Evaluation of an agricultural experiment station as a case study site for the establishment of a multi-use urban forest

In an attempt to contribute towards a more sustainable development for the island of Puerto Rico, this project focuses on the documentation and evaluation of the Tropical Agriculture Research Station (TARS) near the urban center of the city of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico as a case study site to establish a multi-use and research-oriented urban forest. This location has been used since the beginning of the 20th century as a plant introduction and evaluation site, and as an in situ germplasm collection for numerous plant species. The evaluation methods consisted of identifying unique resources within the study area and stressors which could affect the latter. Unique resources were also identified on a Preliminary Resource Inventory Map (PRIM) using GPS technology. Obtained results and observations indicate that the study area represents a major potential asset for the positive economic, social, and educational development of the Mayagüez urban area due to its unique, historic, and complex ecosystems with significant environmental and cultural resources. Of the identified stressors, urban expansion was considered as the most threatening. Hypothetical recommendations providing a base for future development and management efforts in the study area were formulated with the objective of protecting and sustainably using its resources, while promoting environmental and socioeconomic benefits in the region.