RESEARCH completed . . . . .
science partners:
USDA Forest
Service
Pacific Northwest
Research Station
Gathering and Stewardship of Nontimber Forest Products:
Fostering Healthy Ecosystems in King County, Washington
Study Results
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What Is the Issue?
Photos courtesy of Melissa R. Poe
Urban forests and greenspaces are valued for their many ecosystem services and
community benefits with linkages to diverse cultural values. The purpose of this
research is to investigate the roles that nontimber forest products (NTFPs)
gathering and stewardship practices play in the development and management
More than 433 plant and 53 fungal species
are gathered—195 of these are native
species
People of all ages, income classes, and ethnic
groups participate in gathering
Gathering is an enduring cultural-ecological
practice with historic roots in Seattle
The top four utilitarian reasons for gathering
are food, medicine, arts and crafts, and fuel
Nonutilitarian reasons include connecting
with nature, social ties, and quality of life
Gatherers’ stewardship practices include
pruning, tending native species, selective
harvesting, mindfulness, reciprocity, and
ceremony
Study Approach
The study generated qualitative and institutional
information pertaining to NTFP gathering practices
and spaces, and urban forest planning and
stewardship activities in Seattle. Data collection
procedures included a combination of interviews,
workshops, and participant observation.
of healthy forest ecosystems in Seattle, Washington.
Why Is This Research Important?
This study increases our understanding of how urban residents connect with
nature and supports efforts by forest managers to reintegrate livelihood uses into
urban green spaces. The project has the potential to link professional planners,
land managers, and gatherers in ways that could build new bridges for urban
green space management that not only supports a diversity of environmental
stewardship activities, but also supports broader initiatives of environmental
Research Sponsors
justice.
Contact:
SUSAN CHARNLEY, USDA Forest Service: phone 503-808-2051, email: scharnley@fs.fed.us
MELISSA POE, University of Washington: phone 206-685-8209, email: mpoe@uw.edu
April 2014
Funding for this work is provided by the United States American Reinvestment and Recovery Act coordinated by the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex
(in education and training programs and activities), age, disability, or retaliation.