“Communities in the middle”: Interactions between drivers of change and place-based characteristics in rural forest-based communities

摘要: Abstract Using a socioecological systems perspective, we advance conceptual approach for characterizing trajectories of change in rural forest-based communities. We call attention to “communities the middle,” communities positioned within forested regions representing neither unpopulated wilderness nor heavily urbanized or densely populated places on edge urban areas. In 2010, these middle accounted 27.3% continental United States landscape yet less than 5% human population. Common shocks, such as decline traditional production industries, demographic shifts, new information technologies, climate change, invasive species, and demand energy resources, unite Yet, observe variation existing patterns across communities, which grows out interactions between local contexts larger drivers change. Focusing community dynamics, structure, well-being transitioning landscapes, synthesize insights three commonly identified development trajectories. identify among resource base, connectivity other places, social adaptability critical Further, describe vulnerabilities, opportunities, contingencies, diversity, novel recombinations, mitigation useful concepts understanding pathways This framework provides starting point guide further synthesis, formal meta-analyses, future interdisciplinary research important ‘middle’ places.