This study reports on a contingent valuation survey that sought to measure the value that Logan Square residents placed on the historic tree-lined boulevards and parks in this Chicago neighborhood. Threatened by the emerald ash borer beetle, the ash trees that constitute much of the community's urban green space must be replaced with a diverse selection of new trees. Because the city of Chicago is not able to fund the maintenance of these new trees, the existence of this green space is dependent upon whether residents are willing to pay (WTP) and/or volunteer (WTV) to help. The survey results indicated that while 86% of survey respondents were willing to pay a maximum dollar amount per month above 0 to help support tree maintenance, their overall WTP and WTV was much more uncertain. Qualitative comments expressed the need for a detailed plan on how fees and volunteer time would be administered before committing to a hypothetical action. But it is apparent from respondent comments that this uncertainty stemmed from a distrust in how the city of Chicago would use resident money. Respondents who indicated an awareness of the threat of the emerald ash borer beetle to the Logan Square tree canopy reported higher levels of WTP and WTV. In addition, respondents aged 65 years and older reported a high level of WTP, while respondents aged 50--64 years reported a high level of WTV. These findings provide a base from which to further explore exactly how a more representative sample of Logan Square residents would be willing to pay or volunteer to help support tree maintenance in the neighborhood.
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