Becoming Parks and Rec Nerds - EAB and Park and Rec Accreditation with Matt Johnson and Bryce Shearen

This week we may have to temporarily rename the podcast "The Parks and Recreations Nerds" as we welcome Matt Johnson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Roseville. Along with my guest co-host Bryce Shearan, a colleague of mine at Bolton & Menk and former Parks and Recreation Director at the City of Little Canada.  Bryce also hosts another podcast - MRPA On the Air. See the show notes for a link to the podcast home page. 

The three of us talk about Roseville's innovative EAB removal and replacement program. We then talk about the Parks and Recreation accreditation standard that Roseville has achieved since 1994. It's a high standard that the Parks and Recreation department continues to meet every 5 years. 

Join us as we nerd out about Parks! 

AI Generated Episode Description:
Embark on an auditory exploration of urban green spaces with Matt Johnson, Roseville's visionary Director of Parks and Recreation, and guest co-host Bryce Sheeran. Together, we uncover the city's strategic battle against the invasive Emerald Ash Borer, detailing the ambitious tree removal and replacement program that paints a promising future for our urban canopy. Our conversation twirls through the challenges and achievements of managing natural spaces within city bounds, emphasizing the importance of public safety while nurturing the aesthetic and ecological vibrancy of our shared environments.

Have you ever considered the delicate dance of community engagement and practical forestry management? Our dialogue includes a conversation about the contractor Tree Trust that  spotlights the collective triumph in saving 250 trees from pestilence and the communal spirit that underpins successful public works projects. We unravel the threads of public and private tree management, revealing the intricate partnerships and initiatives that bolster both the beauty and health of our urban landscapes. The narrative extends beyond Roseville, inspiring neighboring communities to cultivate their own verdant urban retreats.

Wrapping up our journey, we reflect on the enriching pursuit of parks and recreation accreditation. Discover how feedback and peer reviews transform the groundwork of public service, fostering growth, and encouraging equity and non-traditional programming to flourish. As we stray from our usual public works focus, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the nuanced world of parks management, igniting a passion among veterans and newcomers to the field alike. Tune in for an episode that promises to deepen your appreciation for the green oases that grace our cities.

Show Notes:

MN Recreation and Parks Association On the Air Podcast
https://www.mnrpa.org/Podcast

Roseville EAB Response Program
https://www.cityofroseville.com/2006/Emerald-Ash-Borer-EAB

NYT Article: Why One Man Runs a Tree Service That Won’t Cut Down Dead Trees
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/08/realestate/eco-friendly-landscaping-dead-trees.html