Urban Tree Assessment and Maintenance Plan
- Due Dec 5, 2021 by 11:59p.m.
- Points 100
- Submitting a file upload
- Available Sep 26, 2021 at 12a.m. - Dec 5, 2021 at 11:59p.m.
During the course, students will be asked to prepare a report that assesses the current state of a selected urban forest site, while also providing recommendations for future care and management.
Students will be able to select a situation that applies to their interests and goals. Here are some examples of the type of assessment can can be submitted for this assignment:
- A risk assessment and risk mitigation recommendations for one or multiple trees on the same site. A site review of conditions and targets should be included.
- An evaluation of newly planted trees on a site (within the last year), an evaluation of the planting site and recommendations for the next 5 years of care should be included.
- A long term (10 year) management plan for a group of mature trees on the same site (park, street right-of-way or property). Information on site usage/vocation and constraints should be included. Recommendation for site rehabilitation may also be included, if judged necessary.
- An integrated pest management strategy for a group of trees affected by a known, and present or anticipated, pest or pathogen (can be a preventative or curative program). Information on the pest or pathogen, methods of monitoring and control should be included.
- A construction development report for trees impacted by a proposed project. Information on the site, proposed project and tree preservation measures should be included.
Other assessments and reports are possible, but please check in with the instructor about your proposal before moving forward.
Rubric
Find Rubric
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Presentation
The report is clearly presented with pages, subheadings, sections and images identified and organized.
All relevant data pertaining to the site (photographs, dimensions, environmental conditions, vocation) and the tree(s) (species, size, condition, location) should be clearly indicated. Minimum word count of 2000 words Maximum word count of 3000 words (not including bibliography/literature cited page)
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Brief
The overall aim and supporting objectives/deliverables of the selected mandate should be stated at the beginning of the report. Any contextual or background information justifying the necessity for this mandate should be explained (site history, client expectations, regulatory compliance, safety considerations or conflicts to resolve). The limits of the report should also be stated (timeframe, location, competencies of the author, potential requirement for follow ups).
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Observations
In this section, all visual observations, data collected, measurements and photographs should be presented. Valuable and pertinent information about the site (vocation/land use, constraints, conflicts, utilities, infrastructure, targets, climate conditions, grade, surface treatment) as well as the tree(s) (species, size, condition, location) should be explained here.
It is also important to mention when any data was collected from the site and when photographs were taken. Document site visits relating to any information included in your observations.
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Discussion
This section should cover any industry-recognized methodologies used when interpreting the data collected and visual assessments performed.
All relevant complications should be identified and discussed. Possible resolutions and strategies should be presented with clear recommendations. Approximate timeframes for implementation of all interventions recommended must be specified. This can be in a matter of specified days, weeks, months or years depending on the scope and urgency of the intervention. Discussion and assertions supported with credible relevant research and/or industry standards. These resources must be appropriately cited and included in a bibliography at the end of the report.
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Conclusion
This section should summarize the findings of the inspection and analysis followed by a resumé of the interventions recommended along with next possible steps for follow ups or interventions from other professionals, if needed.
Risks for the project are acknowledged and the resources required are specified.
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Referencing
Adequate knowledge of previous relevant research literature and applicable industry standards is demonstrated. A bibliography of references consulted and cited must be included in APA 7th edition formatting, without errors.
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