Governing for Diversity: An Exploration of Practitioners' Urban Forest Preferences and Implications for Equitable Governance

Sax, Daniel; Manson, Corbin; Nesbitt, Lorien

doi:10.3389/frsc.2020.572572

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 51 publications

(101 reference statements)

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“…Environment professionals from both local governments and the private sector can also have granular insight into the ecology and seasonality of urban forests under their jurisdiction, and are closely aware of local constraints and demands on restoration practices. For instance, Sax, Manson & Nesbitt (2020) found that urban forest professionals in two large metropolitan areas put particular importance on urban forest accessibility (e.g. walking, public transport).…”

Section: Evidence Synthesis Of Urban and Rural Forest Restoration Res...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Convergence and divergence in science and practice of urban and rural forest restoration

Romanelli,

Piana,

Klaus

et al. 2023

Biological Reviews

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Forest restoration has never been higher on policymakers' agendas. Complex and multi‐dimensional arrangements across the urban–rural continuum challenge restorationists and require integrative approaches to strengthen environmental protection and increase restoration outcomes. It remains unclear if urban and rural forest restoration are moving towards or away from each other in practice and research, and whether comparing research outcomes can help stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of the interconnectedness between the two fields. This study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities for enhancing forest restoration in both urban and rural systems by reviewing the scientific evidence, engaging with key stakeholders and using an urban–rural forest restoration framework. Using the Society for Ecological Restoration's International Principles as discussion topics, we highlight aspects of convergence and divergence between the two fields to broaden our understanding of forest restoration and promote integrative management approaches to address future forest conditions. Our findings reveal that urban and rural forest restoration have convergent and divergent aspects. We emphasise the importance of tailoring goals and objectives to specific contexts and the need to design different institutions and incentives based on the social and ecological needs and goals of stakeholders in different regions. Additionally, we discuss the challenges of achieving high levels of ecological restoration and the need to go beyond traditional ecology to plan, implement, monitor, and adaptively manage restored forests. We suggest that rivers and watersheds could serve as a common ground linking rural and urban landscapes and that forest restoration could interact with other environmental protection measures. We note the potential for expanding the creative vision associated with increasing tree‐containing environments in cities to generate more diverse and resilient forest restoration outcomes in rural settings. This study underscores the value of integrative management approaches in addressing future forest conditions across the urban–rural continuum. Our framework provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and decision‐makers to advance the field of forest restoration and address the challenges of restoration across the urban–rural continuum. The rural–urban interface serves as a convergence point for forest restoration, and both urban and rural fields can benefit from each other's expertise.

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Section: Evidence Synthesis Of Urban and Rural Forest Restoration Res...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Convergence and divergence in science and practice of urban and rural forest restoration

Romanelli,

Piana,

Klaus

et al. 2023

Biological Reviews

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…

against a backdrop of workforce demographic shifts and public perceptions of green space management (Silvera Seamans 2013;Ordóñez et al 2019;Sax et al 2020).Lack of clarity in urban forestry's professional identity has a long list of consequences. Competing professional organizations, disparate educational paths, and inconsistent job descriptions create challenges for those seeking careers and for development of a common body of knowledge for the profession (O'Herrin et al 2018a;O'Herrin et al 2018b).

…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…against a backdrop of workforce demographic shifts and public perceptions of green space management (Silvera Seamans 2013;Ordóñez et al 2019;Sax et al 2020).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Borrowed Credentials and Surrogate Professional Societies: A Critical Analysis of the Urban Forestry Profession

O’Herrin¹,

Bassett

Day

et al. 2023

AUF

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Background: Urban forestry is an emerging profession, yet its professional identity is not clearly defined, nor does it have the full complement of support mechanisms commonly expected or needed by professionals. As a result, urban forest professionals rely on closely allied professions (e.g., arboriculture, forestry) resulting in frustration amongst urban forest professionals and confusion and lack of awareness amongst the general public. Methods: We developed a series of practical but ideal benchmarks for a successful “modern profession” based on features extracted from a review of the literature and precedents from 11 other professions. We then examined a broad array of evidence to identify gaps between the benchmarks and the current reality of the profession. Strength of evidence was assessed, and each benchmark was classified as being supported by established, emerging, or little to no evidence. Results: Gap analysis indicates that while the profession provides an essential service to society, there is a need for improvement in credentialing, public awareness, recruitment into the profession, and support for career advancement. Many gaps result from a lack of coordinated efforts or organized community dedicated to the full scope of urban forest professionals. We identified a misalignment between urban forest professionals and existing professional organizations that are dedicated to closely allied professions. Conclusion: To meet benchmarks for a successful “modern profession,” urban forestry needs professional support explicitly dedicated to urban forestry. The profession cannot meet the future needs of society supported only by borrowed credentials and surrogate professional organizations.

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Conceptualizing the human drivers of low tree diversity in planted urban landscapes

Hilbert

Koeser

Andreu

et al. 2023

Ambio

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Despite the abundance of tree diversity in the natural world, and generally high tree species richness in urban areas, urban forests continue to be dominated by a limited number of species. As socio-ecological systems, urban forests are shaped by historical and current management efforts and decision-making of a wide range of human actors. Drawing on past research, we offer a conceptual framework for describing the complex interactions among tree producers and consumers as trees are selected, grown, specified, and planted in private and public urban areas. We illustrate how multiple layers of selection criteria filter down the entirety of potential local tree diversity to a handful of commonly used and accepted tree species. We detail the actors and decision makers who impact tree composition and diversity across several land types. Finally, we identify research, education and outreach needs as they relate to creating more diverse and resilient urban forest ecosystems.

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Governing for Diversity: An Exploration of Practitioners' Urban Forest Preferences and Implications for Equitable Governance

Cited by 4 publications

References 51 publications

Convergence and divergence in science and practice of urban and rural forest restoration

Convergence and divergence in science and practice of urban and rural forest restoration

Borrowed Credentials and Surrogate Professional Societies: A Critical Analysis of the Urban Forestry Profession

Conceptualizing the human drivers of low tree diversity in planted urban landscapes

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