Specifications include, but are not limited to: EMC is seeking qualified professional services to prepare a short- and long-range strategic master plan for the city to develop and maintain a community forest. EMC has budgeted funds in the amount of $50,000 to complete this master plan. This analysis should review all aspects relating to management and protection of public forestry assets. Additionally, analysis and recommendations on the structure for a forestry department to be developed. Long term plans will focus on forest management goals and objectives over the next 20 years. This plan will serve as a guiding document for EMC to manage its community forest effectively. This plan must align with other plans and ordinances adopted within the city including, but not limited to development standards, park and open space designs, right-of-way, and residential street tree guidelines. It should also align with the Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan. The following components must be addressed in the CFMP. - Review current public tree inventory data and existing EMC approved and draft tree and shrub list. Consider current species diversity and make recommendations for trees that are well adapted to local soils and/or climate of the Great Basin Ecosystem. Consider climatic changes and water needs and restrictions that are likely coming from the State of Utah. - Define strategic direction and resourcing recommendations for sustainable management of key forestry services and programs, including but not limited to invasive forest pest management, tree maintenance/pruning services, tree planting and tree protection and preservation. - Review current staffing levels and make recommendations regarding deficiencies. This plan should also address what the future forestry department needs will be to implement and achieve goals, actions, and strategies over the next 20 years. - Review current and pending ordinances relating to forestry and make recommendations regarding deficiencies. This should include the correlation of street trees in right-of-way that can cause damage to infrastructure including asphalt, curb, gutter, and sidewalk. It should establish distances for which trees should not be planted next to regulatory safety signs and infrastructure such as water meters and sewer cleanouts. This will also include safety crosswalks, including line of sight and clear vision triangle. - Identify stakeholders for community engagement and develop a strategy to obtain public input. Implement engagement process with our own communications department concurrent with the CFMP. - Review current tree preservation standards and make recommendations for improvement. - Establish long-term (20 year), comprehensive goals, objectives, and strategies, supported by incremental (3-5 year) actions and include recommendations for annual actions and strategies.
