Current research demonstrates that there are many benefits of the urban forest. There are ecosystem as well as, social, health and well-being benefits.  Recent research has found positive relationships between increased urban forest canopy cover and various physical and mental health benefits. However, the uneven distribution of the urban forest results in uneven access to these benefits. This is due to various influences ranging from development policies to historical land-use patterns. Humans influence the physical environment around them by their ability to steer decision-making at various levels, such as policy, neighbourhood and household.    

At the neighbourhood level, resident associations are one type of community group that impacts urban forest governance. Even though urban forests are traditionally under the jurisdiction of the municipality for management, these groups can be highly motivated and have influence on both the governance and even the day to day management of urban forests.

My research investigates the role of resident associations in urban forest governance, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. Using a case study approach, I found that resident associations are highly motivated, develop strategies, engage in knowledge building and navigate the power dynamics to have their say in shaping their neighbourhood urban forest. I interviewed executive members of 9 resident associations that ranged from new to well-established, in areas with varied canopy covers and demographic characteristics. Though older RAs found in higher canopy cover areas had well established, trusting relationships with municipal decision-makers, little differences were found across the 9 resident associations in their ability to build networks and establish relationships with city managers and decision-makers. More importantly, knowledge building and strategizing were key to their advocacy efforts