Management practices and stakeholders' perception of trees in public parks at the municipalities of Currimao, Paoay and Pinili, Ilocos Norte / Karen I.Villa

UTHESIS (Bachelor of Science In Forestry)

Bibliography: leaves 106-108

The study was conducted to determine the management practices and stakeholders' perceptions of trees in public parks in llocos Norte. Specifically, it aimed to: 1) identify the species of standing trees in public parks and their characteristics; 2) determine the stakeholders’ perceptions of trees in public parks; and 3) describe the management practices applied to the trees found in public parks. The study was conducted in the three urban areas in the municipalities of Currimao, Paoay, and Pinili from March to April 2023. Three public parks located in each of the municipalities were selected as the sample parks. The stakeholders comprised various park users namely: students, vendors, tourists, visitors, senior citizens, employees/workers, out-of-school youth, local government unit staff/personnel and others, whose perceptions of trees in the parks and how these trees are managed were evaluated. The number of stakeholders interviewed was 180, and 15 park management personnel/ staff. The survey method used to conduct the study. A structured questionnaire composed of a set of attitudinal statements was developed to measure the perceptions xvii 1 of the stakeholder. A semi-structured and open-ended interview of the persons-in charge of the public park. A survey form was used to record the technical information about the characteristics of standing trees in each urban park, such as species count, species name, diameter at breast height (DBH) and the geographic locations of the plant species. Paoay Municipal Park obtained the highest number of tree individuals, followed by Pinili Founders Memorial Park. On the other hand, Currimao Municipal Mini Park had the least number of individuals. Majority of the trees recorded at the three parks are taxonomically classified as exotic species. All the stakeholders exhibited a high to moderately high perception of trees in public parks and toward the management of the trees as this benefits provides relaxing and a better place for park users. In addition, they are all aware of the dangers or risks of the trees in the parks. Stakeholders showed that they went to the park to bond with friends and to cool off, and only a few went to the park to sell goods, when there is occasion/event and to have snacks. Stakeholders believed that local officials and staff took the lead in the care and maintenance of trees planted in the park. Pruning, trimming, and thinning were the only cultural management practices applied to medium- to large-sized trees. These were done before summer, during late summer, either before the rainy season or when needed. Another reason specified is that pruning is used to remove unnecessary branches, while trimming promotes healthy growth. Pruning or trimming is also done in three of the parks to improve the physical appearance of trees.