Open AccessResident Involvement in Inspecting Trees for Dutch Elm Disease
Author(s) -
Dawn Nannini,
Robert Sommer,
Lawrence S. Meyers
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
arboriculture and urban forestry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 2155-0778
pISSN - 1935-5297
DOI - 10.48044/jauf.1998.006
Subject(s) - dutch elm disease , threatened species , general partnership , telephone survey , forestry , geography , business , biology , ecology , marketing , horticulture , finance , habitat
This study investigated the costs and benefits of 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.