A model of urban forest sustainability: Application to cities in the United States

Abstract

The applicability of a model for urban forest sustainability was evaluated through a written survey. The model considers the character of the vegetation resource, community awareness of, and attitudes about, urban forests, and the management programs for the resource. Results from 25 U.S. cities were evaluated using the 20 criteria and four levels of performance found in the model. Although surveys were sent directly to mayors, urban forestry professionals completed the questionnaires. The average score for responding cities was 48.8, out of a maximum score of 80. The range in scores was 27 to 61. Criteria of sustainability with highest overall scores dealt with awareness of trees as a community resource and neighborhood action; the lowest scores involved the participation of private landholders in urban forest management and regional cooperation.