupport
Education,technicalandresearchsupportisimportantforthegrowthofabusinesscluster.The
roleofpublicandprivateuniversities,communityandtechnicalcolleges,publicagencyoutreach
programs,andtrainingactivitiessponsoredbytradeorganizationsarevital.
Asnotedearlierinthisreport,theRichmondareaishometo10collegesanduniversities.Many
ofthesepost-secondaryschoolshaveoutreachprogramsand/orservenon-traditional(older)
students.Thereisalsoamixofprivate,public,communityandtechnicalschoolsamong
Richmond’scollegesanduniversities.
WoodcraftofRichmond,asoneexample,isaprivatefirmthatteacheswoodworkingand
relatedskillstoavarietyofaudiences.Providingmeetingspaceandservingashostto
establishedgroups(woodturners)areotherservicesoffered.
ExpoRichmond(EastCoastLoggingandEquipmentExposition)isabi-annualeventthatattracts
exhibitorsandvisitorsfromaroundthenation(http://www.exporichmond.com/index.html).
Theexpositionincludesfirmsspecializinginloggingequipment,sawmills,sawblades,chain
saws,conveyorsandlogsplitters,shreddingmachineryanddebarkers,forestrytools,trucks
andtrailers,lumberdryers,insurance,andmore.Education/technicalsessionsarealsooffered
duringtheevent.
Nearby,CharlottesvilleisheadquartersfortheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry,Urban&
CommunityForestryprogram(http://www.dof.virginia.gov/forestry/community/index.htm),
theVirginiaNaturalResourcesLeadershipInstitute(http://www.virginia.edu/ien/vnrli/),and
theGreenInfrastructureCenter(http://www.gicinc.org/index.htm).Thelatterhasdevelopeda
GIS-basedmapofRichmond’semptycitylots(possiblesitesforlogyards).
27
SupportiveGovernmentActionsincludingGrants
Government—local,regional,orfederal—oftenplaysakeyroleinclusterdevelopmentand/or
expansion.Insomeinstances,publicdollarsorhumanresourcesareneededtojumpstarta
clusterinitiative.Inothers,governmentcancontributebyassistingstrugglingclustersregain
lostmomentumanddirection.
TheVirginiaUrbanForestCouncil(TreesVirginia)isaStateandFederal501©(3)non-profit
organizationbasedinCharlottesville(http://www.treesvirginia.org/).Themissionofthe
Council/TreesVirginiaistoenhancethequalityoflifethroughstewardshipofVirginia’surban
andcommunitytrees.Foundedin1990,andincorporatedin1991,theorganizationreceived
seedfundsfromtheUSDAForestService,andissupportedbytheVirginiaDepartmentof
Forestry.12
OneoftheoutreacheffortsbytheUrbanForestCouncil/TreesVirginiaistheTreeStewards
program.TreeStewards(ninegroupsstatewide)aretrainedcommunityvolunteerswho
provideclasses,educationalprograms,andprojectsintheircommunities.ThecityofRichmond
hasanactiveTreeStewardsprogram(http://richmondtreestewards.org/).
TheUrbanForestryCommissionwasestablishedbytheRichmondCityCounciltohelpimprove
theCity’surbanforestryresourcesthroughpolicy,development,fundraising,advice,and
education(http://www.richmondgov.com/commissionurbanforestry/index.aspx).The
Commissionmeetsmonthlytoachievethesegoals,andservesasanadvisorybodytothe
DepartmentofPublicWorksandtheRichmondCityCouncil.
SupportingandComplementaryIndustries
Businessclustersoftenprovidebenefitsofefficiency,enhancedproductivity,andgreater
resiliencytomembersduetothesynergiesandrelationshipstheysupport.
Therearevariousindustries(largeandsmall)thateitherdirectlyorindirectlysupportone
anotherregardingurbantreeutilizationintheRichmondarea.Oneexamplearetreeservice
firmsthatpayanindependentcontractortoremovewoodfromtheirworksite;thecontractor
thenresellsthematerialtoatraditionalforestproductsindustryforpulpwoodand/orsaw
logs.Anotherexampleiswhereatreeservicefirmdumpsmaterialatamulchsite;thematerial
(logs,limbs,brush,etc.)isseparatedintovariousproductcategoriesandtheneitherconverted
tomulchorsenttoothermarkets.Athirdexampleiswheretreeservicefirmsdeliverlogstoan
individualwhocraftstheloginto(say)afurniturepiece.Alloftheseactivitiesareexamplesof
supportingandcomplementaryindustries.Thisconnectioniskeytoclusterdevelopmentand
success.
12
SupportisalsoreceivedfromtheMid-AtlanticChapteroftheInternationalSocietyofArboriculture,andthe
AmericanGrove.
28
EntrepreneurshipandInnovation
Entrepreneurialthinkingbytheleadershipofclusterbusinesses,governmentsandsupporting
organizationsiscrucialtosuccess.Entrepreneurshipisinstrumentalinhelpingidentifyniche
markets,stimulatinginnovativeness,andindevelopingcompetitiveadvantage.
Entrepreneurshipandinnovationcandevelopinmanysizesandforms.Infact,thedifferent
methodsandapproachesemployedbyentrepreneursandinnovatorsisastrengthofthis
businessclusterkeyingredient.Thefollowingexamplesillustratethiskeyingredient.
Asnotedearlierinthisreport,someRichmondareatreeservicefirmsofferproductsand
servicesthatsetthemapartfromtypicaltreeservicefirms.Offeringsincludelogsawing(milled
lumber),custommillwork,customcabinets,HabitatforHumanitylumber,shedconstruction,
andmore.
HistoricalWoodsofAmerica(HWA)(http://humanitreeservice.com),althoughnotbasedin
Richmond,hasturnedRichmondtreesintoreclaimedproductsaboveandbeyondfirewoodand
mulch.HWA,basedinWoodford,VA,southofFredericksburg,usesdownedtreesortimbers
fromhistoricsitesandreclaimsthemaswritinginstruments,furniture,artwork,sculpture,
historicalmemorabilia,flooring,architecturalmoldingsandrawtimber.
Historicpreservationandrenovation(usingreclaimedlumber)isespeciallystronginRichmond,
dueinparttoitsclosetoproximitytoWilliamsburg.Asmentionedabove,manyRichmond
firmsareengagedinthisbusinessventure(examplesincludeE.T.Moore,Tektonics,Wellborn&
Wright,EcoSupply,SurfaceArchitecturalSupply,andNewEarth).
Alloftheaboveexamplesillustratethatentrepreneurshipandinnovationisaliveandwellin
theRichmondarea.
AccesstoRawMaterials,MarketsandTransportationNeeds
Accesstorawmaterials(inputs)andmarketsiscrucialtoclusterdevelopmentandlong-term
viability.Adependableflowofrawmaterialsandstablemarketsforproductsandservicesare
keytosustainableclusters.Anadequatetransportationinfrastructureisneededtoensure
accesstorawmaterialsandmarkets.
OnetreeserviceinRichmondestimatedthattheareaislikelyhometo100ormoretreeservice
firms.TheCityofRichmondremovesapproximately1,000-1,200treesperyear.Richmondis
alsoasprawlingcommunity,gobblingupchunksoftree-coveredlandfornewhomes,industrial
sites,androads.Allofthesefactorsguaranteeaconstantsupplyofrawmaterial(trees).
TheexpandingpopulationoftheRichmondareabodeswellformarketsasthepotential
customerbasegrows.Consequently,marketsforlandscapematerialssuchasmulchand
29
compost,lumber,specialtywoodproducts,etc.,shouldremainstrong.Producersofurban
woodproductscanadvertise,sell,anddistributetheiritemstoalargeandgrowingpopulation.
Richmondisatthecrossroadsoftwointerstatehighways(I-64andI-95)whichassistinmoving
rawmaterialsandproductstomarketinarelativelyefficientmanner.13Also,aninternational
airportisconvenientlylocatedinRichmond.
Leadership,CommitmentandCollaboration
Leadershipbyathirdparty(industry,non-profitorganization,publicentity,etc.)isoftenneeded
tocoordinateactivitiesofstakeholdersinvolvedindevelopingabusinesscluster.Anumbrella
organizationcanhelpclusterbusinessesandorganizationsidentifynichemarkets,assistwith
workforcetraininganddevelopment,seekfinancialresources,improvenetworkingamong
clustermembers,educatebusinessesaboutthebenefitsofclustering,andgainpoliticalsupport
forthecluster.Itisimportantthatclusterstakeholders,representingindustry,government,and
supportingorganizationsworktogethertocreatealong-termvisionfortheclusteranduse
strategiesandpoliciesthatsupportclusterdevelopment.
Twogroupsstand-outasprovidingleadershipforenhancedutilizationoptionsforRichmond
areaurbantrees.First,theUrban&CommunityForestryprogramwithintheVirginia
DepartmentofForestryhasprovidedleadershiptonotonlyRichmond,buttotheentirestatein
theformoffinancialgrants,co-sponsoringofevents,andotherformsofsupport.Second,the
localgroupinRichmondthathasspearheadedeffortsrelatingtourbantreeutilization
(specifically,thisgrant)istheUrbanForestryCommission(UFC).TheUFCisaninterdisciplinary
groupcomprisedofninevotingmembers,threemembersappointedbythemayorandsix
appointedbytheCityCouncil.
TheVADOFUrban&CommunityForestryprogramandtheUrbanForestryCommissionworkin
acollaborativefashionwithmanyentitiestoaccomplishtheirgoals.Also,bothgroupsarevery
committedtotheidealsofastrongurbanforestryprograminRichmond.
BusinessClimate
Asupportivebusinessenvironmentiscrucialtothedevelopmentandstrengthofbusiness
clusters.
Urbantreeutilizationisessentiallyarecyclingactivitysincetreeremovalsaredivertedfromthe
wastestreamintousefulproducts.Sincerecyclingistypicallyconsideredagreenactivity,the
utilizationofdiscardedurbantreesisrecognizedasagreenbehavior.TheCityofRichmond
hostsanumberofgreenactivitiesonanannualbasis(see:
http://www.visitrichmondva.com/events/greenevents/).
13
Interstate85also‘funnels’intoRichmondonthesouthsideoftheCity.
30
TheCityofRichmondofferscurbsiderecycling.Recyclableitemssuchasnewspapers,mixed
paper,aluminumcans,etc.canbemixedtogetherinahomeowner’srecyclingbin.FourdropoffrecyclingcentersintheCitycanbeusedbyapartmentcomplexesandbusinesses.
TheSustainabilityParknearChester(southofRichmond)isanexampleofforwardminded
thinkingrelatingtotheenvironment(http://www.thesustainabilitypark.com/index.htm).
Foundedin2006,theeco-industrialparkisacollectionofmanufacturersprovidinggreenjobs
andnewtechnologiesincludingrenewableenergy.Tenants’servicesincludeLEEDcertification,
biomassproduction,logistics,warehousing,C&D(constructionanddemolition)processing,
retailandcommunityoutreach.
Astheaboveexamplesdemonstrate,thebusinessclimateintheRichmondareasupportsgreen
activities.Therefore,urbantreeutilizationwillbenefitfromthison-goingbehavior.
RecommendationsforAdvancingUrbanTreeUtilizationClusteringin
theRichmondArea
Thefollowingrecommendationsareofferedinnoparticularorder.However,the
recommendationsarebasedonnumerouspersonalinterviews,site-visits,observations,past
experiencesinworkingwithurbantreeutilizationclusters,andreviewofpublicdocuments.
•
Conductafeasibilitystudy-Thisisthestartingpointforadvancingtheideaofbusiness
clusteringasitrelatestourbantreeutilization.Afeasibilitystudyshouldincludea
comprehensiveinventoryoftreeremovals,includingleaves,limbsandbranches(tree
pruningresidue),andacategorizationoftheseremovals(sawlogquality,pulpwood,
firewood,etc.).TheprotocolusedinsoutheastMichiganisamodelworthadopting
and/oradjustingfortheRichmondarea(MacFarlane2007).
•
Evaluatetheoverallbusinessclimateintermsofeconomicconditions,existing
infrastructure,laborresourcesandotherfactors-Thiseffortcanbeincludedinthe
feasibilitystudyiftimeandresourcespermit;ifnot,aseparateanalysisshouldbe
conducted.Strategiesthat“makeitpay”tobetterutilizeurbantreesshouldbecarefully
examined.Sometimesa“makeitpay”or“makeabuck”messageisquicklydismissed
whenaproducer(say,atreeservicebusiness)contemplatestheadditionalexpenses
thathis/herfirmmightincurtobetterutilizetrees(bigger/longertrucks,portablemill,
dryingcapabilities,etc.).Anothermethodofdescribingthisissueistotalkintermsof
“cost-avoidance.”Allfirms,bigorsmall,urbantreeutilizersornon-utilizers,canrelate
tothemessageofcost-avoidance.Sincetreeservicefirms(asanexample)arenotinthe
businessofmakingwoodproductsorsalvagingtreeparts,theconceptof“costavoidance”mightbeaneasiersellthanscenariosdescribingaprofit-centerfromtree
utilization.
31
Apubliceducationcampaign(tiedintorecyclingawarenessandthegreenmovement)
andcoupledwithbettermarketsforurbantreeproductsisneededintheRichmond
area.Forexample,recyclingmessages(whetherinsuburbannewspapers,billboards,
radioortelevisionads,etc.)shouldincludeurbantreesinalistofrecyclableitemssuch
asaluminumcans,mixedpaper,andnewspapers.Thesameistrueforthe“buylocal”
movement–lumberandlumberproductsinadditiontomulch,compost,andfirewood
–shouldbetoutedasaproductthatcanbeproducedintheRichmondarea.Tying
urbantreeutilizationintotheexistingreclaimedlumbermovementisastrategythat
shouldbeinvestigated.
Since“lackofspace”and“transportationcosts”werecommonthemesundermining
innovativeurbantreeutilization,anideaistolocatetreedrop-offpoints(yardswith
freeorreducedtippingfees)aroundtheRichmondarea.Thesepublic/privateyards
couldbecomeutilizationcenters(hubs)forlogsortingandsales,logsawing,etc.(a
personwithexperienceinoperatingalogyardshouldoverseethiseffort).Existing
disposallocations,suchasmulchsites,shouldbecontactedfirsttodiscusstheprosand
consofsuchastrategy.Also,siteswithinthecityofRichmond(GreenInfrastructure
Centerstudy)andEPAbrownfieldsitesshouldbeconsideredaspossiblelocationsfor
logyards.
•
Collaboratewithstakeholdersfromindustry,governmentandsupportingindividualsand
organizations-Thekeyistogetbuy-infromvariousstakeholdersanddevelopavision
forutilizationofurbantreesincludingnext-stepsandactionitems.Itisimportantthat
stakeholderssharekeyinformationwithoneanother(withoutdivulgingcompanyor
organizationalsecrets).Storagespaceandtransportationcosts(asnotedabove),
equipment,tippingfees,etc.aresomeoftheissuesthatneedtobe“onthetable”for
meaningfulcollaborationtotakeplace.Differentstakeholdersoftenhavedifferent
“issues”sobettercommunicationisneededbetweenthegroups(forthebettermentof
everyone).
•
Selectaleadertocoordinateactivities,facilitatedevelopmentandgainpolicysupport-
Theleaderorchampiondoesnotnecessarilyhavetopossessautilizationbackground
butshouldstronglysupporttheutilizationeffortandshouldhavetheability(andtime!)
tousehisorherpositionto“rallythetroops.”Alocalandrespectedurbanforestry
leadercouldfillthisrole.
•
Securefunding-Financialresources,bothprivateandpublic,areimportanttosupport
feasibilitystudies,technologydevelopment,workforcetraining,capitalinvestment,
appliedresearchandotherprojectcomponents.Fundingsourcescanincludenational,
state,orlocal.Programsdirectedatwoodutilizationandurbanforestryeffortsare
obviousavenuesforobtainingfundingbutbroad-basedrecyclinggrants,smallbusiness
loans,andbio-basedenergyprograms(asexamples)canalsoprovidedirectfinancial
supportforurbantreeutilization.
32
•
Focusoneducationandengagementofentrepreneurialthinkingandinnovation-
Supportthecreationofapositionwiththeassigneddutiesof‘urbanwoodutilization’
eitherforRichmondorinastatewidecapacity(perhapsbasedinCharlottesville).A
personinthiscapacitycanefficientlyfocusoneducationandtrainingopportunitiesfor
arborists(logmanufacturing,grading,transport,etc.),assistandencouragestart-up
urbanwoodbusinesses,conductutilization-basedfeasibilitystudies(seeabove),and
becomeafocalpointfortechnical/hands-onutilizationactivities.
•
•
Nurturesupportingandcomplementaryindustries-Animportanttaskofeitherthe
leader/champion,urbanwoodspecialist,orkeystakeholder(s)istofacilitate
partnershipsandrelationships(formalorinformal)betweenthenumerousindustries
(andorganizations)thatareinthecluster(orbeginningstagesofacluster).Thiseffort
shouldshowclustermembershowtheirbusinessesareinterconnectedanddependent
ononeanotherfromprocurementofrawmaterials(suchasaboulevardtree)to
production,marketinganddistributionofend-products(suchasmulch,firewood,
lumberorfurniture).
Recognizethedifferencesintypesofclustersandactaccordingly-Onestrategyfor
clusterdevelopmentistoselectornurtureoneoffourmodelsasastartingpoint,or
builduponwhatalreadyexists(seeearlierdescriptionofclustertypes).Thiscanhelp
focuseffortsandprovideaframeworkforcollaborativework.Richmond(especiallythe
privatesector)appearstobeintheearlystagesofaMarshalliancluster–onethatis
typicallycomprisedofsmallandmedium-sizedcompaniesthattradetheirproductsand
serviceswithotherclustermembers.
•
DevelopaRichmondregionallistofsmallsawmills,loggers,timberbuyers,andforest
productmanufacturers-Adirectoryisneededfor“small”timberusersinthearea.The
mills,loggers,andothersonapotential“smallproducer”listareoftennotincludedina
statewidedirectoryofprimaryandsecondaryproducers.Thelistshouldbespecificto
theRichmondarea.Minnesota(TwinCities),Michigan(Detroit)andIllinois(Chicago)
haveproducedalistforspecificmetropolitanareas.
•
Workcloselywiththeexistingmulchindustry–Sincemulchisalargeandseemingly
growingmarketintheRichmondarea,innovatorsandentrepreneursshouldexplore
‘other’productsthatcouldbemanufacturedfromurbantreesthatfitwiththemulch
industry.Landscapetimbersandrusticfencingaretwopossibleproductsthatcouldbe
produced,andsoldwith,moretraditionalmulchproducts.
33
BottomLine
sectorstocollaborateonissuesthatimpactbothgroups.Aleadercouldalsoprovidethespark
foramuch-neededfeasibilityanalysisinRichmondthatestimatestreeremovalsandpotential
products.
AsteptheCitycouldtakeimmediately,withoutanoutlayofmoney,istoprovideleadershipfor
adirectoryof“small”timberusersintheRichmondarea.Themills,loggers,andothersona
potential“smallproducer”listareoftennotincludedinastatewidedirectoryofprimaryand
secondaryproducers.Thedirectorycouldbecompiledbyathird-party.However,theCity
shouldtakethesteptogettheballrolling.
PartIII.
UrbanForestryProgramAssessment
Includedwithinthescopeoftheprojectwasanassessmentoftheoverallurbanforestry
programcapacityandoperationstoidentifyandevaluatecorestrengthsandopportunities.
Thisassessmentprocesswasinformedbyseveralexistingapproachestosystemevaluations
andforestryassessments.
DescriptionofAssessmentDesign
Urbanforestassessmentstypicallyaddresstheinventoryandevaluationoftheurbanforest,
includingstreettreeinspectionsandrecords.However,inthisprojectwiththecityof
Richmond,theobjectivewastoevaluatetheurbanforestryprogramitself.Todothis,three
activitieswereundertaken:
1) areviewofprogrammaterials(e.g.,policies,accomplishmentreports,communications,
andotherdocuments);
2) asitevisittointerviewstaff,tourthecity,andobserveprogramactivitiesandoutcomes
ontheground;and
3) asurveyofexternalstakeholderstogathertheirinputintotheidentificationofprogram
strengthsandopportunities.
34
TheassessmentdesignwasinformedbythefacilitationandplanningprocessusedbyDovetail
Partners,includingapplicationoftheMobiusModeldescribedbelow.Theassessmentdesign
wasalsoinformedbyexperiencewiththird-partyforestcertificationsystems.Todate,thirdpartyforestcertificationsystems(includingtheprogramsoftheSustainableForestryInitiative
(SFI),ForestStewardshipCouncil(FSC))havegenerallybeenappliedtoruralforestrysystems,
includingcommercialforestmanagement.However,areviewofsomeofthestandardsfor
theseprograms(Table1)illustratesthattheyhavebroadapplicabilitytothepracticeofforestry
moregenerally.
Table1.PrinciplesfortheFSCandSFIcertificationprograms
FSCPrinciples
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
CompliancewithLawsandFSCPrinciples
TenureandUseRightsandResponsibilities
IndigenousPeoples’Rights
CommunityRelationsandWorkers’Rights
BenefitsfromtheForest
EnvironmentalImpact
ManagementPlan
MonitoringandAssessment
MaintenanceofHighConservationValue
Forests
10. PlantationManagement
SFIPrinciples
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
SustainableForestry
ForestProductivityandHealth
ProtectionofWaterResources
ProtectionofBiologicalDiversity
AestheticsandRecreation
ProtectionofSpecialSites
ResponsibleFiberSourcingPracticesinNorth
America
LegalCompliance
Research
TrainingandEducation
CommunityInvolvementandSocial
Responsibility
Transparency
ContinualImprovement
AvoidanceofControversialSourcesincluding
IllegalLoggingandOffshoreFiberSourcing
Inadditiontothevariousforestcertificationprograms,thereareothercertificationand
recognitionprogramsthataredirectlyapplicabletourbanforestsandurbanforestproducts.
Theseinclude:
-TreeCityUSA,ArborDayFoundationandtheNationalAssociationofStateForesters
RichmondhasbeenarecognizedTreeCityforover20consecutiveyears.Theprogramrequires
thatthecityhaveaTreeBoardorDepartment;ATreeCareOrdinance;ACommunityForestry
Programwithanannualbudgetofatleast$2percapita;andanArborDayobservanceand
proclamation.Moreinformationisavailableat:http://www.arborday.org/
-UrbanForestSustainability&ManagementAssessment,USDAForestServiceCentersfor
UrbanandInterfaceForestry
Thisisanewprogramthatcanhelpurbanforestprogramsbenchmarktheirresourcesand
programcapacity.Theresultscanprovidedirectionforurbanforestmanagementprograms
andplans.TheprogramhasbeentestedinGeorgiaandtheprogramdevelopersareinterested
inworkingwithadditionalbetatestingsites.Theauditprocesscanbecompletedinternallyor
35
withexternalauditorassistanceandoversight.Theprogramiscompatibleandcomplementary
toTreeCitydesignations.14
-SCSSalvagedWood&FiberStandard,SCSGlobalServices
Thisprogramiscurrentlyunderdevelopmentandisbeingdesignedtodefinetheresponsible
recoveryofwood(andotherbiomaterials),includingsalvagedandreusedmaterials.The
proposedstandardspecificallydefinesandincludesUrbanWoodasaneligiblematerial.Urban
Woodisdefinedtoincludetreesalongstreets,parksandgreenspaces,andfromotherurban
areas.Thestandardprovidesatrackingprocess(chainofcustody)andauditoversightthat
assurescustomerstheproductcanbetracedbacktoasalvagedsource.Verifiedproductscan
carrytheSCSecolabel.Moreinformation,includingthecurrentstatusoftheproposed
standard,isavailablebycontactingSCSGlobalServicesat:http://www.scsglobalservices.com/
DovetailPartnershasbeeninvolvedinforestcertificationstandardsetting,auditing,and
evaluationsformanyyears.Thisexperiencewasappliedinthedevelopmentoftheurban
forestryprogramassessmentforthisprojectandmayhelpdemonstratethebroader
applicabilityofthird-partyforestcertificationsystemstourbanforestrysituations.
Figure6.MobiusModel
Thereareavarietyofformalcollaborative
processes.Regardlessofwhichoneisused,the
conceptofagoodformalcollaborativeprocess
hasatitshearttheoldadage“measuretwice,
cutonce.”DovetailPartnershasadopteda
collaborativegroupprocessbasedontheworkof
WilliamS.Stockton,Ph.D,PatrickO’Brien,and
theMobiusModelTM(Figure6).Theapproach
hasbeenappliedforovertwenty-fiveyearsand
extensiveresearchwasusedtodevelopit.The
structureoftheMobiusModelprovidesa
guidelineforthedevelopmentofmulti-group
collaboration.Sometimesthisapproachis
representedasawheel(Figure6).Theprocess
includessixstepsthatarefollowedinapositive
direction(clockwise),beginningwiththe
assessmentstep,identifiedasWell-Beingin
Source:DevelopedbyProductiveDesign,Inc.andWilliam
Figure6.
Stockton,PhD
Therearesixbasicstepstothecollaborative
process.
1) Assessmentofthesituationformutualunderstanding(Well-Being),
2) Identificationofpossibilities(Possibility),
14
Moreinformationisavailableat:http://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/compass/2015/04/22/urban-forestry-south-testsnew-urban-forest-sustainability-and-management-audit-system/
36
3)
4)
5)
6)
Groupcommitmenttocertainpossibilities(Commitment),
Developmentofaplan(Ability),
Selectionofchampions(Responsibility),and
Evaluationofprogressand/orsuccess(Recognition).
Althoughthisprocessmayseemsimilartoothermodels,thedevilisinthedetails.The
emphasisincollaborativeprocessesislessontheplanportion(steps4-6)andmoreonthe
incorporationofdiverseopinionsintotheassessment,ideacreation,andcommitmentstages
(steps1-3).Anemphasisonthefirstthreestepsisusedtoensureinclusionofdiffering
perspectivesinthefinalplan.Byspendingadditionaltimecomingtoamutual,shared
understandingofthebroaderneedsofthevaryinggroups,newpossibilitiesarisethatwould
nototherwiseshowup,includingthepotentialtogaincommitmentfromdiverseparticipants,
trustandrespectfortheprocessandgreaterhappinesswiththeendresult.
TheurbanforestryassessmentprojectinRichmondfocusedonthefirsttwostepsofthe
collaborativeprocess.Theassessmentprocessincludedtheuseofasurveytooltogatheras
muchinputaspossiblefromexternalstakeholdersandinterestgroups.
Inadditiontothecollaborativeprocessthatwasusedtoinformtheassessmentdesign,thirdpartyforestcertificationwasalsoreferenced.ThebasicprinciplesfortheForestStewardship
Council(FSC)andSustainableForestryInitiative(SFI)certificationprogramsareshowninTable
1.Althoughforestcertificationhasgenerallybeenappliedtotraditional,ruralforestry,basic
principleslikelegalcompliance,protectionofwaterresources,managementplanning,and
trainingandeducationalsohaveapplicabilitytourbanforestmanagement.Thereviewof
documentsandon-siteevaluationsthatwereconductedaspartoftheprojectweredesignedto
exploreconsiderationsandapproachesthatwouldbesimilarinscopeandcontenttoathirdpartyforestcertificationaudit.
AssessmentFindings:On-siteVisitandDocumentReview
TheassessmentincludedapreliminaryvisitinDecember2013andanadditionalon-sitevisitto
meetwithstaffandtouroperationsinlate-Aprilandearly-May2014.StaffandManagement
wereengagedinmeetingsduringthesitevisit,andoperationswerealsovisitedandobserved
throughoutthecity(e.g.,treeremoval,materialmanagement,etc.).
TheCityofRichmond,DepartmentofPublicWorks,hasresponsibilityforthemanagementof
theurbanforest.TheDepartmentincludestwoarboristsonstaffandapproximately120,000
treesaremanagedbytheCityandabout2,000treesareplantedperyear.Approximately
1,000-1,200treesareremovedannually.TheCityislimitedto7-8treemaintenancespecialists
andhavethreecrewswhenatfullcapacity.Consultants(e.g.,DaveyTree)providecontracted
services(e.g.,climbing,etc.).TheCityofRichmondhasmaintainedTreeCitystatusformore
than20yearsasaresultofdemonstratedcommitmenttocaringforandmaintainingthecity’s
trees.TheCityhasacomprehensiveinventorysystemwhichprovidestreelocation,species,
37
diameter,conditionandadditionaldetailedinformation.TheDepartmentofPublicWorksis
accreditedthroughtheAmericanPublicWorksAssociation(APWA).
TheDepartmenthasanumberofsystemsinplacetoensurelegalcomplianceaswellas
effectivecitizenengagement,communication,andservice.Notificationletters,inspections,
andpostednoticesareusedtoensurethepublicisawareoftreemanagementneedsand
operations.Legalcouncilisalsousedasnecessarytoensurethecityisoperatingappropriately.
TheDepartmenthasdemonstratedacommitmenttobestpracticesinurbanforestrythrough
activitiesrangingfrominventoryandassessmentprocesses,tomaintenance,removal,and
replanting.RelationshipswithconsultantsandprivatesectorbusinessesenhancetheCity’s
capacities.Collaborationswithstakeholders(e.g.,TreeStewards,TreesVirginia,etc)also
supporttheurbanforestryprogram.
Aspartoftheassessment,sitevisitsweremadetothegreenwastesite,toviewstormcleanup
crews,andmeetwithexternalstakeholders.Visitswerealsomadetoprivatetreecare
companiesandtoviewtreeremovalactivities.
Asdiscussedinothersectionsofthisreport,theCitybenefitsfromawiderangeofsupporting
resourcesinthearea,includingpublicandprivateorganizationsengagedinforestry,land
management,andforestproductsandresearchinstitutions.TheCityhasgoodrelationships
andeffectivecommunicationwiththeregionalresourcestoallowforcollaborationand
partnershipstooccur.
AssessmentFindings:SurveyResults
Onlinesurveysweredevelopedtogatherinputtotheassessmentfromexternalstakeholdersto
thecity’surbanforestryprogram.
Theexternalsurvey(Appendix1)wasdirectedtocitizensthatwereengagedintheforestry
programinsomeway(e.g.,TreeStewards)andwouldhaveareasonablelevelofknowledge
abouttheprogramsandactivitiesundertakenbytheDepartment.Theexternalsurveyincluded
questionstoaddressperceivedstrengths,weaknesses,opportunitiesandthreats(SWOT
analysis)totheurbanforestryprogram.
38
Atotalof21responseswerereceivedfortheExternalSurvey.Table2providesdemographic
informationabouttherespondents.
Table2.DemographicInformationaboutRespondents
Characteristics
ExternalSurvey(N=21)
Gender
Male
37%
Female
63%
Age
18-24
0%
25-34
11%
35-44
11%
45-54
26%
55-64
31%
65-74
16%
75orolder
5%
Doyouworkinforestry,forestproducts,orarelatednaturalresourcefield?
Yes
37%
No
63%
Whatisyourrelationshipwiththecity’surbanforestryprograms?(selectallthatapply)
Currentorpastcitystaffor
6%
employee
Currentorpastcitycontractor
0%
MemberofCitizenadvisorygroup
22%
Cityresident
56%
Businessowner
6%
Electedofficial
0%
Other
44%(Environmentalnon-profitemployee,Pastmember
ofadvisorygroup(s),Educator,Volunteer,Workinthe
city.)
Thefollowinginformationwasprovidedfromthesurveyresponses(emphasisaddedto
highlightkeywordsandphrases).
Q1: What do you think are the greatest STRENGTHS of the city's urban forestry programs?
(e.g., what is working well, what are you most appreciative of, what would you like to see
continue?)
-
City arborists do an amazing job of attending tree related events. Especially,
considering they are short staffed.
Aggressive plantings
The Tree Stewards program is a great asset to the city. It encourages volunteerism and
helps develop a sense of ownership among citizens.
So many people are willing to take the course. The courses for certification are good,
and I like taking care of the trees. The city seems to be appreciative of whatever help
they can get.
39
-
-
-
-
There are a number of non-profit/volunteer organizations that augment what the city
and its contractors are able to do.
The dedication and work of the two current city arborists, outstanding.
Current push to increase street tree planting is positive but perhaps overly ambitious.
The river park system is a blessing.
Able arborists who repeatedly demonstrate that they care about the urban forest. They
are responsive to concerns raised by citizens; they volunteer their time to teach and
inform, especially with neighborhood organizations and service organizations such as
Tree Stewards.
There has [sic] been many new tree plantings. I value that the city works with volunteer
organizations such as the Richmond Tree Stewards. As a volunteer, I like that other
government operations help, for example, when watering city trees the Fire Departments
if available, will help fill our large water tank. That saves a lot of time and lets others
know what it going on with the urban forest.
The two arborists are terrific. Their attitudes about Urban Forestry are great! Plus, they
seem to be everywhere, during the week, the weekends, with trucks, supplies. Do they
ever sleep? It’s a huge job for only two people.
The volunteer Tree Stewards are so dedicated, well-trained and communicative. They
are an exceptional group of informed helpers. They deserve a lot of recognition!
Arborists are great. Program is good, just too small.
In recent years, the city has been more responsible to the urban forest demonstrations
by significant budget increases to effect replacement tree planting and new planting,
both of street trees and park trees.
Urban Forestry department needs more staff.
The city is good at tree planting. Also, working with volunteers groups, such as the
Richmond Tree Stewards is a strength. It is good to work with groups outside urban
forestry such as how the fire departments will fill up our water tanks if we are watering
park trees.
The city has been planting more trees recently. I don’t think this was happening 10 or
15 years ago. It seems to have increased.
The annual planting of trees on public land which began several years ago is a big
plus, however care of those new trees is lacking apparently due to no funding for
maintenance.
The 2 arborists currently employed are very knowledgeable and dedicated, however
they do not have the support needed to do their jobs well.
More trees in the downtown area and wherever we can break up and beautify the
concrete jungle.
I don’t see any real strengths from the city. There are real strengths from the private
sector.
Capital tree project is doing a great job, but the city’s urban forestry commission is
getting no help from the city.
City employees and volunteers work well together, with mutual respect and good
coordination.
Overall, the city has a quite respectable canopy coverage of approximately 42%.
City government took a major step toward creating a comprehensive management plan
with the 3-year contract with Davey Resources for an inventory. The second year
has been completed.
Tree Planting, early tree maintenance, hazard reduction, management programs,
compiling an inventory of the tree asset, volunteerism.
Knowledgeable Staff
40
-
The strengths include support for the Richmond Tree Stewards, neighborhood
replanting projects.
Uses of canopy map to set priorities
Q2: What do you think are the greatest WEAKNESSES of the city's urban forestry programs?
(e.g., what is NOT working well, what would you most like to see changed?)
-
-
-
-
The City of Richmond is currently understaffed with only two arborists covering the
entire city. This causes major delays in maintenance and tasks.
A complete urban forest assessment in the City and strategic plan based on that
assessment. Focusing on habitat hot beds and environmental hotspots including slopes,
water bodies, and green corridors.
Lack of resources. Planting 2,000 trees per year (a goal) without watering capability
and a maintenance plan – beyond volunteers – is not a formula for long-term success.
Having 2 or 3 arborists responsible for that number of plantings also creates a
tremendous drain on their time.
People should not be allowed to plant unless the City Arborists know and approve. If
they plant, then they must be responsible for maintenance.
There is a grove of inferior trees in Byrd Park, planted too close together, without the
knowledge of the City Arborists. And no one is designated to maintain those trees.
Give the City Arborists more control.
Give us more City Arborists and more Tree Stewards.
If the city department had more staff, it could more effectively care for deteriorating
trees. Many street trees are partially dead or dying, and it would be ideal to manage
them before they begin to drop branches.
Need more people to do maintenance.
That most of the trainees seem to quit or not be very involved in taking care of the city
trees but I guess that is always an issue. I don’t think the volunteer requirements are
overly rigorous that people can’t help in the pruning and maintenance. I wish there was
more opportunity for weekly maintenance since weekend are not always available.
Lack of a tree ordinance.
No after-care strategy (water) whatsoever, resulting in high mortality of newly planted
trees.
Lack of planning.
Some areas of the city are more attended and well cared for than others. For example,
the street trees in the east end of the city, for example Mechanicsville Tpke and Oliver
Hill Way are practically neglected, while trees in the fan are pruned and watered
regularly.
Lack of cooperation between city department/agencies.
Not having a city forester to set policy, to advocate for the urban forestry division, and
to review – or direct the reviewing – of plans for new construction, major renovations,
and so on.
No city legal advocacy on behalf of trees (no violations defined, no fines in place,
nothing to enforce).
Lack of certified municipal arborists – two is not enough.
Urban forestry is not a priority to city government (lack of funding for urban forestry).
No public awareness and no vision to change that via public outreach and education.
Not enough incentives for citizens to plant or care for trees.
Stupid rules about minimum size requirements for city tree plantings.
Ability to provide maintenance to newly planted materials.
41
-
-
-
-
-
Although the city plants many trees it does not seem like there are plans in place for
their aftercare, watering, pruning, mulching, weeding. I feel that city government does
not support efforts to create and maintain a healthy urban forest. I am concerned
about the age of the tree population not being varied enough. There seem to be
monocultures planted and no thought to the right plant in the right place, i.e., planting tall
trees under power lines. What is the city’s policy on construction protection, vandalism
fines, etc.
Outside of those who work with trees, I feel the local government is not as supportive for
urban forest. I see many tree plantings but it seems that once they are planted there is
no thought for their after care and there is no thought for the right tree in the right
place.
Lack of an up-to-date tree ordinance and policy has become a chicken-and-egg
issue. The policy draft is in limbo and the Commission members are dispirited.
City park maintenance is appalling in many areas, a challenging environment for trees
(vines, poor care generally) and a hotbed of invasive ailanthus infestations.
The city is failing its responsibilities for “end of life” care for street trees. Many dead or
failing trees are not removed, eroding public support for trees by creating dangerous and
unsightly situations.
Lack of cooperation between city departments and too much “red tape”. Recent cut in
personnel. Other than near James River, a lack of vision of how trees fit into urban
infrastructure.
Lack of enforcement of root zone protection requirements during construction.
Insufficient maintenance of street trees, especially newly planted ones.
Be bold. Needs more funding. Set a goal, in five years, every single empty tree well
should have a tree in it. If neighbors are unwilling to water them first year a non profit
could sponsor it. Knock on doors and get support to water the new trees by having the
mayor use his voice to encourage city residents to help the new trees.
Proactive tree maintenance of mature trees, staffing levels, resource allocation
The person in charge of urban forestry does not have the appropriate background.
There is no funded, long term plan for managing the urban forest
The greatest weakness is the lack of a qualified urban forest manager to oversee the
division. We need an arborist in charge who can advocate and manage the program.
The continued emphasis on removing living trees and doing absolutely no maintenance
will continue to degrade our urban forest canopy. The program needs adequate
funding to do its job so the Mayor needs to step up and fund it.
Not enough staff to address aging trees
Not enough funds to ensure adequate tree replacement considering the age of the
city’s current canopy
Not large enough or enough tree wells in downtown to support robust downtown canopy
Really poor website related to city tree programs – little information there
Two arborists cannot do the job. The vacant arborist position needs to be filled. Also
they need additional support such as work crews who are property supervised.
City officials apparently do not understand the importance of green infrastructure
Support from the city is needed. The city only pays lip service to the urban forest.
The Urban Forestry Commission has tried for several years now to revise the municipal
tree policy and have been unable to make progress due to lack of communication and
needed input from city officials.
42
Q3: What do you think are the greatest OPPORTUNITIES for the city's urban forestry
programs? (e.g., what should be done to support success?)
-
-
I believe the city needs to fill the remaining arborist position and look into hiring
additional help for the arborists crews.
Acknowledgement of those who put in over the required hours? Should there be
assigned teams at certain periods?
Increase citizen involvement through volunteer efforts.
Increase funding from the city or secure a corporate sponsor.
After developing a complete urban forest assessment, work with area non-profits to
implement the plan.
Education of the public is important. So often newly planted trees are neglected by
residents, who could so easily keep them watered during their early life, especially
during the hot dry Richmond summers.
Restore the third arborist!
An alliance of professional and volunteer forces.
Educate the community about the importance of using native trees & how to care for
them.
Encourage the community to acknowledge the importance of and embrace mass
plantings of single species.
Planting the right tree in the right place. Trees need width, depth, and height to grow.
We should be planting only small trees in the spaces between sidewalks and streets.
Education is key. There needs to be education throughout the different government
departments as well as keeping citizens informed. Continuing to partner with volunteer
groups is a great way to educate as well as get work done. Shrinking budgets are
everywhere. Volunteers and sponsors can help ease the budget burden. They are also a
way to spread the word about the urban forest and why we need a healthy one.
A forestry professional is urgently needed to direct the Urban Forestry Department and
advocate for the urban forest in the city administration.
Richmond needs a municipal tree ordinance now. There must be legally enforceable
policies in place to protect this resource, and we need to at least triple the present
number of Certified Municipal Arborists.
The money invested in the Davey Resources inventory may finally get some people’s
attention and result in an effort to create a comprehensive management plan.
Recognition of the accomplishments of the program and the benefits of the urban
forest
It needs funding, a qualified trained urban forest manager, and a maintenance
program that could also be a training program for unemployed folks in the City of
Richmond.
Tons of empty tree wells begging for trees. It is understandable that arborists time is
consumed with downed trees and scheduling removal but time must be spent on adding
more. The ratio of new trees to those removed should be quadrupled.
The city’s Urban Forestry Commission needs to be publicized so the population knows
what is going on with the city’s urban forest.
At present, the department works on a reactionary basis, putting out fires, no pun
intended.
The people there now have the desire to do a good job, but it is not possible under the
current situation. Leadership with an arborist background is a must as well as
someone who has the organizational skills to run the department efficiently.
Partners with nonprofits to identify sites needing trees and provide technical
assistance to make sure plantings are done right
43
-
Though I believe the department is understaffed, I do not propose hiring many more
people. A small increase in workforce would suffice if the department were well
organized.
More public education regarding tree benefits, care, etc. Exciting that Arbor Day will
now be celebrated in Richmond in the fall. That’s a big opportunity to teach people that
fall is great for planting.
Integration of green spaces as part of infrastructure in new developments in the city.
Q4: What do you think are the greatest THREATS to the city's urban forestry programs? (e.g.,
what current or emerging issues need to be addressed?)
-
-
-
Lack of funding. Lack of education to the public. If the public does not understand how
they can help the 2000 newly planted trees that go in every year, a distaste for trees will
grow due to numerous dead trees. I also believe climate change will affect our city trees.
Again, educating the public on the benefit of trees in combating the heat island effect is
key.
Budget, lack of support by city leadership.
Political attitudes, lack of public awareness/engagement.
City politics, and administration bent on creating a legacy with major development
projects and lip service to “being green”.
There continue to be infestations that damage even healthy trees. Some of these are
organisms that are inadvertently introduced into the USA.
Cuts in funding and city personnel.
There needs to be greater support for the arborists. Monocultures are an issue
especially with threats of invasive pests.
Not enough staff/volunteers to take care of so many trees esp. during a drought.
People not being aware of how important the Tree Stewards are.
Apathy.
Natural disasters that divert funding
New tree pests and diseases.
Lack of political support and funding. Collaboration with all potential partners.
Lack of political support from mayor. Needs to be made an economic development and
stormwater issue. Nobody wants to move to an area/locate a business in a place this hot
unless there is shade. Bottom line.
Declining resources, conflicting interests
The city must balance its investment in new trees with a commitment to their lifelong
care and eventual removal. Otherwise, residents will not support or love our trees.
Apathy, lack of funding, ignorance about the economic and health benefits of trees.
Obviously more violent storms that are becoming part of our environment are a
challenge.
Disregard of the urban forest. The notion that we can keep removing the urban forest
without any negative consequences. Also, the city does not follow ISA best
management practices for installation of new trees and for pruning, and in construction
sites.
We have 2 very well qualified and dedicated arborists. In the current situation we may
lose them and with that, their expertise and working knowledge of this city.
A robust maintenance program, enforcement of the tree ordinance with regard to any
construction are old issues that have never been addressed.
44
-
Funding is an issue for everyone and I fear that this department will not be a priority
since the pay-off is long term.
Q5: If you could do ONE BIG THING to improve the city's urban forestry programs, what would
it be?
-
-
-
Plant more trees with the proper planting techniques knowing there is enough funding
and manpower to care for them.
Increase the budget.
Education of the general public.
Provide more financial support, more resources, and more recognition.
Ensure all areas of the city receive equal resources in terms of plantings, watering &
maintenance. Make sure we are taking care of all areas of the city not just the fan.
An overall assessment and strategic plan.
Hire an urban forestry professional to direct the Urban Forestry division.
Increase intensity of tree maintenance and planting in public parks.
Provide more staff and contract maintenance dollars
Hire more staff and give them more funds for their own work plus mini-grants to
community groups to plant and maintain trees
Hire a qualified urban forest manager and fund the program
Assess, plan for, and deliver routine maintenance work throughout the park and tree
landscape. This has been accomplished successfully for many decades, and it’s a
mystery why the city leadership can’t deliver any more.
To put in place a plan that would outline planting and aftercare, species selection,
varying the age of the tree population, policies for construction protection, permits, fines.
The plan would also incorporate best management practices for trees and provide
design specifications. It would also show the use of alternatives to standard sidewalks,
making planting spaces larger.
Unite all disparate groups into one with a unified goal.
Fill every empty tree well. Analyze which blocks with no trees have adequate width to
install more. Find a sponsor for each new tree and do it. There are enough rich
generous people in Richmond to make this happen if some grit is applied and the mayor
cared.
Have the mayor and council and planning commission listen to the urban forestry
commission that they set up due to popular demand.
Hire a department manager with an appropriate background and experience.
Additional Comments:
- As a citizen I may not be aware of the politics within the City and the urban forestry
department. I feel that the outreach the Stormwater Department has been making to the
public through television commercial could be useful. Again, that deals with funding
issues. Groups like the Richmond Tree Stewards has done great work in helping plant
and protect trees with the arborists guidance.
- Let me know what I can do to help.
- Take care of what we have, advocate to fund the program, and continue to plant trees
that will improve our lives.
- Let’s outlaw the sale of English Ivy in the city. We should also eliminate turf grass on all
publicly owned property. Plant natives!
45
-
-
The citizens of Richmond are the driving force. They need to be aware of how their
urban forest is being managed and how the management could be improved. There are
many groups working to improve the urban forest and maybe if they came together as a
large voice improvements may come about. Strength in numbers.
I think the program has made tremendous progress particularly during lean times and
can make more progress with additional resources
Thank you for this opportunity
Basedupontheinputfromtheexternalsurvey,thereareseveralcommonthemes.Thereis
clearrespectandappreciationforthequalityandeffortsofcurrentstaff.Thereisconcern
aboutlong-termcapacity(staffingandfundinglevels).Thereisalsoconcernaboutsomeofthe
policiesthatimpacttheurbanforestsinRichmond(e.g.,ordinances,enforcement,etc).The
urbanforestryassessmentprojectinRichmondfocusedonthefirsttwostepsofthe
collaborativeprocess.Theassessmentprocessincludedtheuseofasurveytooltogatheras
muchinputaspossiblefromexternalstakeholdersandinterestgroups.Nextstepsinthe
processwouldincludeselectingandprioritizingopportunitiesforimprovementinorderto
developastrategicplantoaddressthem.
SummaryandConclusionsfromSurvey
Overall,thereisahighopinionandlevelofsupportfortheurbanforestryprograms.
Respondentsgenerallyagreethatthereisaneedtoincreasethecapacityoftheprogramswith
morestaff,volunteers,andresources.
Opportunitiesforimprovementidentifiedwithintheresultsinclude:
- Fillvacantarboristposition(s)
- Increasefundingandfinancialresourcesfortheprogram
- Strengthenvolunteerprogramsandcollaborationswithdiversepartners
- Identifyanddevelopskillsetswithindepartment
- Completeinventoryproject
- Developcomprehensivestrategicplan
ConclusionsandRecommendations
Fromtheentiretyoftheurbanforestrymanagementprogramassessmentprocess–including
thereviewofdocuments,on-sitevisitsandinterviews,andcompletesurveyresults–the
followingsummarytoprogrammaticstrengthsandopportunitiesisprovided.
Strengths:
-
Well-trained,credentialed,professionalstaffandvolunteerpartners
Detailedinventoryinformationbeingdevelopedtoprovideassessmentofurban
forest
Innovationandurbanforestryactivitywithinpartnershipsandprivatesector
46
Well-structuredcityprogram–reporting,recordkeeping,tracking,andinventory
Opportunities:
Completeinventorydevelopmentandleverageresultstoinformresource
allocationsandprogramplanning
CompleteMasterPlan/ComprehensiveManagementPlan
NEXTSTEPS
Therearefour“nextsteps”thatRichmondcanundertakeasa“leader”inurbantreeutilization
andurbanforestry.
1. Developastrategicplanfortheurbanforestryprogram.Therecommendationsand
opportunitiesfromthisreportcanbeusedasabasisfortheplan.
2. Establishastructureformeasuringprogressfortheurbanforestryprogram.This
includesclearlydefiningtherolesandresponsibilitiesofstaffmembersaswellasa
scheduleofreviewmilestones.
3. Developadirectoryofsmallmills,drykilns,loggers,furnituremakers,etc.,thatoperate
intheRichmondmetropolitanarea.Individualsandbusinessesinthisdirectoryshould
haveadesiretoworkwithurbantrees.TheCityofRichmondcould“appoint”someone
todothistask(orlookforavolunteer).TheCity,however,shouldtaketheleadonthis
directory,eveniftheactualworkisaccomplishedbyathird-party(internorwork-study
studentfromalocalcollege,tree-relatedvolunteer,governmentalemployeefromthe
DOForotherstateagency,etc.).TheimportantstepisfortheCityto“gettheball
rolling.”
4. Holdregularmeetingsofstakeholdersinvolvedwithurbantreeutilization.These
meetingsshouldincludeareaarborists,urbanforesters,smallsawmillanddryer
operators,loggers,woodyardowners,LCIDoperators,stateregulators,municipal
managers,smallwood-basedbusinessowners,andsoforth.Ideally,themeetingswould
beheldata“neutral”locationtoencouragemaximumparticipation.
Conclusions
TheCityofRichmondhasastronghistoryandwellestablishedurbanforestryprogram.The
privatetreecareindustryinRichmondalsoprovidescapacitytosupportahealthyurbanforest.
ThefullpotentialoftheCity’surbanforestryprogramiscurrentlylimitedbycapacityconcerns.
Toimprovetheprogram,itislikelynecessarytoincreasethenumberofarboriststoalevelthat
issufficienttomaintainandcarefortheextensiveurbanforest,especiallywhereprivatetree
careservicesarenotareasonablealternative.
47
sectorstocollaborateonissuesthatimpactbothgroups.Aleadercouldalsoprovidethespark
foramuch-neededfeasibilityanalysisinRichmondthatestimatestreeremovalsandpotential
products.
PartIV.
CaseStudy
HypotheticalTreeService(HTS)
AsuccessfultreeservicefirmthatutilizesurbantreesintheRichmondareamustovercome
manyofthebarriersorissuesnotedearlierinthisreportsuchasstoragespace,logistics,
transportation,hardwareintrees,etc.Thiscasestudywillfocusonahypotheticaltreeservice
firmthatdevelopedinterventionstrategiesorsolutionstomanyofthecommonissuesfacedby
Richmondareatreeservicecompanies.Thehypotheticaltreeservicefirminthiscasestudywill
bereferredtoasHTS.
HTShasamplespaceattheirplaceofbusinesstostorelogsandtreeparts.Treetops,pruning
material,branches,brush,etc.arechippedon-siteandeitherdeliveredtoamulchproducer,or
solddirectlytothepublic.SinceHTShasspaceattheirheadquarters,somemulchisstockpiled,
andsoldatalaterdate.
LogssuitableforsawingaredeliveredtoheadquartersandsawnonaHTSthin-kerfportable
bandmill.Eachlogisscreenedformetal(hand-heldmetaldetector)andotherforeignobjects,
andattemptsaremadetocut-outorsawaroundpotentiallyhazardoussitesonthelog.
However,sincebladescostaround$30(andrepairisless),theeconomichardshipisslight
whendamagingablade.Also,HTShasconvertedatractortrailerintoadehumidificationdry
kiln.ThispracticehasenabledHTStosellkilndriedlumberdirectlytothepublic.
Over50percentofHTStreeremovals(treebole),accordingtotheirleadarborist,canbe
convertedintovalue-addedproducts.Sincethesetreesneedtobetruckedoff-siteregardlessof
theirfinaldestination,HTShasdecidedtotransportthereclaimablelogstotheirheadquarters.
Thisreducesthecostofbothtransportationanddisposal.
Inadditiontosawinglogs,anddryinglumberattheirheadquarters,HTShasdevelopedclose
tieswithalocalfurnituremaker.OneoftheservicesHTSprovidestotheircustomers,isa
48
product(table,chair,bench,etc.)fashionedfromatreethatoncestoodbytheirclient’shouse
orplaceofbusiness.Aftertreeremoval,HTSmillsthelog(s)attheirheadquartersanddriesthe
lumberbeforeitispickedupbythecraftsmanandmadeintoabeautifulproduct.Thisprocess
–fromlogtofinishedproduct–hascreatedanicheforHTS,enablingthemtoofferaserviceto
theirclientsbeyondthetypicalservicesprovidedbyatreeservicefirm.
ThebusinessmodelofHTShaseliminatedtheneedto“callaround”tofindsomeone,or
somewhere,to(1)droplogsand/ortreeparts,(2)sawlogs,(3)drylumber,and(4)make
products.
HTShasthephilosophythat“woodisgood”andtreesshouldbereclaimedfortheirhighestand
bestuse.Sometimes,mulchorfirewood,isthehighestand/orbestuseforurbantrees.
However,manyHTSclientswantadifferentfateforthetreeintheirbackyard.HTSfillsthisvoid
inthetreecareindustrybyofferingaserviceaboveandbeyondtreeremoval,treepruning,
stumpgrinding,andthelike.Atthesametime,manyoftheeconomicburdensshoulderedby
thetypicaltreecarefirmhavebeenconvertedtoeithercost-reductionbyHTS,orintoaprofit
center.
49
Appendix1.ExternalSurvey
Thank you for taking time to provide feedback to this Urban Forestry Assessment. This
assessment includes 5 questions that address the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and
Threats related to the city's urban forestry programs.
The questionnaire may take up to 15 minutes to complete. If you would prefer to receive the
questions in another format or if you would like to provide input via a phone interview, please
contact Dovetail Partners at 612-333-0430 or info@dovetailinc.org
Q1: What do you think are the greatest STRENGTHS of the city's urban forestry
programs? (e.g., what is working well, what are you most appreciative of, what would you
like to see continue?)
Q2: What do you think are the greatest WEAKNESSES of the city's urban forestry
programs? (e.g., what is NOT working well, what would you most like to see changed?)
Q3: What do you think are the greatest OPPORTUNITIES for the city's urban forestry
programs? (e.g., what should be done to support success?)
Q4: What do you think are the greatest THREATS to the city's urban forestry programs?
(e.g., what current or emerging issues need to be addressed?)
Q5: If you could do ONE BIG THING to improve the city's urban forestry programs, what
would it be?
Demographic Information
Q22: What is your gender?
Q23: What is your age?
Q24: Do you work in forestry, forest products, or a related natural resource field?
Q25: What is your relationship with the city's urban forestry programs? (Select all that
apply)
Current or past city staff or employee
Current or past city contractor
Member of Citizen advisory group
City resident
Business owner
Elected official
Other (please specify)
50
References
Alig,R.,Stewart,S.,Wear,D.,Stein,S.,andNowak.D.2010.ConversionsofForestLand:Trends,
Determinants,Projections,andPolicyConsiderations.InPyeetal.,eds.Advancesinthreat
assessmentandtheirapplicationtoforestandrangelandmanagement.Gen.Tech.Rpt.PNWGTR-802.Portland,OR:U.S.DepartmentofAgriculture,ForestService,PacificNorthwestand
SouthernResearchStations:26pp.
http://www.fs.fed.us/pnw/pubs/gtr802/Vol1/pnw_gtr802vol1_alig.pdf
AmericanForests.2002.UrbanEcosystemAnalysis:Roanoke,Virginia.8pp.AccessedApril21,
2015atwww.rvarc.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/UrbanEcosystemRoanoke.pdf.
Araman,P.,Pryor,L.,Lowles,D.,andBuehlmann,U.2006.RecyclingDiscardedPalletParts
into"Green"FlooringinNorthCarolina.PresentedattheSmallWood2006Conference,
Richmond,Virginia,May16-18.
Bratkovich,S.,Bowyer,J.,Fernholz,K.,andLindburg,A.2008.UrbanTreeUtilizationandWhyIt
Matters.DovetailPartners,Inc.January23.
(http://dovetailinc.org/files/DovetailUrban0108ig.pdf).
Ewing,R.,andHamidi,S.2014.MeasuringSprawl2014.April,51pp.AccessedDecember31,
2014atwww.smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/measuring-sprawl-2014.pdf.
MacFarlane,D.W.2009.PotentialavailabilityofurbanwoodbiomassinMichigan:Implications
forenergyproduction,carbonsequestrationandsustainableforestmanagementintheU.S.A.
BiomassBioenergy,33,628-634.doi:10.1016/j.biombioe.2008.10.004.
MacFarlane,D.W.2007.Quantifyingurbansawtimberabundanceandqualityinsoutheastern
LowerMichigan,U.S.AboricultureandUrbanForestry,33(4):253-263.AccessedApril23,2015
at:http://auf.isa-arbor.com/articles.asp?JournalID=1&VolumeID=33&IssueID=4.
Nowak,D.,andWalton,J.2005.ProjectedUrbanGrowth(2000–2050)andItsEstimated
ImpactontheU.S.ForestResource.JournalofForestry,103(8):383-389.
http://www.fs.fed.us/ne/newtown_square/publications/other_publishers/OCR/ne_2005_nowa
k001.pdf.
Nowak,D.,Noble,M.,Sisinni,S.,andDwyer,J.2001.AssessingtheU.S.UrbanForestResource.
JournalofForestry,99(3):37-42.
Sherrill,S.2003.HarvestingUrbanTimber.LindenPublishing,Fresno,CA.224pp.
Terando,A.,Costanza,J.,Belyea,C.,Dunn,R.,McKerrow,A.,andCollazo,J.2014.TheSouthern
Megalopolis:UsingthePasttoPredicttheFutureofUrbanSprawlintheSoutheastU.S.PLoS
ONE9(7):e102261.doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0102261.Availableat:
51
http://www.plosone.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0102261
UFORE.2010.I-TreeEcosystemAnalysis:FairfaxCounty.AccessedApril21,2015at
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/environmental/ffcounty_ecoreport.pdf.
VirginiaDepartmentofForestry.2010.VirginiaStatewideAssessmentofForestResources.129
pp.Charlottesville,Virginia.AccessedApril21,2015atwww.dof.virginia.gov/print/aboutus/2010State-Assessment.pdf.
VirginiaTechDepartmentofForestResources&EnvironmentalConservation.2010.StreetTree
AssessmentandStewardshipReport:Radford,Virginia.25pp.AccessedApril21,2015at
https://www.itreetools.org/resources/reports.php.
Wiseman,E.2010.VirginiaStreetTreeAssessmentProject:AnApplicationofi-TreeStreets.
AccessedApril21,2015athttp://urbanforestry.frec.vt.edu/STREETS/index.html.
52
(backcover)
August2015
Richmond,Virginia:AnAssessmentofMunicipalTreeUtilizationandtheUrbanForestryProgram
DovetailPartners
528HennepinAve,Suite703
Minneapolis,MN55403
ProjectcompletedwithsupportprovidedfromtheU.S.ForestService,SouthernRegionandassistance
fromtheVirginiaDepartmentofForestry.SpecialthanksalsototheCityofRichmond.
InaccordancewithFederallawandU.S.DepartmentofAgriculturepolicy,thisinstitutionisprohibited
fromdiscriminatingonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,age,ordisability.(Notallprohibited
basesapplytoallprograms.)
Tofileacomplaintofdiscrimination,writeUSDA,Director,OfficeofCivilRights,Room326-W,
WhittenBuilding,1400IndependenceAvenue,SW,Washington,DC20250-9410orcall(202)720-5964
(voiceandTDD).USDAisanequalopportunityproviderandemployer.
53

Richmond, Virginia: An Assessment of Municipal

Transcription

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