Using the information gathered from the town forest census, our research team will ultimately deliver a mix of data regarding governance, economic value, geospatial area, and more.
As opposed to a survey, which captures only a sample of data from a population, a census aims to gather information from the entire population. Surveys are a useful tool for providing information about a large population for researchers with limited resources, but they are by definition limited in scope. A census, however, provides data that can be used to make more accurate, direct inferences about the characteristics of a population.
Our research process will involve a multi-step approach focusing on key topics of concern in conservation management. Each phase of research will examine the subject from a different perspective, to provide a more comprehensive view of the state of town forests in Vermont. The data gathered from the research phase will then be compiled and analyzed, for a final product that will be both informative and practical for towns and communities.
Our Methods
- Phase 1– Inventory: The current list of municipally-owned forests in Vermont will be updated to provide researchers with more contemporary data. The inventory process will be conducted by directly contacting town officials and county foresters by phone and email. Researchers will also use this period to note basic governance structure for each forest. The responses gathered will be critical to ensuring the census reaches its intended audience and the data compiled is truly accurate.
- Phase 2– Census: Researchers will compile a list of questions to be included in the census. The census will be comprised of a general, unchanging set of questions to provide basic information and allow researchers to track change over time, and a specific set of questions about topical issues, that will change during the next census. Researchers will decide which questions to include based on input from the advisory committee and project consults, all of whom have extensive experience with forest and community land management and possess expertise in areas such as ecology, geospatial information systems (GIS), and forestry, among others. General questions will focus on acreage, recreation usage, land cover types, and more. The specific questions on the first census will focus on issues such as changes in usage related to the COVID 19 pandemic, and interest in forest carbon markets as a method of combatting climate change. Once completed, the census will be sent to land managers by email, but can also be administered via phone or post if necessary.
- Phase 3– Geographic database: The data collected in the census will be used to update and expand the Vermont Urban and Community Forest Program’s current list of town forests, and certain data will be made public on their website. This will help make information accessible to the public.
- Phase 4– Mapping: Data will be used to create a new layer on the Vermont Natural Resources Atlas to include town forests. Like the previous phase, this is intended to increase public access and awareness.
- Phase 5– Economic value analysis: An estimation of the economic value of town forests will be made and included in a final technical report and journal article. This research will help forest managers better understand the value of their lands and help guide decision-making surrounding economic activity such as recreation and timber sales.
Our research
When we have more content to release to the public, we’ll put it here!
For more information on our timeline and where we are in our research process, click here for the latest updates.