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Construction and Proactive Management Led to Tree Removals on an Urban College Campus. FORESTS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/f13060871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Urban trees in lawns and along streets are anthropogenically constructed systems, in that these tree communities are formed by human planting and removal actions. Tree mortality studies are essential to understanding the temporal dynamism of urban forests, and in particular, it is critical to incorporate institutional records and human decision-making regarding tree removals. In this study, we investigated tree removals on a highly urbanized college campus in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (US) by analyzing field inventories and institutional records, and by considering firsthand accounts of the University Landscape Architect. The annual mortality rate was 4.3%, higher than typical for comparable studies, which we attribute to construction pressure and proactive management to promptly remove unhealthy trees and manage risk. Capital projects and other construction caused 48.5% of all removals, other human land use decisions caused 2.0%, and tree health decline and risk management collectively accounted for 48.7%. The number of removed trees exactly equaled the number of new trees, and the campus has high taxonomic diversity, reflecting the extensive oversight by university tree and landscape professionals regarding tree removal and planting decisions. This study demonstrates the value of mixed-methods and transdisciplinary research to understand how urban forests change over time.
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Hilbert DR, Koeser AK, Roman LA, Andreu MG, Hansen G, Thetford M, Northrop RJ. Selecting and Assessing Underutilized Trees for Diverse Urban Forests: A Participatory Research Approach. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.759693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban forests provide critical environmental benefits, but the resilience of these socio-ecological systems to stresses like pest and disease outbreaks relies on tree health and diversity. Despite this, low species diversity continues to be a challenge in urban forest management. Using a participatory research approach in central Florida (United States), we selected and tested underutilized native tree species (Celtis laevigata Willd., Ilex vomitoria Aiton, Taxodium ascendens Brongn., Ulmus alata Michx., and Viburnum obovatum Walter) in two urban settings (streetscape and park) in four communities (total n = 200). Our collaborative process was organized into five steps, including a 2-year monitoring period to assess mortality and health through establishment. At the end of the trial, 156 trees survived with annual mortality rates differing by species and plot type. Taxodium ascendens had the highest annual mortality of the five species trialed. Overall, U. alata and V. obovatum showed the greatest potential in central Florida urban settings. Our tree selection process can guide others who want to create forward-thinking and diverse planting lists. Furthermore, this project demonstrates that co-production of knowledge involving members of local municipalities, practitioners, and researchers can be an effective strategy for selecting and testing underutilized tree species.
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Piana MR, Hallett RA, Johnson ML, Sonti NF, Brandt LA, Aronson MFJ, Ashton M, Blaustein M, Bloniarz D, Bowers AA, Carr ME, D’Amico V, Dewald L, Dionne H, Doroski DA, Fahey RT, Forgione H, Forrest T, Hale J, Hansen E, Hayden L, Hines S, Hoch JM, Ieataka T, Lerman SB, Murphy C, Nagele E, Nislow K, Parker D, Pregitzer CC, Rhodes L, Schuler J, Sherman A, Trammell T, Wienke BM, Witmer T, Worthley T, Yesilonis I. Climate Adaptive Silviculture for the City: Practitioners and Researchers Co-create a Framework for Studying Urban Oak-Dominated Mixed Hardwood Forests. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.750495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Urban forested natural areas are an important component of the forest and tree canopy in northeastern United States urban areas. Although similar to native forests in surrounding regions in structure, composition, and function, these natural areas are threatened by multiple, co-occurring biological and climate stressors that are exacerbated by the urban environment. Furthermore, forests in cities often lack application of formal silvicultural approaches reliant upon evidence-based applied ecological sciences. These include both urban- and climate-adapted silvicultural techniques to increase the resilience and sustainability of native forests in cities. With this in mind, we convened a group of urban forest practitioners and researchers from along a latitudinal gradient in the northeastern United States to participate in a workshop focused on co-developing long-term, replicated ecological studies that will underlie the basis for potential silvicultural applications to urban forests. In this article we review the process and outcomes of the workshop, including an assessment of forest vulnerability, and adaptive capacity across the region, as well as shared management goals and objectives. We discuss the social and ecological challenges of managing urban oak-dominated mixed hardwood forests relative to non-urban forests and identify potential examples of urban- and climate-adapted silviculture strategies created by practitioners and researchers. In doing so, we highlight the challenges and need for basic and long-term applied ecological research relevant to silvicultural applications in cities.
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McCord SE, Webb NP, Van Zee JW, Burnett SH, Christensen EM, Courtright EM, Laney CM, Lunch C, Maxwell C, Karl JW, Slaughter A, Stauffer NG, Tweedie C. Provoking a Cultural Shift in Data Quality. Bioscience 2021; 71:647-657. [PMID: 34084097 PMCID: PMC8169311 DOI: 10.1093/biosci/biab020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecological studies require quality data to describe the nature of ecological processes and to advance understanding of ecosystem change. Increasing access to big data has magnified both the burden and the complexity of ensuring quality data. The costs of errors in ecology include low use of data, increased time spent cleaning data, and poor reproducibility that can result in a misunderstanding of ecosystem processes and dynamics, all of which can erode the efficacy of and trust in ecological research. Although conceptual and technological advances have improved ecological data access and management, a cultural shift is needed to embed data quality as a cultural practice. We present a comprehensive data quality framework to evoke this cultural shift. The data quality framework flexibly supports different collaboration models, supports all types of ecological data, and can be used to describe data quality within both short- and long-term ecological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E McCord
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Nicholas P Webb
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Justin W Van Zee
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Sarah H Burnett
- Bureau of Land Management, National Operations Center, Denver, Colorado, United States
| | - Erica M Christensen
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Ericha M Courtright
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Christine M Laney
- Battelle-National Ecological Observatory Network, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Claire Lunch
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Connie Maxwell
- New Mexico State University, in Las Cruces, New Mexico,United States
| | - Jason W Karl
- Department of Forest, Rangeland, and Fire Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, United States
| | - Amalia Slaughter
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Nelson G Stauffer
- US Department of Agriculture ARS Jornada Experimental Range, Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
| | - Craig Tweedie
- University of Texas-El Paso, El Paso, Texas, United States
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Kaplan NE, Baker KS, Karasti H. Long live the data! Embedded data management at a long‐term ecological research site. Ecosphere 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E. Kaplan
- Rangeland Resources and Systems Research Unit United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service Fort Collins Colorado80526USA
| | - Karen S. Baker
- School of Information Sciences University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Champaign Illinois61820USA
| | - Helena Karasti
- IT University of Copenhagen Rued Langgaards Vej 7 Copenhagen2300Denmark
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Roman LA, Conway TM, Eisenman TS, Koeser AK, Ordóñez Barona C, Locke DH, Jenerette GD, Östberg J, Vogt J. Beyond 'trees are good': Disservices, management costs, and tradeoffs in urban forestry. AMBIO 2021; 50:615-630. [PMID: 33011917 PMCID: PMC7882647 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-020-01396-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The provision of ecosystem services is a prominent rationale for urban greening, and there is a prevailing mantra that 'trees are good'. However, understanding how urban trees contribute to sustainability must also consider disservices. In this perspective article, we discuss recent research on ecosystem disservices of urban trees, including infrastructure conflicts, health and safety impacts, aesthetic issues, and environmentally detrimental consequences, as well as management costs related to ecological disturbances and risk management. We also discuss tradeoffs regarding species selection and local conservation concerns, as well as the central role of human perception in the interpretation of ecosystem services and disservices, particularly the uncritical assertion that 'everybody loves trees'. Urban forestry decision-making that fails to account for disservices can have unintended negative consequences for communities. Further research is needed regarding life cycle assessments, stakeholder decision-making, return-on-investment, and framings of services and disservices in urban forestry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara A. Roman
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Philadelphia Field Station, 100 N. 20th St., Philadelphia, PA 19095 USA
| | - Tenley M. Conway
- Department of Geography, University of Toronto- Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6 Canada
| | - Theodore S. Eisenman
- University of Massachusetts–Amherst, 333 Design Building, 551 North Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01003 USA
| | - Andrew K. Koeser
- University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, 14625 CR 672, Wimauma, FL 33598 USA
| | - Camilo Ordóñez Barona
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Science (SEFS), Burnley Campus, Faculty of Science, The University of Melbourne, 500 Yarra Boulevard, Richmond, VIC 3121 Australia
| | - Dexter H. Locke
- USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Baltimore Field Station, 5523 Research Park Dr, Suite 350, Baltimore, MD 21227 USA
| | - G. Darrel Jenerette
- Department of Botany & Plant Sciences, 900 University Ave., Riverside, CA 92521 USA
| | - Johan Östberg
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 66, 23053 Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Jess Vogt
- DePaul University, 1 E Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 USA
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McGrath D, Plummer R, Bowen A. Cultivating our urban forest future: a value-chain perspective. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
For cities to grow their urban forest canopy the formula appears rather straightforward: the right trees, plus the right conditions, plus the right care equals success. These simplified “tree chain of custody” steps, however, represent activities within a complex value-chain in Canada. Given that there is heightened demand for urban tree planting as natural climate solutions become the norm, how can we prepare the value-chain to meet these demands? To answer this question, we outline the pathways by which trees presently go from nurseries into urban and peri-urban areas. Delineating the actors, roles, and present barriers to success exposes the complexity of the process and relationships in the value-chain, as there are distinct phases with multiple actor groups involved who influence, and are influenced, by one another. We explore the issues that pose prominent challenges to, as well as opportunities for, the value-chain. Emergent themes include communication, forecasting demand and timing, underpricing and undervaluing tree establishment, lack of awareness on the importance of soils, juvenile tree health, species selection, and gaps in evidence-based decision support tools. The touchstones of science and innovation, collaboration, and knowledge mobilization are pertinent for the value-chain in Canada to draw upon to navigate the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darby McGrath
- Environmental Horticulture, Vineland Research & Innovation Centre, 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 400, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0, Canada
| | - Ryan Plummer
- Environmental Sustainability Research Centre, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Amy Bowen
- Consumer Insights, Vineland Research & Innovation Centre, 4890 Victoria Avenue North, Box 400, Vineland Station, ON L0R 2E0, Canada
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A Systems Thinking Methodology for Studying Prevention Efforts in Communities. SYSTEMIC PRACTICE AND ACTION RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11213-020-09544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Gagné SA, Bryan-Scaggs K, Boyer RHW, Xiang WN. Conserving biodiversity takes a plan: How planners implement ecological information for biodiversity conservation. AMBIO 2020; 49:1490-1505. [PMID: 31707581 PMCID: PMC7320128 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-019-01281-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Conserving biodiversity is critical to the sustainability of human settlements, and stands to benefit from collaboration between ecologists focused on understanding natural systems and planners balancing social, environmental, and economic priorities. Drawing from the socially-situated definition of 'sustainability', we sought to understand the relationship between ecologists and planners by probing how planners in the southeastern US prioritize and engage with biodiversity conservation and ecological information, and how context influences these decisions. We find that context matters, e.g., higher jurisdictional population density was positively associated with prioritizing tree cover and diversity. We find, also, that while biodiversity conservation and ecological information are valuable to planners, planners rely heavily on their colleagues to inform conservation-related activities and prioritize conservation topics that differ from ecological research foci. Improved communication by ecologists and context-specific transdisciplinary sustainability research, especially that which incorporates the primary role of elected officials in biodiversity conservation, may help to integrate ecological science and planning practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara A. Gagné
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University City Blvd., 9201, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
| | - Kaitlynn Bryan-Scaggs
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University City Blvd., 9201, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
| | - Robert H. W. Boyer
- RISE Viktoria, Lindholmen Science Park, Lindholmspiren 3A, 417 56 Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Wei-Ning Xiang
- Department of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, University City Blvd., 9201, Charlotte, NC 28223 USA
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Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) in Dense Urban Watersheds. The Case of the Medrano Stream Basin (MSB) in Buenos Aires. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12062163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Conventional urban drainage approaches have historically focused on the volume of stormwater to be displaced with the aim of moving it as fast and as far as possible from the city. They have also been negligent regarding water quality and the inherent value of watercourses to distinct forms of life in cities, from maintaining biodiversity to providing recreational space for residents. Contemporary responses to these issues point to a paradigm change: They seek to replicate the natural mechanisms of absorption and retention, with the aim of addressing pluvial drainage needs closer to the site of origin. This article aims to explore the extent to which such an approach could be accommodated in one dense and highly impervious setting in the Global South. Specifically, it compares urban morphology, land value, hydraulic performance, and politico-institutional conditions of grey and Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) scenarios in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The findings suggest that even in very dense and impervious urban basins it is possible to implement BGI with a significant effect in achieving urban-sustainability goals. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that it is possible to deculvert watercourses in line with Compact City principles through the development of hybrid BGI/grey-infrastructure systems.
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Staddon C, Ward S, De Vito L, Zuniga-Teran A, Gerlak AK, Schoeman Y, Hart A, Booth G. Contributions of green infrastructure to enhancing urban resilience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s10669-018-9702-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
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12
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Djenontin INS, Meadow AM. The art of co-production of knowledge in environmental sciences and management: lessons from international practice. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 61:885-903. [PMID: 29623401 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-018-1028-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This review paper addresses the challenging question of "how to" design and implement co-production of knowledge in climate science and other environmental and agricultural sciences. Based on a grounded theory review of nine (9) published case studies of transdisciplinary and collaborative research projects, the paper offers a set of common themes regarding specific components and processes for the design, implementation, and achievement of co-production of knowledge work, which represent the "Modus Operandi" of knowledge co-production. The analysis focuses on practical methodological guidance based on lessons from how different research teams have approached the challenges of complex collaborative research. We begin by identifying broad factors or actions that inhibit or facilitate the process, then highlight specific practices associated with co-production of knowledge and necessary competencies for undertaking co-production. We provide insights on issues such as the integration of social and professional cultures, gender and social equity, and power dynamics, and illustrate the different ways in which researchers have addressed these issues. By exploring the specific practices involved in knowledge co-production, this paper provides guidance to researchers on how to navigate different possibilities of the process of conducting transdisciplinary and co-production of knowledge research projects that best fit their research context, stakeholder needs, and research team capacities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Nadia S Djenontin
- School of Geography and Development, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Institute of the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences (GESS), Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| | - Alison M Meadow
- Institute of the Environment, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Montambault JR, Dormer M, Campbell J, Rana N, Gottlieb S, Legge J, Davis D, Chakaki M. Social equity and urban nature conservation. Conserv Lett 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jensen Reitz Montambault
- The Nature Conservancy, Science for Nature and People Partnership; School of Earth & Environmental Science; University of Queensland; Charlottesville VA 22903 USA
| | - Myriam Dormer
- The Nature Conservancy in Georgia; Atlanta GA 30303 USA
| | - Jacob Campbell
- Field Museum; Keller Science Action Center; Chicago IL 60605 USA
| | | | - Sara Gottlieb
- The Nature Conservancy in Georgia; Atlanta GA 30303 USA
| | - John Legge
- The Nature Conservancy in Chicago; Chicago IL 60603 USA
| | - Deron Davis
- The Nature Conservancy in Georgia; Atlanta GA 30303 USA
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How Cities Think: Knowledge Co-Production for Urban Sustainability and Resilience. FORESTS 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/f8060203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Recognizing Stewardship Practices as Indicators of Social Resilience: In Living Memorials and in a Community Garden. SUSTAINABILITY 2016. [DOI: 10.3390/su8080775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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