Land manager decision-making practices when establishing public fruit-bearing plants in Hennepin county municipalities, Minnesota

Increasingly, public land managers face decisions about using fruit-bearing perennial plants (including fruiting trees, shrubs, and vines) on lands. While trees provide many positive ecological, economic, community health benefits, perennials similar benefits more. Expanded include enhanced pollinator habitat, increased food access, unique educational opportunities, ways for residents to interact more deeply with vegetation. Despite the of perennials, their use incorporation into spaces vary among cities, resulting in an uneven often inequitable distribution services. This study aims better understand managers’ decision-making processes by exploring what factors are considered when deciding plant, or not Specifically, interviewees (n = 12) described they perceive as most significant barriers establishing spaces. Respondents reported augment species diversity, engagement, wildlife education. Barriers cited included limited time financial resources management, lack specialized training, fears associated liability, awareness, competing urban forestry goals. contributes literature manager which has previously focused specifically perennials. The findings inform vegetation natural resource planning outlining key risks rewards adopting