Vacant Lot Stabilization through Ecological Restoration

Transcription

1 Vacant Lot Stabilization through Ecological Restoration Thinking Creatively Post-Demolition Colby Sattler Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Project Manager Western Reserve Land Conservancy

2 Western Reserve Land Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that provides the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. We work with landowners, communities, government agencies, park systems and other nonprofit organizations to permanently preserve natural areas and working farms throughout northern and eastern Ohio. Our urban program, Thriving Communities, works statewide to create healthier urban environments, particularly those devastated by the foreclosure crisis. Our Mission To provide the people of our region with essential natural assets through land conservation and restoration. Our Vision Thriving, prosperous communities nourished by vibrant natural lands, working farms and healthy cities.

3 About me Colby Sattler Urban Forestry & Natural Resources Project Manager Western Reserve Land Conservancy Thriving Communities Reforest Our City Background ISA Certified Arborist Silvicultural research Ecological restoration Sustainable community development

4 Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Planting the Forest City s Vacant Lots & Metroparks to Protect Lake Erie

5 GLRI Grant Partners Co-Applicants: Western Reserve Land Conservancy Davey Resource Group Student Conservation Association Recipients: Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District Port of Cleveland Cleveland Metroparks City of Cleveland City of South Euclid Elisabeth Baptist Church

6 GLRI Grant Goals Increase urban tree canopy in the Cuyahoga River Area of Concern Significantly reduce stormwater runoff Improve water quality Decrease City Maintenance on Land Bank Vacant Parcels Plant in neighborhoods most in need Community involvement

7 Increase Cleveland s Tree Canopy Student Conservation Association staff become trained by Davey & the Conservancy to plant trees. Planted trees are maintained for 3 years through grant period. Potential for additional community engagement around tree care training.

8 Decrease Stormwater Runoff Used GIS modeling to determine vacant parcels with high stormwater runoff levels. Analyzed neighborhoods to determine clusters of land bank vacant parcels with high stormwater runoff. Let the data help you succeed!

9 Decrease City Maintenance Parcels planted with trees will be maintained by partners for 3 years. In long term, reforested parcels will need less maintenance than current maintenance methods. Partnerships can be effective in providing comprehensive maintenance plans and ensuring no gaps.

10 Prioritize Communities in Need Be proactive make vacant lots an asset before they re viewed as equivalent to an abandoned structure. Embrace a new aesthetic and champion being visionary. Likely to have lowest canopy levels and fewer established healthy trees they need our help the most!

11 Community Engagement is KEY! Provide a forum for community members to share their stories and their needs. We engaged local churches, block clubs, and community leaders. Community Development Corporations shared information and hosted public meetings. Gather project support instead of battling project adversity.

12 Comprehensive Goals? Stormwater runoff, water quality, tree canopy? Property value stabilization? Increased park space or natural areas? Decreased maintenance costs over time? A new community aesthetic? Trees = All of the above!

13 Your Partners Matter! What makes you fundable? What is the story you re trying to tell? Consider Public-Private partnerships! What makes you successful? Spread out responsibilities to those with the strongest corresponding resources! A strong narrative! What creates strong public support? Listening and responding to the needs of communities showing action & producing results!

14 Goals should be INCLUSIVE! Whatever your community s priorities may be Flexibility and inclusivity in grant applications can help you achieve multiple goals and increase funding success. And yes, trees can help!!

15 Challenges Getting City to greenlight the planting of Land Bank Lots! Why? We targeted over 40 contiguous lots that s not normal! Having partners aligned Ready to move forward (staff committed, schedules set according to season, trees purchased, etc.) Don t delay and plant the seeds early! Funding can t be deferred for future years Decision making and permission needs to happen fast once grant is approved. MOU s!

16

17

18 Lessons Learned Be creative! Be flexible! Be willing to compromise! Don t put the people you need something from in compromising situations!!! Be the answer they need or an avenue to a positive light. Be selfless. Believe in the importance of your work. Work with trusted partners!

19 Highlights 1600 trees planted! New, critical relationships formed! Ecological Restoration viewed as an important stabilization tool! A new process around grant applications has been created! We re viewed as a go-to resource and demand for services has increased! Applying for grants as the City of Cleveland s partner!

20

21 Opportunities Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Clean Ohio Ohio EPA Ohio Environmental Education Fund Foundational Support American Forests

22 Questions???