Resident involvement in inspecting trees for Dutch elm disease

Abstract

This study investigated the costs and benefits ot a public-private partnership in the monitoring of mature elm trees threatened by Dutch elm disease (Ceratocystis ulmi). To compensate for a budget shortfall, the Sacramento Tree Foundation began its Save The Elms Program (STEP), which enlisted the help of volunteers for the early detection of Dutch elm disease. Of the 269 residents who initially expressed interest in the program, only half received training due to scheduling difficulties and time constraints. A mail survey compared the knowledge and attitudes of trained volunteers and those who volunteered but did not receive training. While all respondents endorsed the importance of street trees to the area, those with training were more knowledgeable about their local urban forest and were more satisfied with their neighborhoods.