ODF-OSU Linking People to Landscapes Focus Group Questions - Professionals version
Welcome and Intro Statement
"Good morning/afternoon and welcome. Thanks for taking the time to discuss urban forest ecosystem services. My name is _____________ and I represent Oregon State University. Assisting me is _____________, also from Oregon State University."
"We are working with the Oregon Department of Forestry to help them get some information on how the public understands and reacts to the ecosystem services provided by urban and urban-adjacent forests. The Oregon Department of Forestry wants this information to help them improve the services they provide.
"You were invited here today because all of you are natural resource professionals who work in _____________ (Portland/Eugene-Springfield/Bend) and have knowledge and expertise pertaining to ecosystem services."
The Ground Rules
"There are no right or wrong answers. We expect that you will have differing points of view. Please feel free to share your point of view even if it differs from what others say.
"We are recording the session because we don't want to miss any of your comments. No names will be included in any reports because your responses will be combined with everyone else's as part of the total group. The university requires us to ask you to please keep in mind that that although we will keep your comments confidential, we have no control over others in the room.
"We have name tents in front of us today. They help me remember names, but they can also help you. Don't feel like you have to direct your answers to me. If you want to follow up on something that someone has said, you want to agree, or disagree, or give an example, feel free to do that. Feel free to have a conversation with one another about these questions. I am here to lead the discussion, to listen, and to make sure everyone has a chance to share. We're interested in hearing from each of you. So if you're talking a lot, I may ask you to give others a chance. And if you aren't saying much I may call on you. We just want to make sure all of you have a chance to share your ideas.
"If you have a cell phone, please put it on quiet mode, and if you need to answer, please step out to do so. Feel free to get up and get more refreshments if you would like. If you need to use the rest room, they are located _____________"
Opening Question
"Let's begin. Let's find out more about each other by going around the table one at a time. Tell us your name and a place that you haven't visited, but would like to"
Introduction Question
"OK, that was good. We aren't going around the table anymore, so just jump in whenever you want. When you think of urban forest ecosystem services, what components come to mind?
[Assistant will compile a list of ESS on flipchart]
Transition Question
If you were going to rank the components of urban forest ecosystem services by their level of importance to people, how would you do it?
[Participants will get dots to use on flipchart list]
Key Questions
- What would you describe as the benefits of urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide?
- What would you describe as the negatives or downsides to urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide?
- What should the goals of management be?
- How can we measure whether management has been "successful"?
- Who is best qualified to manage urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide?
- What are the threats or challenges to urban forests and the ecosystem services they provide?
- What do you believe are effective means of communicating information about urban forests and the ecosystems they provide with members of the public? What are the signs of successful communication with the public?
Concluding remarks
To summarize, today we've talked about: [list topics]
Would anyone like to add to what we've already discussed?
I'd like to thank you all for taking the time to participate in this group discussion. Enjoy the rest of your day.