Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 32(5): September 2006 Arboriculture & Urban Forestry 2006. 32(5):221–228. 221 An Econometric Study of the Factors Influencing Participation in Urban and Community Forestry Programs in the United States Brandon W. Wall, Thomas J. Straka, and Stephen E. Miller Abstract. Public participation in urban and community forestry (U&CF) programs in the contiguous 48 states of the United States can be explained by several different factors using econometric methods. The state’s percent of working population, income level, percent of forested land, dominant political affiliation, state government expenditures on education, and the number of communities participating in U&CF programs help explain the public participation rates in the programs. These factors accounted for 52% (R2 0.5218) of the variability in public participation in U&CF programs in 2003. Knowing the factors that influence pubic participation in U&CF programs is vital to the success of the program and can assist federal, state, and local decision-makers in planning efforts. Key Words. Econometric model; participation; public participation; urban and community forestry; urban forestry. Urban and community forestry (U&CF) programs gained a major stimulus in 1991 when the USDA Forest Service began a new national program to improve the awareness, manage- ment, conservation, and care of the tree resources in and around communities. The program is funded by the USDA Forest Service and administered by state forestry or natural resources agencies. It is designed to “enhance the technical skills of individuals involved in the planning, development and maintenance of urban and community forests; improve un- derstanding of the value of preserving existing tree cover; pro- vide educational programs and technical assistance to state and local organizations; and establish demonstration projects to il- lustrate the value of forest and tree cover” (South Carolina For- estry Commission 2005; Urban Forestry South Expo 2005). Over three-fourths of Americans live in urban areas and this program recognizes the importance of urban and com- munity forests to the average American (Straka et al. 2005). The current program originated with the amendment of the Cooperative Forest Assistance Act of 1978 to authorize finan- cial, technical, and related assistance to state forestry agencies in support of cooperative efforts in U&CF (Cubbage et al. 1993). From 1960 to 1997, the nation’s urban area increased from 10.2 to 26.7 million ha (25–66 million ac) (Vesterby and Krupa 2001). The trend is not expected to abate. Urbanization is linked to population growth, and by 2050, another 16.2 million ha (40 million ac) is expected to be converted to urban and other de- velopment uses (Alig et al. 2003). The urban forest produces substantial benefits. It has a beneficial impact on the physical environment, increasing property value, and reducing energy costs and water runoff. It also improves the social environment by improving commu- nity health and well-being, consumer behavior, and recre- ational opportunities, reducing noise levels, and creating buffer zones. Urban forests provide environmental benefits by decreasing soil erosion and improving wildlife habitat and air and water quality. Financial assistance includes U&CF planning, recreational development, air and water quality improvement programs, stormwater management, urban wildlife management, and economic, urban development and conservation management plans. In addition, technical assistance and information dis- semination are program components. Typical program recipi- ents are local governments, policymakers and elected offi- cials, builders and developers, civic and community groups, neighborhood associations, nonprofit groups, local busi- nesses, and urban forest councils (USDA Forest Service 2004; Straka et al. 2005). The South Carolina Forestry Commission has a represen- tative U&CF program (South Carolina Forestry Commission 2005). South Carolina divides eligible proposals into three categories: community forestry program development or im- provement (e.g., development of tree ordinances, tree inven- tory software, student internships, and greenspace invento- ries), information and education (Arbor Day activities, work- ©2006 International Society of Arboriculture
September 2006
| Title Name |
Pages |
Delete |
Url |
| Empty |
Search Text Block
Page #page_num
#doc_title
Hi $receivername|$receiveremail,
$sendername|$senderemail wrote these comments for you:
$message
$sendername|$senderemail would like for you to view the following digital edition.
Please click on the page below to be directed to the digital edition:
$thumbnail$pagenum
$link$pagenum
Your form submission was a success. You will be contacted by Washington Gas with follow-up information regarding your request.
This process might take longer please wait
