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November 2011

The US Forest Service Philadelphia Field Station Implementation Plan

1 US Forest Service Philadelphia Field Station Implementation Plan

November 2011

green infrastructure: an interconnected network of green space

[trees, parks, trails, community gardens, schoolyards,

landscaping, greenroofs, swales, wetlands, and permeable

surfaces] that conserves natural ecosystem values and functions

and provides associated benefits to human populations1.

1 Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21

st Century. Mark A. Benedict and Edward T. McMahon. The

Conservation Fund. Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse Monographic Series. Washington, DC. 2002.


November 2011

At the US Forest Service P h i l a d e l p h i a F i e l d S t a t i o n ,

we believe that green infrastructure and the

functions provided and supported by a network of natural

ecosystems is as critical to a city as good roads, water

supply, sewers, and electric grids.

We believe u r b a n t r e e s , f o r e s t s , g a r d e n s , a n d

g r e e n e r y can make a good city into a great city –

socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally;

we intend to demonstrate this to the greater

Philadelphia metro area.


November 2011

Contents

Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................................4

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................5

Mission .......................................................................................................................................................................6

Vision ..........................................................................................................................................................................6

Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................................................................6

Geographic Scope .......................................................................................................................................................7

Marketing the Vision of the Philadelphia Field Station ..............................................................................................8

Positioning Statement ............................................................................................................................................8

Communication Themes & Messages ................................................................................................................. 10

Research Program: The Greater Philadelphia Ecosystem ....................................................................................... 11

Philadelphia Field Station Technical Committee ................................................................................................. 12

Action Plan ............................................................................................................................................................... 13

Action Plan: Visual Layout ....................................................................................................................................... 23

Operations ............................................................................................................................................................... 25

Management ................................................................................................................................................... 25

Staffing ............................................................................................................................................................. 25

Field Station Partners ...................................................................................................................................... 25

Technical Committee ....................................................................................................................................... 26

Executive Oversight Team ............................................................................................................................... 26

Budget ..................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Annual Personnel & Related Expenses by FY2014. ......................................................................................... 28

Annual Revenues by FY2014. .......................................................................................................................... 29

Staff Time by Program Area. ........................................................................................................................... 30


November 2011

Executive Summary Philadelphia is in the midst of a sustainability renaissance; a confluence of factors – including approval of a plan

to invest $2 billion in green infrastructure projects over the next 25 years - have created an unprecedented

opportunity for Philadelphia to become the first major US city to transform itself into a model for a more

environmentally sustainable, livable, and healthy community2. The demand for urban natural resources-related

research and science delivery in Philadelphia is both extraordinarily high and currently unmet.

In March 2011, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed formalizing a partnership between the

Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (PHS) and the United State Forest Service, Northern Research Station (NRS).

The MOU calls for a Philadelphia Field Station (“Field Station”) to foster collaboration and facilitate the science,

science-delivery, and communication projects and tools that partner organizations need in order to improve

people’s lives and the natural environment in the Philadelphia metropolitan area.

In June 2011, a Strategic Framework Team was convened to understand the community and research needs.

The resulting Strategic Framework helped to inform this Implementation Plan, which outlines in detail the

Research Program, detailed Goals and Action Steps (“Action Plan”), Operations, and Budget for the start-up

phase of the US Forest Philadelphia Field Station. This Plan is intended to serve as a guiding document through

FY2014, at which point it will be revised and updated (into a “Strategic Plan”) to reflect the evolving goals and

priorities of a more mature Field Station3. A separate, complimentary Science Delivery & Marketing Plan

outlines the opportunity environment; Field Station products, programs, and services; target constituencies; and

communication themes and messages.

The primary Goals & Action Steps contained within this plan are as follows:

1. Build and staff the Philadelphia Field Station Research Program (in modular fashion, within three years),

to include applied research and peer-reviewed science.

2. Build an accessible database that includes “low hanging” data, within the first year; continue to improve

and expand the database during the first five years, with a focus toward utility and demand (prioritize

gathering and serving the data that is most relevant and utilitarian, and that is not already efficiently

served elsewhere).

3. Build a holistic landscape-level assessment of ecosystem health and integrity for the Philadelphia Field

Station footprint area, including an assessment of ecosystem services and high ecological value (priority)

areas, within 3-5 years.

4. Create the Philadelphia Field Station Science Sustainability Fellowship Program.

5. Build the Philadelphia Field Station Science Delivery Program.

6. Implement targeted Science Delivery, Marketing, & Outreach efforts.

7. Revisit the Strategic Direction every three to five years; review Action Plan, Budget, and Staffing Needs

annually.

2 Green City, Clean Waters. Philadelphia Water Department. 2011. Available at:

http://www.phillywatersheds.org/what_were_doing/documents_and_data/cso_long_term_control_plan 3 More detailed information about this process is contained in the “Action Plan” beginning on page 12.


November 2011

Introduction In 2008, the human species became urban: for the first time in history, over 50% of civilization now lives in

cities4. In the coming decades, urban populations will continue to increase such that by 2050, two out of every

three people will live in cities. The human capital and population density of many urban areas, paired with 21st

century technological advances, are transforming cities into engines of innovation and epicenters of creativity.5

Worldwide, cities are beginning to create solutions to some of civilization’s most pressing sustainability-related

issues while proving to be an effective political scale from which to tackle the problem of climate change.

The earliest US cities planned for and recognized the value of parks, green spaces, and urban forests. These

values were subjugated by mid-20th century modernist planners, who prioritized the automobile and the

separation of residential, commercial, and industrial uses6. However old-as-new urbanism is remerging as new

research increasingly demonstrates the social, economic, and environmental value of green infrastructure. At

the same time, many urban communities both appreciate and are demanding more trees and green spaces. In

many cities, urban trees and green spaces are being recognized not as luxuries, but as critical amenities. Green

infrastructure complements and is just as essential to the economic growth and cultural vitality of a city as good

roads, bridges, sewer systems, and electric grids.

The Greater Philadelphia region is in the midst of a sustainability renaissance: the city has already demonstrated

that it has the political will and cultural capital necessary to revitalize and reinvent itself into a greener,

healthier, thriving 21st century metropolis, but it now needs appropriate information to invest in the “right

place, right kind” of green infrastructure – this is the knowledge that the US Forest Service is uniquely positioned

to generate through scientific research. The Philadelphia Field Station will catalyze research and partnerships to

create a holistic, systems-based approach to enhancing human and ecosystem health & well-being while

connecting the Forest Service to an increasingly urban 21st century population.

Finally, the Philadelphia Field Station will serve to connect research and discovery that is happening in other

major urban areas in the east and Midwest. By collaborating with field stations in New York, Baltimore, and

Chicago, the Philadelphia Field Station will promote a research network that can leverage current and future

resources to catalyze large-scale interest and investment in green infrastructure and urban natural resources

stewardship on a landscape-scale.

4 World Urbanization Prospects: The 2009 Revision, Highlights. The United Nations Population Division.

www.unpopulation.org 5 Cities: Smarter, Greener, Better. Scientific American. September 2011.

6 Jacobs, Jane. 1961. The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Random House Publishers.


November 2011

Mission Foster collaboration and generate science, science delivery, and communication to sustain the health and

diversity of natural systems and enhance community quality of life within the urban landscape in the

Philadelphia metropolitan region, including counties in New Jersey and Delaware.

Vision Improving the biological health and environmental quality of natural systems is universally recognized as a

critical component to creating a healthy, safe, thriving, and increasingly sustainable urban ecosystem for the

benefit of individuals, communities, nature, and the economy.

Guiding Principles These guiding principles will help to inform the Philadelphia Field Station’s practice and priorities, and provide

enduring guidance for decisions small and large that will be made during the lifespan of the institution.

1. Sustain and expand the quality and function of urban natural resources in the Philadelphia metropolitan

region by supporting current initiatives and special emphasis programs of partner organizations & local

government.

2. Form interdisciplinary research teams to improve understanding of the critical functions of urban

ecosystems and their vulnerability to biological, physical, and social threats.

3. Develop landscape-scale management practices to increase the value of natural resources of

Philadelphia, surrounding counties, and the Delaware River Basin.

4. Create, manage, and apply information about urban natural resources to assess the outlook for natural

resources and policies for enhancing ecosystem services.

5. Promote economic development and collaborative learning opportunities leading to new jobs and

career opportunities.

6. Promote environmental literacy leading to a more informed citizenry.

7. Assist local partners in expanding citizen engagement and volunteerism to promote community-based

stewardship.

8. Create new partnerships and promote intergovernmental coordination to better leverage existing

resources.

9. Enhance environmental justice to ensure that benefits of nature are equitably distributed and that all

social and economic groups benefit from the activities and programs of the Philadelphia Field Station.

10. Ensure that the Philadelphia Field Station is accessible to communities and the public and responsive to

community-based concerns, needs, and priorities.

11. Engage children, young adults, young scholars, and urban residents to foster knowledge, understanding,

and stewardship of the natural environment.


November 2011

Geographic Scope The Philadelphia metro region, which encompasses parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, is a

diverse geographic area that includes urban, suburban, and [often proactively conserved] rural landscapes. The

Philadelphia Field Station spatial and thematic focus is on urban & suburban communities within the greater

Philadelphia region. The Field Station footprint includes the 13 county Plant One Million campaign boundaries

(including : Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties in Pennsylvania; Burlington,

Camden, Gloucester, Mercer, and Salem counties in New Jersey; and New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties in

Delaware), but extends beyond and incorporates a landscape-scale perspective that links urban and rural

communities within the entire Delaware River Basin.

Figure 1. The Philadelphia Field Station spatial and thematic focus is on urban and suburban communities within the greater Philadelphia region. The Field Station footprint includes the 13 county Plant One Million campaign boundaries (left), but extends beyond and incorporates a landscape-scale perspective that links urban and rural communities within the entire Delaware River Basin (right).


November 2011

Marketing the Vision of the Philadelphia Field Station The vision of the Field Station is broad and ambitious enough to warrant the development of a separate full-

scale Science Delivery & Marketing plan. Please refer to the US Forest Service Philadelphia Field Station

Science Delivery & Marketing Plan (version 1, October 2011) for a preliminary analysis of the opportunity

environment; Field Station products, programs, and services; target constituencies; and communication themes

and messages. This Science Delivery & Marketing plan takes a disciplined approach to building relationships

with partners and disseminating products and information. The positioning and the messages of the Field

Station are intended to evolve over time; phase-appropriate science-delivery is essential to building the

credibility and success of the Field Station as it expands to full capacity within its first 3 years of operation.

Positioning Statement Many more details are contained within the Marketing Plan (Version 1). In brief, the Philadelphia Field Station is

focused on three key elements that help to define our identity and positioning. At the Field Station, we:

Discover: The Philadelphia Field Station is about science. We ask the questions and gather the data

that we need to fulfill our mission and vision.

Build & Share: The Philadelphia Field Station is about science delivery. We seek to make relevant data

and information more accessible to our researchers, our partners, and the public.

Inspire: The Philadelphia Field Station is about communication. We seek to catalyze change through

messages that are relevant to the issues and places that people care about.


November 2011

Communication Themes & Messages The Philadelphia Field Station will deliver core messages that link the benefits of natural systems to health,

safety, and education, and will share customized messages with targeted audiences through appropriate media.

About US Forest Service Philadelphia Field Station:

o We believe that urban trees, forests, gardens, and greenery can make a good city into a great

city – socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally; we intend to demonstrate this to

the greater Philadelphia metro area.

o We believe that green infrastructure and the functions supported by a network of natural

ecosystems is as critical to a city as good roads, water supply, sewers, and electric grids.

o We strive to create a healthy, safe, thriving, and increasingly sustainable urban ecosystem for

the benefit of individuals, communities, nature, and the economy.

o We aim to do this through scientific research, science delivery, and effective communication.

o The Philadelphia Field Station fosters collaboration and generates science, science delivery, and

communication to sustain the health and diversity of natural systems and enhance community

quality of life within the urban landscape in the Philadelphia metropolitan region, including

counties in New Jersey and Delaware.

o The Philadelphia Field Station is both a physical place to conduct research and a network of

relationships among a growing number of scientists, practitioners, university cooperators and

facilities focused on urban ecology.

About our programs

o We support and promote key research topics that will improve natural resources stewardship,

human health & wellbeing, and quality of life within urban communities.

o We focus on targeted engagement in order to place the best information into the hands of

organizations, decision-makers, and elected officials who can influence and augment urban

forestry and green infrastructure projects in the Philadelphia metro area.

About the urban environment

o Cities are living ecosystems, and their health, longevity, and cultural and economic vitality

depends on the health and prevalence of trees and green spaces.

o Green infrastructure and urban forests are not luxuries or optional amenities. They are critically

important to quality of life, environmental sustainability, and the economic and cultural vitality

of cities.

o Modest investments in trees, green spaces, and green infrastructure help to create livable,

walkable, enjoyable communities; this powers the intellectual, cultural and economic capital

which makes a city great, wealthy, and strong.

o More research and improved science delivery about urban natural resources will enable us to

protect and manage them better, and to make informed decisions about the “right place and

right kind” of green infrastructure investments.

Research Program: The Greater Philadelphia Ecosystem The Philadelphia Field Station Research Program aligns with the US Forest Service Northern Research Station

Work Unit NRS-08 Focus: “Urban Forests, Environmental Quality, and Human Health.”7 This focus contains five

themes, which are related through an emphasis on sustaining and improving human health & wellbeing through

Urban Natural Resources Stewardship (Figure 1). These research themes also relate strongly to the Priority

Needs identified in the Strategic Framework. These research themes have been customized for the Philadelphia

Field Station based upon the stakeholder input received at the Strategic Framework Team meeting. In addition,

the themes all relate strongly to Philadelphia’s impressive commitment to invest $2 billion in green

infrastructure over the next 25 years. The research conducted at the Philadelphia Field Station will help to

inform and prioritize these investments.

Figure 2. The five research components of the Philadelphia Field Station. All of the research undertaken at or in affiliation with the Philadelphia Field Station will contribute to a holistic, landscape-scale assessment of ecosystem health which in turn will connect to human health, safety, education, and wellbeing.

All of the research (science), science-delivery, and communication that the Philadelphia Field Station undertakes

or facilitates will relate to one or more of the five themes. In addition to conducting physical and biological

research, the Field Station will also conduct social research on human health, safety, education, and/or

wellbeing as it relates to these five themes. Ultimately, all of the research that the Philadelphia Field Station

conducts will be contextualized to relate to human communities, at the same time that we strive to cultivate

within human communities a more holistic and integrated understanding of ecosystems. While the Field Station

7 See http://nrs.fs.fed.us/units/urban/focus/

Urban forest

health & forest

structure

Air quality & climate

Water quality & quantity

Urban soils &

nutrient cycling

Tools to assess

ecosystem services

Integrated research to create a holistic, systems-based approach

to enhancing human and ecosystem health & well-being.

http://nrs.fs.fed.us/units/urban/focus/


November 2011

may engage in some general or “basic” research, much of the research will be applied and will be geared toward

answering the questions and needs of the stakeholder community.

Philadelphia Field Station Technical Committee The Philadelphia Field Station Research Program will be partner/consumer-focused. A primary component of

both the science and science delivery efforts will be convening regular Technical Committee meetings – four

within the first year, and twice annually after the first year. The Technical Committee (TC) will be a more organic

and grassroots version of a Board of Directors. The TC will be a dynamic yet formal committee, composed of

both scientists and mid-level managers who can give real-world input on their informational needs. Each

quarter, the TC will be invited to a 30-60 minute science-delivery presentation or tool-use demonstration,

followed by a 60-90 minute facilitated general discussion about evolving science/research needs and priorities;

while TC members will be expected to attend each meeting, the meetings will also be open to all stakeholders.

The needs and priorities identified at these gatherings will inform the strategic research priorities (suggestions

will be filtered to ensure that identified priorities lie within the scope of the overall Field Station Research

Program/themes) on a dynamic and ongoing basis. In this way, the TC will help to ensure an adaptive

management approach to science and science delivery at the Philadelphia Field Station (Figure 2). More

information about the Technical Committee can be found in the “Operations” section of this plan.

Figure 3. Adaptive Management is a structured, iterative approach to decision making in the context of uncertainty. It is a formalized approach to integrating science and management, and its success is based upon frequent communication and collaboration between scientists and managers.

Assess

Design

Implement

Monitor

Evaluate

Adjust


November 2011

Action Plan The Goals in this section build upon the Priority Needs identified in the Strategic Framework. Many of the

Priority Needs were used to inform the creation of the following Goals, each of which is SMART (Specific,

Measureable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound). Other Priority Needs have been incorporated, as

appropriate, into the separate but complimentary Science Delivery & Marketing Plan.

The goals are listed below and detailed on the following pages.

1. Build and staff the Philadelphia Field Station Research Program (in modular fashion, within three years)

to include applied research and peer-reviewed science.

2. Build an accessible database that includes “low hanging” data, within the first year; continue to improve

and expand the database during the first five years, with a focus toward utility and demand (prioritize

gathering and serving the data that is most relevant and utilitarian, and that is not already efficiently

served elsewhere).

3. Build a holistic landscape-level assessment of ecosystem health and integrity for the Philadelphia Field

Station footprint area, including an assessment of ecosystem services and high ecological value (priority)

areas, within 3-5 years.

4. Create the Philadelphia Field Station Science Sustainability Fellowship Program.

5. Build the Philadelphia Field Station Science Delivery Program

6. Implement targeted Science Delivery, Marketing, & Outreach efforts.

7. Revisit Strategic Direction every three to five years; review Action Plan, Budget, and Staffing Needs

annually.


November 2011

1. Build and staff the Philadelphia Field Station Research Program (in modular fashion, within three years), to include applied research and peer-reviewed science.

Tactics

Action Steps Target Date

1.1 Hire a full-time Field Station Coordinator

-Outreach and hire a full-time GS 12/13 coordinator for the Field Station

Jan 2012

1.2 Create a Field Station Technical Committee (TC) and convene on a quarterly basis

-Create a 2012 calendar for technical committee meeting dates, and schedule the first two presenters/topics -Develop a short charter to describe the role of the Technical Committee (slightly more grassroots and organic than a Board of Directors) , as well as its size and plan for succession -Develop a list of TC invitees, drawn in part from the Strategic Framework Team

Jan 2012

1.3 Hire & staff field station with graduate students, post-docs, and staff scientists who will conduct research within the Field Station Research Program’s five themes, with particular emphasis on relevance to Greater Philadelphia Green Infrastructure goals and TC-identified priorities

-Create a budget for fully staffing the Philadelphia Field Station by FY2014 -Work with UPenn to identify 1-2 graduate students who will become the first graduate cohort to conduct Field Station projects; bring graduate students onboard within the first year of operation

Budget: completed Grad student Staffing round 1: Aug 2012 Grad student Staffing round 2: Aug 2013

1.4 Develop a process for recruiting and hosting Research Scientists as detailers from other universities or Forest Service units

-Develop an outreach, application, and logistics/hosting process for “Visiting Scholars/Scientists” and “Resident Scholars/Scientists”

Spring/Summer 2012

1.5 Hire 3+full-time (permanent, term, contract, or detail) staff scientists within the first three years of operation

- Through a combination of stakeholder needs/feedback (from the Technical Committee), and an evaluation of NRS current and future capacity, identify the types and terms of scientists that the Field Station should employ - See Operations section for further detail

-Hire first staff scientist by September 2012, and subsequent scientists no later than FY2014


November 2011

2. Build an accessible database that includes “low hanging” data, within the first year; continue to improve and expand the database during the first five years, with a focus toward utility and demand (prioritize gathering and serving the data that is most relevant and utilitarian, and that is not already efficiently served elsewhere).

Tactics


2.1 Assess what data other Field Stations have, learn from their design

- Foster collaborative dialogue with Baltimore Field Station and New York Field Station to determine what has worked well about their database content and architecture for scientists and partners/stakeholders; include Jarleth O’Neill-Dunne at the University of Vermont in these conversations; conversations to be coordinated by Field Station Coordinator

Jan 2012

2.2 Assess what additional or new data partners & users need, and evaluate the feasibility and cost/benefit of generating and/or hosting this data

-Ensure data needs and collection are driven by partners & stakeholders as much as scientists (include data needs feedback in Technical Committee meetings) to ensure that scientific research is applied and rooted in community/partner needs -Field Station Coordinator is responsible for assessing cost/benefit of identified data needs and reporting back to Technical Committee regarding which data will be gathered or hosted.

Preliminary by Jan 2012; then ongoing (at least quarterly at the Technical Committee events)

2.3 Contract with University of Vermont (per NY and Baltimore Field Stations) for database creation, design, and maintenance

- Create MOU/subcontract with Jarleth O’Neill-Dunne at the University of Vermont Spatial Analysis Laboratory - Create two “layers” to the database to accommodate novices/ the interested public and a more sophisticated technically proficient audience; consult with Jarleth for best practice recommendations on this. - When designing the database, consider the design needs and presentation (not just the data itself) to enable greater usability.

Spring/Summer, 2012; concurrently with the developing the methodology for the Field-Based Urban Ecosystem Assessment (FBUEA)

2.4 Gather appropriate data & create a data availability map; determine where to “lead, follow, or get out of the way” with respect to data hosting

-Determine relevant data that is either not served or poorly served elsewhere, and consider putting this on Field Station database. -Create a data availability map to determine which data is already available and well-served elsewhere. Cultivate relationships with these partners, so as to avoid spending limited time and money reinventing ‘pretty good or really good wheels’ -Create MOUs with city agencies, academic institutions to facilitate data sharing -Relate the Philadelphia Field Station’s data to other municipal data sets in support of adaptive management goals.

Summer 2012


November 2011

2.5 Plan & budget for future database needs, including questions we don’t anticipate, and the data that we don’t currently know we need

- Plan for an ongoing budget for database updates & maintenance

Annual & ongoing budget planning

2.6 Track data usage and application by requiring users to report back

-Create a “data request” email address to better help track data requests and usage -Develop and require completion of an online survey 1-2 months after access to data is granted to track how data was applied, resulting products, and customer satisfaction. Use this feedback to improve database on an annual basis.

Jan 2013


November 2011

3. Build a holistic landscape-level assessment of ecosystem health and integrity for the Philadelphia Field Station footprint area, including an assessment of ecosystem services and high ecological value (priority) areas, within 3-5 years.

Tactics


3.1 Complete a holistic Urban Ecosystem Assessment within the first full year of operation, to include both top-down (LiDAR-based) and bottom-up (Field-Based/i-Tree based) component, for as much of the 13 county Field Station footprint as feasible using implementation funding; repeat the FBUEA on a five year cycle.

- Partner with Dave Nowak’s group of scientists to customize a holistic Field-Based UAE methodology for Philadelphia, while concurrently engaging the stakeholder community in the design and development of the Field-Based UEA (this action step is critical, as upfront engagement can help to generate buy-in and ownership, ensuring that the data and results are better utilized). - Articulate the complimentary relationship between the UEA and Philly Tree Map (http://phillytreemap.org/) - the UEA will contain far more information than the user-generated tree information and content of Philly Tree Map, and will help to validate Philly Tree Map results. - Budget for and repeat the FBUEA on a five-year cycle, using the same plots and methodology.

Complete FBUEA by Nov 2012; Detailed steps below

3.2 Determine whether we have useable historic data that can be integrated into field-based urban ecosystem assessment (FBUAE), thereby immediately providing a longer-term perspective

-Determine whether we can build on the existing FIA or American Forest plots to immediately build a longer-term perspective (this is most likely not feasible, but explore the possibility)

Jan 2012

3.3 Design protocol & methodology (modified i-Tree Eco) for Field-Based Urban Ecosystem Assessment (FBUEA)

-Work with Dave Nowak to expand iTree-Eco protocol into a FBUAE that also includes soil data and other relevant features - Determine the most politically relevant boundaries and design protocol to be statistically significant at this level (200 plots spread through 13 counties is not relevant if single county breakouts aren’t statistically robust) - Determine plot locations for FBUEA that allow for a statistically significant “nested” approach that provides politically relevant data at multiple scales.

February & March 2012

3.4 Recruit, hire, and train field crews for FBUEA

-Outreach to undergraduate and graduate programs -Determine appropriate hiring processes through PHS -Organize orientation and training sessions for field crews

March & April 2012

3.5 Fund and complete LiDAR processing and interpretation for

- Incorporate LiDAR-based end-user products into communications and outreach, technical committee meetings, and marketing plan for products.

Summer 2012

http://phillytreemap.org/


November 2011

counties or politically relevant geographies and promote the use of results and products

3.6 Collect data & perform quality control checks on FBUEA plots & methodologies

- Establish plots and begin data collection - Coordinator and/or Nowak’s staff periodically quality check and validate data collection, beginning early on in the process, update protocol as needed

May-August 2012

3.7 Make the FBUEA data publicly available & relevant

-Process and serve the data on our database -Create science delivery and communications tools & products that explain basic findings and further inform how the data can be used; customize messages according to target audience - Work with graduate students interested in using data for research projects and dissertations; ensure final products are showcased on website -Promote additional data applications - Integrate Urban Ecosystem Assessment products into projects associated with marketing & outreach plan

August 2012-2013

3.8 Evaluate & improve utility and usage/application of FBUEA data

-Evaluate Urban Ecosystem Assessment data utility by tracking its use and application, in academic (# papers published), applied (# local strategic plans that draw from data or results) and citizen contexts (media spotlights, smartphone applications developed, volunteers engaged, etc)

December 2012-December 2013, ongoing


November 2011

4. Create the Philadelphia Field Station Science Sustainability Fellowship Program Tactics


4.1 Design the Fellowship program

- Conduct a rapid assessment to benchmark and build from the success of at least 3-4 other similar programs (prototypes include Conservation Corps and other youth programs) - Use the benchmarking assessment to create a mini business plan for the first five years of the Fellowship program - Many more details will be fleshed out in the mini-business plan for the Fellowship Program, but focus the first year (or several) of the Fellowship Program on undergraduate students (graduate students will have other opportunities to engage with the Field Station, and we need more time to develop a program with that has a proven track record and prestige while cultivating relationships with local high schools; when ready for high school roll-out, the program will have an excellent reputation based on first UPenn and/or other undergrad cohorts). - Create the application process and cycle, including the plan for recruiting, selecting, and “onboarding” /orienting the fellows

February/March 2012

4.2 Implement the Fellowship program in a modular/scalable form

-Develop a shortlist or “menu” of science/science delivery project options to appeal to students in both the arts and sciences; consider developing distinct “menus” for different age groups. [High School menu would include watershed monitoring and maintenance work coupled with a research/science delivery project; undergrad and grad menus would feature more independent project ideas] - Outreach “menu” and opportunities to Penn undergrad urban research colloquium or similar for other colleges & universities (targeting undergraduates); include art, film, and graphic design programs in outreach -Recruit and award fellowships to at least two students in the first year, scale up from there - Begin to develop relationships with local high schools so as to more effectively recruit HS students when the program is ready to scale up; consider maintaining a “Fellowship” program for undergrad and graduate students vs. an “Internship” program (featuring more guidance) for high school students.

February/March 2012

4.3 Scale-up the first year Fellowship program

- Use lessons learned from year one to implement an expanded program for year two or three and beyond - Use the fellowship program to better connect the three east coast field stations (Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia) and to create a broad network of urban field

July-August 2012


November 2011

station scholars that can transfer science and more successfully compete for NSF funding, etc.

4.4 Highlight the science, research, and art projects that result from the Fellowship Program

-Organize a symposium each September to outreach and share the results of the projects completed, and raise awareness for future Science Sustainability Fellowship Opportunities (use symposium to kick off the annual application cycle)

September 2012, and subsequent Septembers

5. Build the Philadelphia Field Station Science Delivery Program Tactics


5.1 Create an annual calendar of science delivery projects and events

-Launch the Technical Committee (via targeted invitations to a wide variety of identified stakeholders, as well as an open invitation) and initiate regular Technical Committee meetings (quarterly the first year, and twice annually thereafter). -Develop the Field Station website, which will include a public facing calendar of events (including events by other related/partner institutions, such as the Urban Natural Resources Institute webinars, http://www.unri.org/webcasts/) , a “research roundup” of active/ongoing projects, and a menu of potential topics/projects for future research collaboration, based upon ongoing feedback from TC meetings -Develop a quarterly e-newsletter to distribute both to science/partner (B2B) community, as well as the interested public (B2C community), to include Philly Field Station research updates, the most relevant research & tools from other Field Stations & urban areas, information on offerings available and upcoming events, etc. -Host at least one larger annual science-delivery workshop (e.g. LiDAR use and application workshop; iTree tool use workshop; or similar) -Host an annual Research Symposium that will be used primarily to: 1) highlight the results of Science Sustainability Fellows’ Projects and 2) present, discuss, and share ongoing research in Philadelphia and other major urban cities/areas (including NYC and Baltimore)

January 2012 Winter/Spring 2012 February 2012 Spring 2012, then annual Fall 2012, then annual

5.2 Create resources to enable Field Station science-delivery to urban youth

-Work with partners (EPA and others) to create “train the trainer” resources for local school teachers, including a selection of age-appropriate lesson plans for teachers

FY2012

http://www.unri.org/webcasts/


November 2011

5.3 Formalize a regular schedule of communication and collaboration with other field stations

- Working with the New York and Baltimore Field Stations, create a schedule and plan for collaborating and networking with the other field stations. Possibilities include regular in-person meetings or teleconferences.

January 2012

6. Implement targeted Science Delivery, Marketing, & Outreach efforts Tactics


6.1 Refer to Science Delivery & Marketing Plan

-Refer to Science Delivery & Marketing Plan ongoing

6.2 Update Science Delivery & Marketing Plan as the Field Station evolves

-Partner with marketing students at the UPenn Wharton School of Business; refer to science delivery & marketing plan

FY2013 and beyond

7. Revisit Strategic Direction every three to five years; review Action Plan, Budget, and Staffing Needs annually

Tactics


7.1 Review the following on an annual basis: the Action Plan (this section) of the Implementation Plan, the Budget, and the Staffing Needs

- Revisit budget with Research Work-Unit Leader (currently Dave Nowak) and NRS Director -The coordinator will make action plan adjustments as needed on an annual basis, based upon new information, Technical Committee needs, and evolving budgets, and other practical considerations; the annual (updated) action plan and budget will be shared with the public/Technical Committee and vetted by the Executive Oversight Team

July-September, annually

7.2 The Strategic Direction of the Field Station is currently laid out via the “Strategic Framework” and this Implementation Plan. Revisit and revise the strategic direction contained within these on a three to five year basis.

-In FY2014, convene a “Strategic Plan” team to update this Implementation Plan, and transform it from the initial ‘start-up’ plan into a multi-year Strategic Plan appropriate for the slightly more mature Field Station (2014 and beyond).

September 2014


November 2011

Action Plan: Visual Layout

FY2013 FY2014 FY2015

Goal J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O

1 Build & staff the Field Station Research Program (in modular fashion, within three years)1.1 Hire a Field Station Coordinator

1.2 Create a Field Station Technical Committee (TC) and convene on a quarterly basis

1.3 Hire & staff field station with graduate students, post-docs, and staff scientists

1.4 Develop a process for recruiting and hosting detailers

1.5 Hire 3+ full-time (permanent, term, contract, or detail) staff scientists within 3 yrs

2 Build an accessible database within the first year; continue to expand & improve

the database, with a focus toward utility and demand

2.1 Assess what data other Field Stations have, learn from their design

2.2 Assess additional data needs, and evaluate cost/benefit of collecting/hosting

2.3 Contract with UVM for database creation, design, and maintenance

2.4 Determine where to “lead, follow, or get out of the way” with respect to data hosting

2.5 Plan & budget for future database needs

2.6 Track data usage

3 Build a holistic landscape-level assessment of ecosystem health & integrity in the

Philadelphia Field Station footprint area within 3-5 years

3.1

Complete a holistic Urban Ecosystem Assessment (FBUEA), including LiDAR (top-down) and

Field-Based (bottom-up) components

3.2 Determine availability of usable historic data (from AFF study)

3.3 Design a protocol & methodology (modified iTree-Eco) for Field-Based UEA

3.4 Recruit, hire, and train field crews for FBUEA

3.5 Fund & complete LiDAR processing and interpretation for counties/relevant geographies

3.6 Collect data & perform quality control checks on FBUEA plots & methodologies

3.7 Make the FBUEA data publicly available and relevant

3.8 Evalutate & improve utility and usage/application of FBUEA data

*2012 2013 2014


November 2011

Action Plan: Visual Layout (Cont’d)

FY2013 FY2014 FY215

Goal J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O

4 Create the Philadelphia Field Station Science Sustainability Fellowship Program

4.1 Design the Fellowship Program, benchmarking other successful youth scholar programs

4.2 Implement the Fellowship Program in modular/scaleable form

4.3 Scale-up the first year Fellowship Program

4.4 Highlight the science, research, and art projects that result from the Fellowship Program

5 Build the Field Station Science Delivery Program5.1 Create an annual calendar of science delivery projects & events

5.2 Create resources to enable Field Station science delivery to urban youth

6 Implement targeted marketing and outreach efforts6.1 Refer to Science Delivery & Marketing Plan, version 1.0

6.2 Update Science Delivery & Marketing Plan as the Field Station evolves

7 Revisit strategic direction every 3-5 years; review Action Plan, Budget, Staffing needs annually

7.1 Review Action Plan, Budget and Staffing Needs annually.

7.2 Revisit and revise the strategic direction on a three to five year basis.

2012 2013 2014

Operations The Field Station Mission and Vision reflect an organization that strives to be firmly rooted in and responsive to

the needs of partner organizations and the community, while benefiting from the strategic oversight and vision

of influential community leaders. This section formalizes a plan for Management, Staffing, and Oversight to

ensure the Field Station remains grounded, responsive, and nimble.

Management

General oversight and management of Field Station staff, programs, and long-term strategic priorities shall be

directed by a Field Station Coordinator. This position will be a full-time staff position at the GS12/13 level

affiliated with and funded by the US Forest Service Northern Research Station, and will report to the leader of

Northern Research Station Workgroup NRS-08, “Urban Forests, Human Health, and Environmental Quality.”

Staffing

The Field Station will maintain a lean staff, which will be partially comprised of student researchers and scholars.

In addition to the Field Station Coordinator, three full time Forest Service research scientists and a technical

specialist will constitute the full-time staff. These staff scientists may be full-time permanent, term, contract, or

detailed, depending upon fiscal considerations and the discretion of the NRS Station Director. These staff

positions may be hired/filled as funding becomes available, based upon opportunities afforded by retirement or

relocation of current Northern Research Station scientists. However, the success of the Philadelphia Field

Station will be largely dependent on the scientific research it generates; because of this, staff positions should

be hired as soon as possible, with all positions filled no later than 2014. The specific research specialty areas (for

which research scientists will be hired) are yet to be determined. In order to best fulfill the objectives of the

Field Station Research Program and remain nimble and responsive to Partner & Community Needs, it is

recommended that the Field Station hire 2-3 year term, contract, or detail research scientist positions. Because

the ongoing applied research of the Field Station will be informed by the needs presented by the Technical

Committee, flexible staffing will allow the Field Station to hire different scientific specialists (if necessary) every

2-3 years to respond to the evolving needs of the community. Initial scientific researcher staff positions (areas

of expertise) will be determined by the needs identified by Technical Committee. Possible positions (based upon

the Strategic Framework) include: social scientist, hydrologist, landscape ecologist, GIS specialist, etc. More

information regarding financial requirements for these positions can be found in the Budget (page 25).

Field Station Partners

The Field Station is predicated and designed in large part on the needs of “partner organizations.” In order to

stay truly connected and engaged with these organizations, it may benefit the Field Station to formalize and

define what a partner relationship entails.

Field Station “Partners” or “Partner Organizations” shall include both science (research) and science-delivery

organizations. Any organization that is collaborating with the Field Station on a research or science delivery

project shall be considered a partner; this relationship will be formalized through a brief partnership agreement

(administered electronically, using Google Forms or similar) that includes some measure of reciprocity (partners

may be asked to contribute content to a Field Station newsletter and/or feature content from the Field Station


November 2011

on their websites, in their newsletters, etc.) Where appropriate and relevant (for funding special projects, etc.),

partnerships may be formalized through Joint Venture Agreements, Challenge Cost Share Agreements, or

similar.

Technical Committee

The Technical Committee (TC) will be a slightly more organic and grassroots version of a Board of Directors. The

TC will be a dynamic yet formalized committee, composed of both scientists and mid-level managers who can

give real-world input on their informational needs8. Each quarter, the TC will be invited to a 30-60 minute

science-delivery presentation or tool-use demonstration, followed by a 60-90 minute facilitated general

discussion about evolving science/research needs and priorities. Recognizing that the success of the TC depends

as much on its format, venue, and tone as its composition of members, the Field Station coordinator should

make every effort to host TC meetings in venues of interest, or create other interesting “hooks” that will keep TC

meetings lively and interesting, providing value to both TC participants and the Field Station.

The Technical Committee will be launched in the beginning of 2012, and be refreshed and renewed on an annual

basis. Each January, the Field Station will host an “open invite” TC meeting, with the purpose of refreshing

membership and/or engaging new members. From there, the remainder of the year’s TC meetings will be

targeted to committed TC participants. Total TC will membership will be limited to approximately 50 individuals.

Technical Committee members will be asked to formalize their commitment by signing onto a TC Charter, that

requires attendance at three out of four (75%) of quarterly TC meetings, and further defines TC roles &

responsibilities.

Executive Oversight Team

The Executive Oversight Team (EOT) will be comprised of a leading representative from each of the four

organizations involved in the founding and creation of the Philadelphia Field Station:

The USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station (NRS)

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS)

The University of Pennsylvania , Department of Earth and Environmental Science (UPenn)

The City of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Department (Philadelphia Parks & Rec)

Each EOT member shall serve a two year term, at which point the current EOT member may choose to

renominate him or herself to the team, or select and nominate an alternate from within his/her representative

organization. Initial EOT membership includes: Michael Rains, NRS; Drew Becher, PHS; Fred Scatena, UPenn;

and Michael DiBerardinis, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

The EOT shall convene at least once annually, along with the Field Station coordinator, preferably at the

beginning of each Fiscal Year. The Field Station coordinator shall be responsible for submitting an annual report

and budget to the EOT in advance of their annual meeting. During the first year (launch) of the Philadelphia Field

Station, it is recommended that the EOT meet at least twice – in winter and summer, 2012 – to provide

additional oversight and guidance to the coordinator and Field Station during its launch phase.

8 Members of the Strategic Framework Team, as well as other individuals yet-to-be identified, will be invited to serve as

members of the Technical Committee.

Budget The Philadelphia Field Station currently has a 5-year, $333,000 Challenge Cost Share Agreement (11-CS-

11242306-118) in place with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) and $73,000 in funding contained

within a Joint Venture Agreement (09-JV-11242306-117 (Mod3)) in place with the University of Pennsylvania

(UPenn). This funding will allow for the implementation of many of the activities and projects contained within

this plan. However, additional funding for resources and staff will be required to ensure the long-term viability

of the Field Station. A simplified, preliminary budget is included on the following pages and is summarized

below. It will be the responsibility of the Field Station Coordinator to manage and update this budget as

appropriate once the Field Station is officially launched.

Salaries and benefits for full-time staff will constitute the majority of the Field Station’s expenses once the

staffing plan is fully implemented (within 1-3 years of operation, depending upon NRS hiring capabilities); these

ongoing expenses will need to be covered through appropriated dollars in the Northern Research Station

budget. The staffing plan calls for the hiring of a full-time GS 12/13 Field Station Coordinator; a full-time GS 9/11

Project and Research Technical Specialist; and 1-3 full-time GS-11 to 14 research scientists and/or specialists

(research specialty to be determined by research priorities and Technical Committee needs). Web and database

needs will be contracted to Jarleth O’Neill-Dunne at the University of Vermont, or a similarly capable database

manager.Initial project funding (for the Field-Based Urban Ecosystem Assessment - FBUEA, the Sustainability

Science Fellowship Program, and potential LiDAR data processing and interpretation) and facilities funding will

be paid for by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS). PHS and the University of Pennsylvania will also

cover the expenses associated with hiring 1-2 graduate or post-doctoral students. Ongoing funding for projects,

facilities, and graduate students will need to be secured from a combination of general appropriations, special

appropriations, 3rd party grants from government institutions and/or foundations, and in-kind contributions

from partner organizations. The Field Station will rely heavily on its partner network to become involved in

grant applications, funding opportunities, and projects that are relevant to the Philadelphia Field Station

Mission, Vision, and Research Program.

Annual Personnel & Related Expenses by FY2014.

This table roughly approximates full time staffing needs/expectations & related annual expenses by 2014. While it is recommended that the

Field Station Coordinator be a full-time permanent employee, each of the other positions may be full-time permanent, term, contract, or

extended detail positions, depending upon fiscal circumstances and/or the preference of the NRS Station Director. One or more graduate

student researchers or post-doctoral fellows will also be supported by the Philadelphia Field Station through a Joint Venture with the University

of Pennsylvania and a Challenge Cost Share Agreement with Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Non-personnel expenses (materials & supplies,

project funding, overhead, etc.) will be covered by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society per the terms of a Challenge Cost Share Agreement.

Field

station

coordinator

Technical

Specialist

(Research &

Programs)

Research

Scientist

Research

Scientist

Research

ScientistTBD TBD

GS 12/13 GS 9/11 GS 14 GS 14 GS 11

salary $88,000 $62,000 $104,000 $104,000 $62,000 $0 $0

benefits $30,800 $21,700 $36,400 $36,400 $21,700 $0 $0

payroll taxes $7,040 $4,960 $8,320 $8,320 $4,960 $0 $0

monthly salary $7,333 $5,167 $8,667 $8,667 $5,167 $0 $0

monthly benefits $2,567 $1,808 $3,033 $3,033 $1,808 $0 $0

weekly hours 40 40 40 40 40 40 40

bi-weekly hours 80 80 80 80 80 80 80

billable rate 61$ 43$ 72$ 72$ 43$ -$ -$

benefits rate 35.00%

Payroll taxes 8.00%

Total personnel expenses $600,600


November 2011

Annual Revenues by FY2014.

This table represents an expected breakdown of revenues by FY2014. Under these projections, it is expected that all staff expenses (whether

full-time permanent, term, contract, or detail) will be covered by $600,000 of annual appropriations to the Philadelphia Field Station. Carryover

funding and other special appropriations will be used for project funding through Joint Venture and Challenge Cost Share Agreements with

partner organizations; these agreements will carry the added benefit of significant partner contributions (both financial and in-kind) to the

Philadelphia Field Station. In addition, once the Philadelphia Field Station scales up its staff, it is expected that staff scientists (with the support

of the coordinator) will successfully compete for $500,000+ of grant funding on an (average) annual basis. Philadelphia Field Station partners

may also be capable of enlisting corporate financial support for Field Station programs such as the Science Sustainability Fellowship Program;

this possibility is marked with a placeholder “?” until feasibility can be determined.

Revenue Category Restricted Unrestricted Total

General Appropriations $600,000 $600,000

Special appropriations #1 (carryover) $100,000 $100,000

Special appropriations #2 (other) $100,000 $100,000

Foundation grants $250,000 $250,000

Public grants $250,000 $250,000

Corporate support (?) $25,000 $25,000

Total $1,300,000 $25,000 $1,325,000


November 2011

Staff Time by Program Area.

This table roughly approximates annual the annual hours of staff time that each program area will require and gives a “big picture” as to the

primary activities of the Philadelphia Field Station.

Staff InvolvedEcosystem

assessment

Research

coordination

Research

pass through

Scholar

program

Outreach and

educationAdministration Total Hours FTE

Field station coordinator 280 300 400 500 600 2,080 1.0

Technical Specialist (Research & Programs) 0 700 600 400 380 2,080 1.0

Research Scientist 480 1600 2,080 1.0



Field Crew 2,000 2,000 1.0

TBD 0 0.0

TBD 0 0.0

Grand Total hours 2,280 3,360 3,880 1,000 900 980 12,400

FTE 1.1 1.6 1.9 0.5 0.4 0.5 6.0

Percentage by Program 18% 27% 31% 8% 7% 8% 100%

Hours

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