Exploring Social-Demographic and Social Psychological Bases of Environmental Concern and Urban Wildlife Values in Ethnic Minority Populations (NA-99-0415)

This study is to research urban recreation characteristics and urban and community forestry related to environmental and wildlife characteristics among six population subgroups in two areas of the Northeastern and Southern United States.

Recognizing the need to assess and address the perceptions and values of America's growing multi-cultural, diverse ethnic minority populations with respect to urban forests, parks, wildlife and their management (NUCFAC Action Plan), this study attempted to explore urban recreation characteristics and urban and community forestry related environmental and wildlife attitudes among six population subgroups — five ethnic minority communities (African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Chinese, Koreans, and Japanese) and Anglos/Whites — in two urban and community centers in Northeastern and Southern United States. Results indicated that the Hispanic/Latino, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean groups were similar to Anglos/Whites and African Americans with respect to certain outdoor recreation characteristics and urban and community forestry related environmental and wildlife attitudes. Several differences, in these characteristics, were also observed between the population subgroups. An examination of acculturation-based differences in recreation patterns, activity participation and preferences for certain park features within the Hispanics/Latinos, Chinese, Japanese, and Koreans also revealed both similarities and dissimilarities between the (high, medium and low) acculturated individuals within the ethnic groups and the Anglo/White and African American respondents. Knowledge generated by this study will assist the NUCFAC, USDA Forest Service, and related natural resource management agencies in identifying and investing in actions that will keep urban and community forestry and park programs across the nation in tune with ethnic minority populations' values and needs.

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