Past Solutions

Future Solutions

Conclusion

Can stronger Urban Wilds protection be linked to preservation as a policy solution?

'Advocates lie in wait in and around the government with their solutions at hand, waiting for problems to float by to which they can attach their solutions, waiting for a development in the political stream they can use to their advantage. Policy entrepreneurs must be prepared, their pet proposal at the ready, their special problem well documented, lest the opportunity pass them by.'

John Kindgon in Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies

Future Policy Solutions
Possible future matches between policy problems and Urban Wilds preservation as a solution

Education

Policy problem: Hands-on ecology education within the city.
Policy solution: Strengthened connections between schools and Urban Wilds to provide places to study nature and ecology within walking distance of schools.

Urban Environmental Issues

Policy problem: Stormwater runoff leading to combined sewer overflows as the sewer system is overloaded with rainwater.
Policy solution: Management of Urban Wilds to maximize stormwater absorption through plantings and land contouring to allow Urban Wilds to capture stormwater before it enters storm drains.

Policy problem: The urban heat island effect as air temperature increases due to urban development.
Policy solutions: Dense plantings in the Urban Wilds to maximize the ability of Urban Wild trees to cool the surrounding blocks and to provide a place to escape into the shade on summer days.

Recreation

Policy problem: How to expand the opportunities for outdoor recreation within dense neighborhoods?
Policy solution: Protection and management of the Urban Wilds to encourage their use for passive recreation through steps such as providing signage at Urban Wilds entrances and planning plantings to create a sense of safety by allowing views into Urban Wilds from the perimeter.

Policy problem: How to improve the quality of life in Boston neighborhoods?
Policy solution: Protection of the Urban Wilds to maximize opportunities to interact with nature without leaving the city.