Community Leaders and the Urban Forest: A Model of Knowledge and Understanding

Seeing the Urban Forest Through the Trees: Building Depth Through Qualitative Research

“…As data emerge, they may suggest information that either expands or narrows understanding of the original question. For example, McLean and Jensen (2004) used qualitative research to propose a paradigm of how community leaders gain knowledge and understanding of the urban forest. During data analysis, they stated, "It became apparent early in the data collection process that there were significant differences in the knowledge of leaders about the urban forest" (p. 592).…”

“…(1) economic costs and benefits (e.g., Nowak and Crane 2002;Jensen et al 2003;Laverne and Winson-Geideman 2003;Sydor et al 2003) Kuo, 2003;Westphal, 2003); and (4) urban forest policy (e.g., Martin et al 2003;Schroeder et al 2003;Wolf 2003aWolf , 2003bMcLean and Jensen 2004).…”

“…It could evaluate how thoroughly local government leaders understand ecological and environmental benefits. The better these benefits are understood, the more favorable local government policy might be influenced (McLean and Jensen 2004). Social benefits of the urban forest could be examined through comprehensive urban forest quality of life and/or sense of place interviews.…”

Urban Forest Values of the Citizenry in Three Colombian Cities

“…While a European urban forest is woodland adjacent to the city, a North American one includes all the natural and planted trees in urban areas (Konijnendijk et al 2006). People engaged in urban forest management also have different conceptualizations (McLean and Jensen 2004). Because people usually experience nature as places, in a conceptual or specific way, and not as objects (Ryan 2005), it is important that urban forest value studies integrate the diversity of urban forest types, from street trees to parks and natural forested areas.…”

Factors that Influence the Use of Sustainable Technology in Structural Design

“…McLean and Jensen (2004) qualitatively analyzed how a community leader's knowledge of environmental issues affects the community. 15 Their research was conducted by asking community leaders a series of questions about urban forestry. The results of their research indicated that leaders with a mature understanding of urban forestry were more capable of being agents of change.…”