Project Kansas URBAN Green (94-G-059)

A comprehensive community model for creating large new urban forests.

To plan and structure an innovative, comprehensive community model for creating large new urban forests,implement demonstrations projects in at least eight diverse "communities". create a broad sustainable infrastructure. result in a process transferable to other locations and increase the scope and success of the national urban forest initiative.

Our objective was to develop a model that blended private enterprise and the non profit sector in public/private partnerships that would optimize the incentive systems of each. require an "investment" from each and secure the resources for the projects primarily from non-traditional sources.

The model tests the efficacy and profitability of a private enterprise company with a mission to develop"urban forestry" projects. The company creates the markets, develops the partnerships with non-profits or municipalities. takes all of the up front capital risk raises the capital (its own. fundraising and operating budgets from partners). provides the management and direction throughout the project. purchases/ plants the plant material, maintains and guarantees the product and labor for at least one year. At the conclusion of the project the company leaves a structure in place to assure continued maintenance and growth of the urban forest.

Attachments

Click here to download the final report.