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In the past, there have been successful partnerships between the Providence Neighborhood Planting Program the city Forestry Office, and Roger Williams Park, which once provided land on which a tree farm grew trees. The tree farm no longer exists, but could be re-established either at the park or in partnership with South Side Community Land Trust, another local organization. A relationship between the city forester and the PNPP is central, in order to ensure a unified planting program, consistent regulations regarding planting and cutting, as well as communication among groups and residents of the city. Providence's city forester, John Campanini, has retired from his position and continues to actively work with the Rhode Island Tree Council. There is great potential for the RI Tree Council to work alongside the PNPP in appropriating funding, evaluating planting sites, and helping to continue the 40-in-4 planting plan, a program that aims to plant 40,000 trees in 4 years in Providence in order to achieve 25% canopy cover. In addition, they could help implement new plans that emerge. The Tree Council also organizes a Tree Steward program, which educates local residents about urban trees. The city forester could also play a larger role in purchasing trees for the city, locating funding, devising planting location plans, finding land to use for potential tree farms, and designing communication strategies for the residents of the city. Enforcement of current landscaping and zoning laws would also be essential. Thus far, the PNPP program has been incredibly successful in organizing
a planting program that involves and empowers local residents, educates
them about urban forestry, and encourages responsibility for the local
environment. To have this group continue to partner with others in the
city and provide a model for statewide urban and suburban forestry programs
could prove enormously successful, particularly with regard to community
outreach and education.
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