Comparison of Canadian urban forest perceptions indicates variations in beliefs and trust across geographic settings

ABSTRACTUrban forests are characterized by relationships between people and trees, where urban trees provide benefits to people and people make decisions impacting trees. People’s perceptions of urban forests are related to the cognitive processes that underpin benefits received from trees, while also influencing support for or against trees and their management. A growing literature has considered urban forest perceptions, but most studies are limited to a single geographic area and focus on socio-economic influences, with less consideration of location and cultural influences. This study explores the relationship between where people live, the language they speak, and multiple perception responses associated with urban forests (i.e. values, beliefs, trust, satisfaction) to better understand commonalities and differences across distinct geographic settings and populations. We conducted an online survey about urban forest perceptions in three Canadian urban regions, allowing us to explore perceptions between regions, locations on an urban gradient and language spoken. We found geographic and language differences primary for beliefs held about urban trees and trust in municipal government’s decision-making about those trees, while values and satisfaction with trees and their management were more stable across geographic settings and language spoken. Our findings suggest that some perceptions vary between populations. Additionally, our findings reinforce the need for urban forest managers to understand the specific perceptions held by different populations, rather than assume universality of perception, to ensure specific and differential urban forest management objectives are in place to supports local people and ecological elements.