This process will result in a Strategic Plan for the Urban Wilds and Natural Areas Program. All activities will be undertaken in close coordination with the City of Boston. The scope of work for the consultant team shall consist of the following tasks: ● Task 1: Foundational Research The consultant team will conduct background research to sufficiently familiarize themselves with the Urban Wilds Program and other City of Boston planning efforts. The team will be expected to visit a diverse selection of Urban Wilds sites, read and analyze materials and data provided by the City of Boston staff including past and current planning initiatives, and conduct interviews and conversations with City staff. Research and analysis from this phase will inform the body of the Plan. ○ Deliverables: ■ Memo to the City team on preliminary findings, additional research questions, updated timeline and approach for project. ● Task 2: Visioning and Program Refinement The consultant team will work with BPRD and BCC staff to refine the vision, goals, and opportunities of the Urban Wilds Program. The consultant will also work with City staff to develop a property categorization scheme for understanding the different typologies of the Urban Wilds that can be used for general recommendations. ○ Deliverables: ■ A clearly defined program vision and set of goals to guide decision-making processes. ■ A property categorization scheme based on the refined program goals that can be used to guide property management decisions based on typologies. ● Task 3: Benchmark Boston’s Urban Wilds Program to Other Communities Boston’s unique history and constrained geography limit the connected acreage of wild areas within the city’s boundaries and under City ownership and care. The scattered nature of program properties across the city and small size of remnant natural areas present unique challenges. The structure, identities, and practices of natural areas programs in other communities can provide insights into potential changes for Boston. Best practices from other urban areas seeking to support biodiversity, provide ecologically sensitive stewardship of wild landscapes, and connect residents with non-traditional urban parks and recreation experiences are incredibly valuable.
