Pacific NW Research Station

Nearly 40 years of research provides an extensive body of evidence about human health, well-being, and improved function benefits associated with experiences of nearby nature in cities. We demonstrate the numerous opportunities for future research efforts that link metro nature, human health and well-being outcomes, and economic values. We reviewed the literature on urban nature-based health and well-being benefits and provide a classification schematic, then propose potential economic values associated with metro nature services. Economic valuation of benefits derived from urban green systems has largely been undertaken in the environmental and natural resource economics fields, but have not typically addressed health outcomes. Urban trees, parks, gardens, open spaces and other nearby nature elements, collectively termed metro nature, generate many positive externalities that have been largely overlooked in urban economics and policy. Here, a range of health benefits is identified ...

Urban parks, forests and open space systems provide many amenities for city dwellers. Yet perceptions of public value may not incorporate all of the scientifically confirmed public goods and services of urban green space. Theory and methods of ...

This project was a process of discovery to explore and understand urban forestry research and technology transfer needs in the Pacific Northwest region of the U.S. using a stakeholder participatory process. A two phase, abbreviated Delphi process was conducted, inviting input from urban forestry professionals, academics, and agency-based managers. Research issues were first identified then prioritized within these themes: urban

The presence of metro nature enables daily environmental interactions, and a substantial body of evidence now demonstrates that nature contact generates extensive psychosocial, cognitive, and physical health and well-being benefits. Estimates of the economic values of such benefits have lagged similar valuation efforts for environmental services (such as improved air and water quality). In this article, using a life course approach, we estimate the potential annual value of six metro nature benefits, and cautiously extrapolate to a national scale, based on best available data and research. This is done by applying established economic values associated with epidemiology and public health to metro nature benefits estimates reported in prior peer-reviewed literature. The six situations of benefits valuation potential focused on: birth weight, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), school performance, crime, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's disease. This benefits set demonstrates the importance of nature contact in urban areas over the course of the human lifespan. We estimate that the potential cost savings, avoided costs, and increased income range between $2.7 and $6.8 billion annually (2012 USD). Yet these values represent only a subset of benefits described in the current literature concerning urban nature experiences and health and well-being outcomes, pointing to the need for increased research concerning further valuations. We also point out challenges encountered in developing these estimates and limitations of their use. There is an urgent need to improve, expand, and integrate research methods and valuation strategies that link urban natural resources, public health, and economics. The resulting contributions to policy and programs can greatly improve urban quality of life.

Many small cities and towns are located near resource lands, and their central business districts serve both residents and visitors. Such quasi-rural retail centers face competitive challenges from regional shopping malls, online purchasing, and big box discount retailers. District merchants must strategically enhance their market position to prevent outshopping. Streetscape trees are a physical improvement that can be used to attract and welcome consumers. A national survey evaluated public perceptions, patronage behavior intentions, and product willingness-to-pay in relationship to depictions of trees in retail settings. Results suggest that consumer behavior is positively associated with the urban forest on multiple cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Forest amenities of both wildland and built environments can be used to strengthen local economies.

Word Count: 5,465 words for abstract, text and references; 3 figures and 5 tables @ 250 words each; total word count 7,465 ABSTRACT Social science methods can be used to assess public values for Context Sensitive Solutions. The roadside landscape is a public lands resource that can provide many functions and benefits. Diverse stakeholders may have varied expectations for roadside design. The urban forest is often a contested component of the urban roadside. Based on landscape assessment literature, two research surveys were used to assess and quantify public preferences and perceptions with regard to trees in high speed and freeway roadsides. One photoquestionnaire was distributed nationally and the other in Washington State cities. Each survey included design visualizations, constructed using digitally edited photographs, to elicit public attitudes about visual quality and community image. Research results were consistent across both studies. Respondents judged images with increasing amounts of roadside vegetation, including trees, to have higher amenity values. The presence of more extensive community greening was associated with positive consumer inferences and greater willingness-to-pay for goods and services. There was little variation in all responses across respondent demographics. The results provide an empirical basis for flexible highway design, and generate planning options for roadside urban forests that address multiple stakeholder interests.

Over the last three decades solid empirical evidence for the positive influence of greenery on human psychological and cognitive functioning has been steadily accruing. Based on this evidence, researchers and practitioners increasingly realize the importance of urban greening as a strategic activity to promote human wellbeing. Although commercial and retail activities constitute a significant and influential component of urban contexts,

Infrastructure systems dependably deliver diverse products and services. Green infrastructure should include ergonomics, thus delivering social AND environmental services. Ergonomics of the city can expand impact and appeal of green infrastructure.

A multistudy research program has investigated how consumers respond to the urban forest in central business districts of cities of various sizes. Trees positively affect judgments of visual quality but, more significantly, may influence other consumer responses and behaviors. Survey respondents from all regions of the United States favored trees in business districts, and this preference was further reflected in positive district perceptions, patronage behavior, and product pricing. An overview of the research is provided, with implications for the economics of local communities.

New research initiatives focusing on urban ecology and natural resources are underway. Such programs coincide with increased local government action in urban forest planning and management, activities that are enhanced by scientific knowledge. This project used a participatory stakeholder process to explore and understand urban forestry research and technology transfer needs in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. The approach can be readily used for any geographic region or metropolitan area. A two-phase, abbreviated Delphi process was conducted, inviting input from urban forestry professionals, academics, and agency-based managers. Research issues were identified and prioritized within three themes: urban forest resource, resource management, and community framework. The results serve as a stakeholder relevant research framework to guide science proposals for funding initiatives at regional and national levels. Notable is major support by respondents for a better und...

A national survey was conducted in the United States to learn more about public preferences and percep- tions regarding forest and vegetation planning and manage- ment in urban freeway roadsides. In response to images depicting a visual continuum of landscape management treatments, drivers most preferred settings having tree plantings that screen adjacent commercial land uses. Preference results suggest solutions for landscape practices that create visual quality for drivers and provide visibility for commercial properties adjacent to freeway roadsides. The research also investigated public attitudes about roadside functions, uses, and public willingness to support roadside management expenditures. Increasingly, transportation agencies are designing urban roadside landscapes to achieve multiple objectives and perform multiple functions. This research offers insights on how to incorporate urban forestry into the planning and management of high-speed urban transportation corridors.