An econometric study of the factor influencing participation in urban and community forestry programs in the United States

Abstract

Public participation in urban and community forestry (U&CF) programs in the contiguous 48 states of the United States can be explained by several different factors using econometric methods. The state's percent of working population, income level, percent of forested land, dominant political affiliation, state government expenditures on education, and the number of communities participating in U&CF programs help explain the public participation rates in the programs. These factors accounted for 52% (R2 = 0.5218) of the variability in public participation in U&CF programs in 2003. Knowing the factors that influence pubic participation in U&CF programs is vital to the success of the program and can assist federal, state, and local decision-makers in planning efforts. © 2006 International Society of Arboriculture.