Urban Forestry Research Needs: A Participatory Assessment Process

• Published in: Journal of forestry Vol. 108; no. 1; pp. 39 - 44
• Main Authors: Wolf, Kathleen L, Kruger, Linda E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bethesda Oxford University Press 2010
• Subjects: Biodiversity; case studies; Community; Energy conservation; Environmental economics; Environmental protection; forest ecology; forest management; forest policy; Local government; Natural resources; planning; Remote sensing; research coordination; Stormwater management; Sustainability; Technological change; Technology transfer; Trees; urban forestry; Urbanization; Pacific States; INE, USA, Pacific Northwest
• ISSN: 0022-1201; 1938-3746
• DOI: 10.1093/jof/108.1.39

New research initiatives focusing on urban ecology and natural resources are underway. Such programs coincide with increased local government action in urban forest planning and management, activities that are enhanced by scientific knowledge. This project used a participatory stakeholder process to explore and understand urban forestry research and technology transfer needs in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The approach can be readily used for any geographic region or metropolitan area. A two-phase, abbreviated Delphi process was conducted, inviting input from urban forestry professionals, academics, and agency-based managers. Research issues were identified and prioritized within three themes: urban forest resource, resource management, and community framework. The results serve as a stakeholder relevant research framework to guide science proposals for funding initiatives at regional and national levels. Notable is major support by respondents for a better understanding of the transactional dynamics of human systems and urban natural resources.