Establishing an Urban Research Agenda for Decision Ready Science:

Priorities and Opportunities:From the Forest Perspective

Sarah Low, Philadelphia Field Station Coordinator

USDA Forest Service

• Establishing an Urban Research Agenda• Decision Ready-Science• Priorities• Opportunities

Creating a Feedback Loop

Research Practice

What are the benefits of trees?

How much water does a tree intercept?

Evapotranspire?

How does evapotransporation

impact temperature?

How does temperature impact

human health?

How do trees impact human health? On a

local level? On a regional level?

How do we better manage trees to

maximize benefits?

How do we protect urban forests so that they can continue to

function?

What will happen to urban forests as

climate changes?

Can we create policy that helps us ensure a

sustainable forest into the future?

What are the Questions?Trees and

Forest

Water Resources

PeopleAir

ClimateHealth

Biophysical

SustainabilityPlanning

Adaptation

What Are The Challenges?

Be “Dynamic”

Biophysical Understanding Human Dynamics

Collaboration: Urban Waters Federal Partnership

Partnership will lead to an active and authentic conversation between federal government and local stakeholders

Conversation will help lead to action that addresses local concerns and issues

Action will be guided by appropriate science and experience