New Boston Forestry Division
Mayor Michelle Wu recently announced efforts to bolster the City of Boston ’ s tree canopy to enhance livability and public health throughout Boston ’ s neighborhoods . As part of the announcement , Mayor Wu is launching a new Forestry Division within the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to expand Boston ’ s ability to maintain existing and plant new trees . The Forestry Division will grow the City ’ s tree-related workforce from 5 to 16 , with dedicated leadership and resources to plant new trees as well as proactively inspect , maintain , and prune existing trees , focusing on under-canopied and environmental justice neighborhoods .
“ Our new tree division will significantly expand the City ’ s capacity to plant and care for trees in every neighborhood ,” said Ryan Woods , Boston Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner . “ We are committed to increasing the survival rate of our new plantings and supporting the growth and maturation of trees across Boston , particularly in communities that need more canopy .”
Mayor Wu ’ s announcement also recommits to growing the City ’ s forestry workforce . The new positions within the Forestry Division include opportunities for individuals who will soon graduate from PowerCorpsBOS , a city workforce development pro-
PowerCorpsBOS students with Kristina Bezanson , MCA ( 4th from right ) currently serving as a PowerCorpsBOS instructor and Joe Pellegrino ( 3rd from right ), the program ’ s director .
gram that launched in the spring for people aged 18 to 30 years old , funded with $ 9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act . In late September , PowerCorpBOS began training students in several aspects of the tree industry , including tree physiology , soil science , and how trees heal from cuts and breaks . Students will be working with Boston Housing Authority and UMass Mount Ida Campus to learn valuable skills to protect trees .
Editor ’ s Note : We were thrilled to meet up with a large crew of PowerCorps- BOS participants at New England ISA ’ s annual conference . PowerCorpsBOS is a
green jobs program that provides young people with training , career readiness support , and connections to employers in the green industry . An “ earn and learn ” program , PowerCorpsBOS pays members to participate in hands-on training that prepares them for living wage careers . This industry training initiative is one to watch ! Learn more at https :// owd . boston . gov / powercorpsbos /.
Vista Award Deadline Extended
MAA members are encouraged to nominate colleagues for VISTA Award consideration . Please write a letter to the MAA board of directors with the name of your nominee and include the reasons why you believe they should receive the VISTA Award . Take the award ’ s purpose and title into
Nomination letters may be sent via regular mail or e-mail to : VISTA Award • MAA Board of Directors • 67 West Street • Medfield , MA 02052 info @ MassArbor . org (“ VISTA Award ” in Subject Line please )
consideration when crafting your nomination letter . Be specific , cite examples , include details and , if possible , ask for letters of support for your nominee from other MAA members . The deadline for nominations has been extended to November 10 , 2022 .
FALL 2022 MAA NEWS 17