KZLA led a multi-disciplinary team to develop an Urban Forest Climate Resiliency Master Plan for the Town of Brookline through a highly collaborative process involving key Town departments, local councils, committees, businesses, residents, landlords, and more. KZLA employed virtual meetings, social media tools and on-line surveys to engage the community in developing the plan that will impact Brookline’s urban forest for generations.

The Master Plan positions the Town to proactively and equitably prepare for, and mitigate, the impacts of climate change on its public and private trees, while also exploring how the tree canopy can be used to mitigate future climate impacts. KZLA completed soil analysis and conducted an inventory of existing conditions. We updated the Town’s existing data through a GIS-based, stem-by-stem inventory of public trees. LiDAR data for public and private trees was used to understand the extent and equity of canopy cover as well as trends over the last decade.

We utilized scientific data to strategically target tree planting efforts, focusing on species diversity and trees adapted for the anticipated climate challenges. KZLA also developed recommendations for geographically-based interventions, such as planting opportunities within the right-of-way, parks and plazas. Recognizing the role of management and strategic investment in the success of the urban forest, the final report also examined urban forest management and budgeting strategies, including succession, maintenance, infrastructure modifications, and tree planting standards.