248 METHODS A survey questionnaire was designed using the principles of Halmoborus and Holburn’s (1995) model for social science re- search. This model is based on three key requirements: identi- fying what needs to be measured, selecting performance in- dicators, and then forming questions to measure the indicators chosen. This approach has been successfully used in the de- sign of other major urban forestry surveys (e.g., Johnston and Rushton 1999; Johnston et al. 1999; Britt and Johnston 2008). The majority of the questions in the questionnaire survey were in closed format, a style that is based on the respondent choosing from a number of alternatives provided by the researcher. A lim- ited number of questions used scales to measure how respondents perceived their LA was performing in an aspect of tree manage- ment. The questionnaire was structured into distinct sections to assess the extent to which a planned, systematic, and integrated approach to urban tree management was being used (Johnston and Rushton 1998). A section was also included to assess a range of resource issues that could not be specifically grouped under these headings. This section asked respondents to provide a range of information about the financial and human resources available in each LA for tree management. Questions regarded the annual tree management budget, the number of staff involved in a tree management role, and details of any external funding the LA had received for its tree program. A number of questions about the gender, experience, professional background, and qualifications of the officer responsible for tree management in the LA were also included in this section. Although not a specific question in the survey, it was possible to calculate the amount of money spent per capita on tree management by each LA. This analysis was based on budget information provided by the LA and the resident population of the LA’s district (Statistics NZ 2010). The planned management section of the survey included questions about the type and extent of information each LA held about the urban forest. The questions focused on the ex- tent LAs had surveyed their own trees in the last five years, the percentage of tree cover for their district and the percentage of the urban forest that was publicly and privately owned. This section of the survey concluded with a number of questions about the development of tree management strategies and plans. The section of the survey covering systematic management was designed to assess the extent to which LAs had devel- oped a systematic approach to a number of operations associ- ated with the practical management of trees. Questions covered a range of areas; the amount of tree work that is planned and performed on demand, the use of computerized tree man- agement systems, systematic tree inspections, post-planting maintenance, tree protection, utilization of debris and tim- ber arising from tree operations, and tree selection criteria. The integrated management section of the survey in- cluded a range of questions to assess the degree to which a holistic and coordinated approach for managing the trees in a LA’s district had been developed within the LA and with public, private, and voluntary sector organizations. A SWOT analysis was also incorporated into the question- naire. This section asked respondents to rank the five most significant strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that they associated with their LA’s tree program. This was in- cluded following the successful use of the technique by Britt and Johnston (2008). A robust and comprehensive coding ©2012 International Society of Arboriculture RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Completed questionnaires were returned by 30 of the 73 LAs, giving a response rate of 41%. The LAs that responded cov- ered 46% of New Zealand’s total resident population and rep- resented 10 of New Zealand’s 12 regions, thus the results reflect the range of physical environments and social conditions found throughout the country. The response rate is particularly pleasing in light of the disruption following the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011 and the number of LAs who were either di- rectly affected or heavily involved in a disaster management role. Stobbart and Johnston: A Survey of Urban Tree Management in New Zealand structure was developed by Britt and Johnston (2008) and pro- vided an ideal framework for coding the results of the SWOT analysis. The framework facilitated response coding, based on their content, into a series of categories under broader head- ings, such as planned, systematic, and integrated management. To help reduce the potential for ambiguity associated with the physical separation of the researcher from the respondent in this type of survey, detailed guidance notes were designed to be used in conjunction with the questionnaire. The level of participation in self-administered questionnaires can be improved if the sur- vey is given some form of advance publicity (Haralambos and Holburn 1995; Robson 2002). The New Zealand Arboricultural Association (NZAA) played a key role in helping to promote the research by publishing an article describing the aims, methods, and potential benefits of the research in the December issue of its members’ publication, Tree Matters, and including an abridged version on its website. The questionnaire was pilot-tested to iden- tify and resolve any problems with its design. The review group included a current tree officer at one of New Zealand’s LAs and two experienced urban forestry researchers/practitioners based in New Zealand. In January 2011, survey ‘packs’ consisting of a survey questionnaire, a covering letter, and comprehensive guidance notes were distributed by surface mail to each of New Zealand’s 73 LAs. A copy of the questionnaire, cover letter, and the guidance notes can be accessed on-line (Stobbart, 2011). Pre- paid and addressed reply envelopes were included, acknowledg- ing their potential to help increase response rates (Oppenheim 1992; Wilson and McClean 1996; Hayes 1997; Robson 2002). Returned questionnaires were collated using spreadsheets and analyzed using a variety of statistical techniques (Wheater and Cook 2000). χ2 tinuity Formula to compensate for the tendency of the chi-square test to overstate χ2 tests were used to determine if there was a signifi- cant association between the type of LA and a) the existence of a tree strategy, and b) the use of a computerized tree management system. χ2 are being tested. A t-test was used to compare the mean values of tree work being scheduled by City and District Councils. Val- ues for p below 0.05 in these tests were considered significant. Although it was possible that individual LAs could be identified from responses provided to the survey question- naire, anonymity was ensured when the results were pro- cessed. Assurances of anonymity were included in both the survey questionnaire and the covering letter. This was con- sidered important to encourage respondents to provide ac- curate information even though this could, potentially por- tray individuals or organizations unfavorably or if the aspect of tree management being considered had legal implications. values were corrected using Yates’ Correction for Con- values in situations where only two variables
November 2012
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