Oral Abstract Details

Author(s):
Thurau, Richard G., Sarah K. Mincey, Jacqueline M. Bauer, Tom P. Evans, Burnell Fischer, and Rinku R. Chowdhury

Affiliation:
Indiana University

Presentation Type:
Oral

Topic Area:
Urban forestry and urban agriculture

Abstract Text:
Understanding the functional properties of complex urban environments requires analysis that accounts for the dynamic interactions between core subsystems (resource units, resource system, governance system, and users) of social ecological systems. The Urban Forest Resources and Institutions (UFRI) framework outlines principles for the systematic accountability of biophysical, social, and institutional factors, their interactions, and impacts on each other and the greater spatial extent of an urban forest. The UFRI method uses remotely sensed data, biophysical sampling, household surveys, and targeted face-to-face interviews to collect holistic data on urban social ecological systems and resulting urban forest management impacts. This paper outlines the basic UFRI framework in the context of a pilot study to be conducted in Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Theoretical underpinnings of this approach, essential research questions, and methods are introduced here with the goal of receiving feedback and opinions from the diverse audience usually present within this conference. Ultimately, UFRI provides guidance through research protocols for measuring variables of urban forest health and sustainability that are comparable over time and among different locations.