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Urban Forestry Advisory Committee

The Urban Forestry Division is convening an Advisory Committee to advise on the implementation of the Urban Forest Plan.

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In 2023 City Councilors and Mayor Michelle Wu approved protections of the city’s tree canopy by amending the City of Boston Code, Chapter VII and replacing 7-4.7. This amended ordinance extends protections to all trees growing on property owned by the City. Within the ordinance is an opportunity for residents to be actively involved in the management of the urban forest through the convening of an Urban Forestry Advisory Committee.

Committee Responsibilities

Responsibilities

The Urban Forestry Advisory Committee is an intentional way to engage residents from diverse neighborhoods and backgrounds. The number one goal of the City’s Urban Forest Plan was to put equity first as we work to expand the urban forest canopy. The lived experience and knowledge of committee members will help to shape the plans and actions of the urban forestry division. We want the benefits of our urban trees available and accessible to all residents of the City.

  • Applications are due by Friday, August 16, 2024.

  • Members will be appointed by the Parks Commissioner from a pool of self-nominated candidates

  • If there are not a sufficient pool of self-nominated candidates for the required committee profiles, the Parks Commissioner may fill any remaining vacancies as appropriate

URBAN FORESTRY ADVISORY COMMITTEE:

The Commissioner shall convene an Urban Forestry Advisory Committee solely for the purpose of advising the Commissioner with regards to implementation of the Urban Forest Plan. The Advisory Committee’s purview shall be limited to implementation of the Urban Forest Plan and exclude matters relating to specific removals or implementation of M.G.L. c. 87. The Advisory Committee shall have at least seven (7) members. All members of the advisory committee shall be appointed by the Commissioner. The Advisory Committee shall be staffed by the Department. The Commissioner shall prioritize participation from residents from historically marginalized or under-canopied neighborhoods and invite participation from residents between the ages of fourteen (14) and seventeen (17). The Commissioner may establish subcommittees, working groups or any other forms of subordinate organization of the advisory committee as may be necessary and useful to carry out its advisory functions. The Advisory Committee shall be convened within the first six (6) months following the adoption of this subsection and shall present an annual report of its activities to the Commission.

DEC MEETING RESCHEDULED

The December meeting has been rescheduled to January 7th, 2025 from 6-7:30pm on zoom.

Committee Members

  • Joe Zina – Environmental Justice Neighborhood, Allston
  • Lilian Bonilla-Reyes – Environmental Justice Neighborhood, East Boston
  • David Venter – Environmental Justice Neighborhood, Mattapan
  • Anthony Brewer – Environmental Justice Neighborhood, Roxbury
  • Shamila Lloyd – BHA Housing
  • Jaedin Feaster – Youth, Dorchester
  • Gideon Neave – Youth, East Boston
  • Patricia Alvarez – Community Advocate
  • Marie Fukuda – Community Advocate
  • Grace Richardson – Community Advocate

Committee Composition

The recommended formation of the 10-person Committee is as follows:
Number of People Qualification Neighborhood of Residence
4 Resident of Environmental Justice neighborhoods Targeting East Boston, Roxbury, Dorchester, or Mattapan
1 Resident of BHA housing Any neighborhood
1 Member of the disabilities community Any neighborhood
2 Member of an environmental advocate community Any neighborhood
2 Youth (ages 13-17) Preference given to residents of Environmental Justice neighborhoods
Below are the expectations for terms of service:

Regular Member (Non-Youth)

Term Length 2-year intervals
Reappointing May be appointed for up to two additional consecutive terms.
Term Limit Cannot serve more than 6 consecutive years.

Youth Member

Term Length 1-year interval
Reappointing May be appointed for an additional 1 year term (even if the member will turn 18 years of age during that term), then may be appointed to serve as a Regular Member after turning 18.
Term Limit Years as a Youth Member are counted toward the term limit of 6 consecutive years.

Meeting Schedule

Next Advisory Committee meeting

RESCHEDULED: Tuesday, jANUARY 7, 6:00-7:30 PM

The December, 2024 meeting was rescheduled due to technical difficulties. Check back later for the zoom link.

  • The Advisory Committee will meet quarterly - September, December, March, and June - on the second Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
  • Meetings will be coordinated and run by the Director of Urban Forestry.
  • Most meetings will be held virtually.
    • At least one meeting per year will be in person.

  • Meetings are open to the public.

    • Public comments will be allowed during the allotted time at the end of each meeting.

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