Forests in human-dominated urban-exurban landscapes are a complex socio-ecological system (SES) where biophysical and social factors are tightly coupled. Exurban forests provide valuable benefits to human society, but both the dynamic social characteristics of the system and the fragmentation of the forested landscape can present challenges to effectively managing these forests. An understanding of the forest SES is especially critical in the context of the projected impacts of climate change wherein strategies for adaptation demand inter-disciplinary and innovative approaches to promote resilience and sustainability of the system
The relationship between roadside forests and built infrastructure (i.e., utility lines and roads) provides an example of a complex exurban forest SES. Stormwise is a research initiative designed to promote the resilience of this system (and its components) and improve understanding of interactions within this SES. Research aims include identifying social or ecological impacts that might result from silvicultural actions in these forested areas and identifying goals of residents and land managers, and factors influencing these goals. This research program uses an integrated set of ecological and human-dimensions studies (including public and practitioner surveys and interviews) to address these issues in a multi-disciplinary analysis.
Results/Conclusions
Stormwise researchers have investigated interactions between humans and ecological conditions of the urban-exurban forest SES at the scale of individual trees and forest plots and on a broader landscape scale with human-dimensions research and geospatial analyses. Research within roadside forests has indicated that tree movement characteristics (related to wind resistance) are closely linked to tree shape – a factor commonly manipulated by silvicultural techniques – illuminating an opportunity to mitigate risk to infrastructure. Resident surveys have illustrated resident support for managing roadside vegetation and that the importance of reliable power is viewed as necessary. Residents tend to see sufficient accountability in the process regardless of resident location within the landscape.
Stormwise and other studies have indicated that people value the benefits their land brings the larger community and value their place in the SES yet few landowners engage in active management. Adaptation to climate change in urban-exurban SESs will require active management of forests, and the participation of many landowners that possess differing values and backgrounds. In an ongoing study, we are investigating whether landowners will engage in active management focused around climate adaptation and exploring potential motivating factors that could stimulate adaptive silvicultural action to improve resiliency of the SES.