Specifications include, but are not limited to: The City of Portland (City), Portland Parks & Recreation’s (PP&R) Urban Forestry Division is seeking a consultant to update the Urban Forest Plan. Portland’s urban forest includes approximately 220,000 street trees, 1.2 million trees in parks and natural areas, and several million trees located on private property. The urban forest is managed to provide habitat and access to nature, aesthetic value, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, reduce storm water runoff, and offer mental health benefits to Portlanders. A. Analysis and summary of current urban forest conditions including forest health and the spatial distribution of canopy, benefits, and services derived from existing data, research, and reports. B. Analysis of current management of the urban forest and identification of strengths, challenges and opportunities for improvement, including a review of plans and policies, understanding and documentation of urban forest managers and stakeholders representing a diversity of lived experiences and identities, prioritizing representation from communities most impacted by poor canopy. C. Analysis of potential causes of canopy decline and tree removal in recent years, including analysis of where decline occurred, comparison of trends to peer cities, and impacts of Title 11 and Title 33 on tree preservation, removal, and canopy decline. D. Development and implementation of community and stakeholder engagement plan and development of engagement materials, including graphics, fact sheets or flyers, surveys, and presentations. E. Coordination with community and cultural groups, community-based organizations, and other culturally specific organizations and communities. F. Peer city management practices review, including review of goals, canopy targets, and performance metrics. G. Development of community vision statement and goals, incorporating input and needs of stakeholders, community members representing a diversity of lived experiences and identities, emerging best practices, City staff, and past reports and plans. H. Development of canopy target and management unit based on review of existing data on land use, canopy potential, existing canopy, community vision and goals, and peer city best practices. I. Development of recommendations for funding, management, regulation, education, outreach, data, and research to enhance Urban Forestry’s preservation, planting, and maintenance practices and policies.
