Exploring cultural ecosystem service hotspots: Linking multiple urban forest features with public participation mapping data

Abstract

The contribution of single landscape features for supply of cultural ecosystem services (CES) is well researched. However, only few studies do exist that identified the role of both natural and humanmade physical landscape features for CES of urban forests. Advancing knowledge on the contribution of urban forest elements and their ensemble for values people assign to forest areas can help forest managers prioritize and balance management objectives. Furthermore, enhancing understanding on urban forest visitors’ preference and spatial behavior has the potential to improve existing forest management tools, such as forest function maps that are used to address interests of the public. We examined the linkages between CES hotspots (demand) and physical landscape features (supply) to help urban forest managers identify natural resource management synergies and conflicts, and to focus management efforts on features that matter. We elicited spatial CES of urban forests (dependent variable) by collecting Public Participation GIS- data (PPGIS) from city dwellers in three case studies in Germany’s Southwest (10800 markers being placed, 3354 participants). We derived biophysical characteristics, landform and land cover (explanatory variable) from OpenStreetMap, inventory maps, high resolution LiDAR satellite imagery, and forest function maps of the federal states’ forestry administration. We used Breiman and Cutler’s random forest for regression to assess the contribution of urban forest characteristics for supply of CES. We found humanmade infrastructure like historic sites and sports infrastructure as well as bluespace being most important for the supply of CES, whereas natural features and biophysical characteristics (habitat) were less important. Natural features were most important for cultural heritage-, inspirational- and spiritual values. We conclude that forest managers may promote CES in urban forests best when simultaneously enhancing infrastructure besides considering aesthetic preferences in silviculture.