bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Would Forest Landowners Use Poultry Manure as Fertilizer?
Authors: Lynch Lori , Tjaden Robert
Published: April 2024

When manure nutrients exceed local cropland's assimilative capacity, the potential for water quality problems exists. Concerns about water quality in Maryland have led to the passage of the Water Quality Improvement Act, which will affect the disposal of poultry litter on cropland. Because Maryland's forest soils test low for phosphorus, forest fertilization may be an alternative use for the litter. A representative sample of 402 Maryland landowners owning 40 or more acres was asked whether they would consider using poultry litter as a forest fertilizer under various incentives. When offered $20 per acre, landowners owning more acres, located in certain counties, and who were younger than the other survey respondents were most likely to consider using poultry litter. Landowners who had a forest management plan were less likely to be willing.
The Effect of the Wildland-Urban Interface on Prescribed Burning Costs in the Pacific Northwestern United States
Authors: Berry Alison H. , Hesseln Hayley
Published: April 2024

The fire suppression policy on public lands during the last century in the United States has resulted in increased fuel loadings, necessitating the use of prescribed fire and mechanical treatments to decrease hazardous fuels and risks of catastrophic wildfire. While these practices are widespread, there is great variability in project costs, making planning difficult. Although previous studies have examined the factors that influence management costs, they have grappled with the lack of consistent and reliable data. We used the FASTRACS (Fuel Analysis, Smoke Tracking, and Report Access Computer System) database from the Pacific Northwest Region of the USDA Forest Service to identify important influences on fuels management costs. Projects conducted in the wildland-urban interface consistently exhibited higher treatment costs for both prescribed fire and mechanical fuels treatments.
Incentives and Timing of Prescribed Fire for Wildfire Risk Management
Authors: Yoder Jonathan , Blatner Keith
Published: April 2024

Prescribed fire use for wildfire fuel reduction entails trading one risk for another. Because these risks change over time as vegetation matures, prescribed fire use for wildfire risk mitigation can be viewed as a timing problem. We examine economic incentives for prescribed fire timing and use on the wildland-urban interface, the problem of heavy initial fuel loads from years of suppression and fuel accumulation, and the effect of liability, public suppression, and other factors on fuel management incentives. We conclude with a number of broad policy recommendations.
Examining Social Trust in Fuels Management Strategies
Authors: Winter Greg , Vogt Christine A. , McCaffrey Sarah
Published: April 2024

Surveys of homeowners in three different ecosystems with varying fuels management approaches reveal that homeowners' trust in natural resource agencies is significantly associated with perceived risks and benefits and with perceived agency competence. A weaker association between forest value orientation and agency trust is evident. Focus group interviews provide further contextual support that the characteristics of competence, care, and credibility associated with an agency are influential in shaping trust. The correlation between trust and acceptance of each fuels management strategy at each of the study sites suggests that trust-building and trust maintenance should be key goals of agency-citizen interactions.
Explaining Timberland Values in the United States
Authors: Aronow Mary Ellen , Binkley Clark S. , Washburn Courtland L.
Published: April 2024

The financial fortunes of timberland investors ultimately depend on conditions in markets for timberland properties. The behavior of timberland markets, however, is not well understood. In this article, we use data from the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) Timberland Property Index to develop historical series of timberland property values in the US South and US Pacific Northwest. We then use these historical series to examine the influence of operating revenues and interest rates on timberland values in each region. The former is influential, while the latter is not.
Forest Valuation in New Zealand
Authors: Bigsby Hugh
Published: April 2024

The characteristics of forestry in New Zealand have provided a particular basis for the development of forest valuation that makes it unique internationally. In particular, forest valuation techniques place an emphasis on the valuation of the forest crop separately from the land that it is growing on. This distinction arises from a number of factors, including the dominance of exotic, plantation-based forest crops grown on relatively short rotations, the Forestry Rights Registration Act of 1983, privatization of government-owned plantation forests in the early 1990s, and the growth of joint-venture-type arrangements between landowners and forestry investors. The use of exotic species grown in plantations and managed under clearfell regimes generally simplifies management decisions to financial rotation criteria, while the latter three factors have led to the importance of determining crop values separate from land. This in turn provides the basis for a range of valuation methods, including cost-based approaches, liquidation value, and net present value, rather than a single valuation approach to be applied to forests or stands depending on their age or age-class structure.
The Impact of Forest Density on Property Values
Authors: Kim Yeon-Su , Wells Aaron
Published: April 2024

We applied a simple hedonic price model to determine the benefits of fuel reduction treatments reflected in residential housing values in Flagstaff, Arizona, in hopes of finding a way to address increasing treatment costs. Results show that the fuel reduction treatments that convert high canopy closure would increase property values significantly ($190 per 1,000 m2 per home). The treatments that lower forest density are not only one means to reduce wildfire hazard but also to enhance scenic beauty and improve residential property values.
Projected Urban Growth (2000–2050) and Its Estimated Impact on the US Forest Resource
Authors: Nowak David J. , Walton Jeffrey T.
Published: April 2024

Urban land in the United States is projected to increase from 3.1% in 2000 to 8.1% in 2050, an area of 392,400 km2, which is larger than the state of Montana. By 2050, four states (Rhode Island, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Connecticut) are projected to be more than one-half urban land. The total projected amount of US forestland estimated to be subsumed by urbanization between 2000 and 2050 is about 118,300 km2, an area approximately the size of Pennsylvania. Because of this urban growth, more regional planning and management may be needed to sustain forest products and ecosystem services required by a growing urban population.
Trees in the Small City Retail Business District: Comparing Resident and Visitor Perceptions
Authors: Wolf Kathleen L.
Published: April 2024

Many small cities and towns are located near resource lands, and their central business districts serve both residents and visitors. Such quasi-rural retail centers face competitive challenges from regional shopping malls, online purchasing, and big box discount retailers. District merchants must strategically enhance their market position to prevent outshopping. Streetscape trees are a physical improvement that can be used to attract and welcome consumers. A national survey evaluated public perceptions, patronage behavior intentions, and product willingness-to-pay in relationship to depictions of trees in retail settings. Results suggest that consumer behavior is positively associated with the urban forest on multiple cognitive and behavioral dimensions. Forest amenities of both wildland and built environments can be used to strengthen local economies.
Investments in Fuel Removals to Avoid Forest Fires Result in Substantial Benefits
Authors: Mason C. Larry , Lippke Bruce R. , Zobrist Kevin W. , Bloxton Thomas D. , Ceder Kevin R. , Comnick Jeffrey M. , McCarter James B. , Rogers Heather K.
Published: April 2024

Forest fuel reduction treatments are needed, as shown by the increased number and cost of devastating crown fires in overly dense forests. Although large trees can be removed for valuable products, the market value for the smaller logs may be less than the harvest and hauling charges, resulting in a net cost for thinning operations. However, failure to remove these small logs results in the retention of ladder fuels that support crown fires with destructive impacts to the forest landscape. A cost/benefit analysis broadened to include market and nonmarket considerations indicates that the negative impacts of crown fires are underestimated and that the benefits of government investments in fuel reductions are substantial.
Making the Case for Fire in Southern Illinois Forests
Authors: Ruffner Charles M. , Groninger John W.
Published: April 2024

Fire´s importance in the development and maintenance of oak forests has been well established across much of the eastern deciduous biome. Twentieth century fire suppression has resulted in decreased oak regeneration and portends the loss of keystone species across many landscapes including the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of southern Illinois. Here, cultural burning and harvesting fostered consistent oak recruitment until the 1950s when cutting declined and fires were widely suppressed. Now, many mature oak stands are in jeopardy of being replaced en masse by mesophytic species. We review evidence for fire as an ecosystem process and discuss an emerging strategy for the widespread reintegration of fire management across the midwestern landscape against the backdrop of media-driven public perceptions.
Crime in National Forests: A Call for Research
Authors: Tynon Joanne F. , Chavez Deborah J.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this article is to explain why research focusing on crime and violence on national forests is necessary and overdue. Four questions are offered to frame future research. First, how much crime is occurring on national forests, and how can the effects of crime and violence best be measured? Second, how is crime spatially distributed across national forests? Third, what actions are effective in mitigating crime in a recreation setting and what should we adopt for a successful crime-stopping arsenal? Finally, how do crime and violence affect recreation behavior and decisionmaking?
New Threats to Forest Health Require Quick and Comprehensive Research Response
Authors: Hain Fred
Published: April 2024

Exotic pest introductions are a global threat occurring at an unprecedented rate. Comprehensive research programs are required at the onset to prevent the spread of the invasive insects, pathogens or plants, and rehabilitate and restore native habitats and ecosystems. Unfortunately, much of the current research on invasives is piecemeal. Past experiences with exotic and native pests provide some valuable lessons about how we should approach research programs on invasive organisms. The infrastructure required for effectively administering comprehensive research programs is complex. An example is discussed.
Crime Mapping and Spatial Analysis in National Forests
Authors: Wing Michael G. , Tynon Joanne
Published: April 2024

We examined the spatial distribution of crime incidents on USDA Forest Service lands using a geographic information system and several spatial analysis techniques. Our primary objective was to examine whether patterns existed in the spatial distribution of crime and to explore the relationship of patterns to other geographic features using the Forest Service and other databases. We analyzed a database containing over 45,000 spatially referenced crimes such as felonies, infractions, and misdemeanors. Other spatial data layers included transportation networks, administrative boundaries, hydrology, elevation, and digital orthophotographs. Results at a regional scale showed crime densities concentrated in forests adjacent to population centers and transportation corridors. Nearest neighbor, quartic kernel density estimation, and quadrat analyses identified crime patterning and hot spots. Our results suggest that managers can use these spatial techniques as decision support tools to better understand the relationship between natural resources and crime.
Has the Myth of the Omnipotent Forester Become the Reality of the Impotent Forester?
Authors: Luckert Martin K. (Marty)
Published: April 2024

Almost 40 years ago, Behan's (1966) article (Behan, R.W. 1966. The myth of the omnipotent forester. J. For. 64:398-407) stressed that the role of professional foresters in the United States was not to tell the public how to manage their forests, but to manage according to society's goals. This article considers whether foresters have heeded this advice or neglected it, thereby creating the reality of the impotent forester. Some disturbing trends suggest the latter case may be occurring.Omnipotent: “Having virtually unlimited authority or influence” Impotent: “Lacking in power strength or vigor: helpless” Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary (1976)
Public Perceptions of Forest Management in North Central Arizona: The Paradox of Demanding More Involvement but Allowing Limits to Legal Action
Authors: Ostergren David M. , Lowe Kimberly A. , Abrams Jesse B. , Ruther Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2024

National-level forest policy is changing in response to social pressure to “improve forest health.” A particularly fierce public debate surrounds the forest health impacts of administrative appeals, lawsuits, public involvement, and federal agency ability to balance managerial efficiency, ecological health, and social expectations. A self-administered mail survey was conducted in 2003 to assess public opinion on litigation and forest restoration in north central Arizonan communities in the ponderosa pine ecosystem. Although results indicate some support for limits to the right to file suit, appeal, and review environmental decisions, an overwhelming number of respondents indicate a strong desire to be more informed and involved in forest management decisions.
State Government Regulation of Forestry Practices Applied to Nonfederal Forests: Extent and Intensity of Agency Involvement
Authors: Ellefson Paul V. , Kilgore Michael A. , Granskog James E.
Published: April 2024

In 2003, 276 state government agencies regulated forestry practices applied to nonfederal forests. Fifty-four percent of these agencies were moderately to extensively involved in such regulation, and 68% engaged in moderate to extensive regulatory coordination with a state'slead forestry agency. The agencies employed an estimated 1,047 full-time equivalents (FTE) staff, of which nearly one-third was assigned to forest resource management agencies and one-quarter was assigned to air and water pollution control agencies. In 2003, about $57 million was investedby state governments in the regulation of forestry practices. Fifteen states are responsible for 59% of this total and 59% of the FTEs nationwide.
Benefit-Based Audience Segmentation: A Tool for Identifying Nonindustrial Private Forest (NIPF) Owner Education Needs
Authors: Salmon Olivia , Brunson Mark , Kuhns Michael
Published: April 2024

Providing relevant forestry education and assistance to nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners is necessary to encourage informed decisionmaking on these lands. To be accepted and implemented on a wide scale, forestry outreach efforts must take into account the diversity ofgoals that NIPF owners have for their land. Benefit-based audience segmentation techniques can be a valuable method of identifying meaningful subgroups of landowners who desire similar outcomes from their forest property and who will respond to similar communication strategies. For this study,we surveyed and interviewed Utah NIPF owners in three counties and identified three audience segments: amenity-focused landowners, multiple-benefit landowners, and passive landowners. After comparing the demographics, forestland characteristics, attitudes toward forest management, and learningpreferences of these three audience segments, we discuss specific approaches for reaching them with forestry information.
Building Consensus for Constructive Action: A Study of Perspectives on Natural Resource Management
Authors: Vogel Jason , Lowham Elizabeth
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the subjective perspectives of participants in natural resource management for the purpose of overcoming gridlock and persistent conflict. Our results indicate that participants share many beliefs about the descriptive aspects of science and the contingency of knowledge. However, substantial and real disagreement persists regarding what roles science, expertise, politics, and values ought to play in the planning process. This study uses two patterns of perspectives derived from case studies, scientific management and adaptive governance as a basis for investigating subjective perspectives. Based on these theoretical perspectives, we developed a Q sort, presented it to respondents, and cluster analyzed their rankings to investigate actual and perceived differences in beliefs. The information about perspectives generated by this study can help managers overcome persistent conflict by identifying issues for consensus building as well as highlighting areas of actual conflict.
Pruning Wounds and Occlusion: A Long-Standing Conundrum in Forestry
Authors: O'Hara Kevin L.
Published: April 2024

The proper method for branch removal is a long-standing question in forestry. If the branch is cut flush with the stem, a larger wound results, but if the branch is cut further from the stem, the resultant clearwood production will be less. Both alternatives have implications for tree health and wood quality. A long, international history of forest pruning research generally indicates that a cut parallel and close to the stem will maximize clearwood production without excessive stem decay. Some exceptions exist for species where potential for stem decay is high. The method recommended in most guidelines for all types of pruning is an outside branch collar approach based primarily on a small number of observational studies. However, maintaining tree health and maximizing clearwood production are not mutually exclusive and a cut close to the stem can meet both objectives. Alternative approaches to branch removal may be useful for other objectives.
The Role for Sustainably Managed Forests in Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Ruddell Steven , Sampson R. , Smith Matt , Giffen R. , Cathcart James , Hagan John , Sosland Daniel , Godbee John , Heissenbuttel John , Lovett Stephen , Helms John , Price William , Simpson Robert
Published: April 2024

The United States has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol, restricting the ability of forests from participating internationally as greenhouse gas (GHG) emission offset projects. As a result, a proliferation of different registry and program rules is occurring in the United States, providing an opportunity for the US forestry community to mitigate GHG emissions. This article addresses the Kyoto Protocol principles of additionality, permanence, and leakage, and challenges the way that these principles are being used to qualify forest offset projects as climate change mitigation measures. Policy initiatives are proposed for challenging policymakers and the forestry community to rethink sustainably managed forest offset project rules as the United States considers GHG emission reduction legislation.
Woody Biomass Energy: An Opportunity for Silviculture on Nonindustrial Private Forestlands in New York
Authors: Munsell John F. , Germain René H.
Published: April 2024

Data collected from recently harvested even-aged New York nonindustrial private forestlands are used to examine some of the challenges and opportunities associated with expanding woody biomass markets in the context of timber management. Assessments of existing harvesting practices on sampled stands indicate that diameter limit and premature cutting are pervasive. Increases in the demand for woody biomass may exacerbate this exploitive harvesting. However, expanding woody bioenergy markets also might help increase the use of silviculture on these forests by providing much needed small-diameter and low-grade markets. Silvicultural simulations indicate that 6.75 oven-dried tons per acre of woody biomass could have been removed, while simultaneously harvesting a sustainable volume of high-quality sawtimber, leaving an appreciable amount of larger and higher-quality stock for future growth, refraining from premature cutting, and regenerating mature forests.
The Effects of Forestland Parcelization and Ownership Transfers on Nonindustrial Private Forestland Forest Stocking in New York
Authors: Germain Rene H. , Anderson Nate , Bevilacqua Eddie
Published: April 2024

Nonindustrial private forestland (NIPF) owners control a large percentage of the working forest east of the Mississippi River and supply the forest products industry with the majority of its roundwood requirements. Many of these forests are subject to increasingly frequent parcelization and ownership transfers. Such transfers often are associated with liquidation cuts. This study completed forest inventories on a sample of 137 NIPF woodlots to examine the relationship between parcelization and ownership changes and 23 forest stocking and quality variables. The results indicate that organized subdivisions are associated with lower forest stocking and poorer-quality residual stems. We found no relationship between land tenure and forest stocking and quality. Nonparcelized woodlots with long ownership tenure did not differ in forest stocking and quality.
Consumer-Grade Global Positioning Systems (GPS) Receiver Performance
Authors: Wing Michael G.
Published: April 2024

This study reports the relative measurement accuracy and reliability of six consumer-grade global positioning system (GPS) receivers that were tested in several distinct forest settings. The settings included open sky, young forest, and closed forest canopy conditions. In addition, the influence of whether a single position measurement is more accurate than the average of 30 or 60 measurements is examined. Significant differences in accuracy existed among the six GPS receivers and forest setting also influenced accuracy and reliability. We also found varying operating characteristics among the GPS receivers. The most accurate consumer-grade GPS receiver had average measurement errors of approximately 2 m or less in open sky conditions, 3 m or less in a young forest setting, and 9 m or less under a closed canopy. The number of averaged positions (1, 30, or 60) was a significant factor for accuracy with only two of the six GPS receivers.
Potential for Future Development on Fire-Prone Lands
Authors: Gude Patricia , Rasker Ray , van den Noort Jeff
Published: April 2024

Most studies of wildland fire and residential development have focused on the cost of firefighting and solutions such as fuel reduction and fire-safe home building. Although some studies quantify the number of homes being built near forests, little research has indicated the potential magnitude of the problem in the future. This article presents data illustrating this emerging problem for western communities. Our analysis takes a long view, looking at the potential for more home construction next to public forests and implications for future wildfire fighting costs. In a study of 11 western states, we found that only 14% of the available “wildland interface” in the West is currently developed, leaving great potential for new home construction in the remaining 86%. If just one-half of the wildland interface is developed in the future, annual firefighting costs could escalate to $4.3 billion. By comparison, the Forest Service's annual budget is about $4.5 billion.
Wildfires, Communities, and Agencies: Stakeholders' Perceptions of Postfire Forest Restoration and Rehabilitation
Authors: Ryan Robert L. , Hamin Elisabeth
Published: April 2024

After wildfire, land managers are often called on to undertake complex restoration activities while also managing relations with wildfire-devastated communities. This research investigates the community–US Forest Service agency relations in the postwildfire period in three western US communities. In each community, we interviewed key informant representatives from government, business, environmental organizations, and recreation groups and conducted focus groups to gather input from residents located near burn areas. The goal was to understand how forest restoration and rehabilitation efforts and agency outreach were perceived by stakeholders who were recently affected by wildfire and how these perceptions were related to underlying community and fire conditions. Our findings suggest that four vectors interact to determine the level of expectations and need for agency–community engagement in the postfire period: (1) the extent and characteristics of the fire; (2) community economic, recreational, and emotional connection to the forest; (3) the history of agency–community relations; and (4) the level of volunteerism in the community. We provide a schematic of different types of collaboration relevant to the postfire period in which, generally, residents preferred action-oriented collaboration, while other agency personnel were more amenable to collaborative planning. On-the-ground volunteer restoration activities helped restore community spirit and improve agency–community relations, and increased education and outreach were desirable. The model developed in this research argues for agency responses that consider both the social and the ecological communities when planning postfire restoration projects.
Public Attitudes and Affective Beliefs about Early- and Late-Successional Stages of the Great Northern Forest
Authors: Enck Jody , Odato Meredith
Published: April 2024

Occurrence of the early successional stage of forests (i.e., 20 years old or less) has declined since 1980 throughout the Great Northern Forest (GNF) of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. To help forestry professionals and land managers better understand the human dimensions of this change in successional diversity, we conducted a mail survey with stratified, random samples of 2,000 rural and 2,000 nonrural households within the GNF. We assessed affective beliefs and attitudes toward early successional and late-successional (i.e., 100 years old or more) stages of the GNF and attitudes toward the use of timber management to sustain the early successional stage. We found no differences between rural and nonrural respondents with respect to attitudes or affective beliefs. Indeed, all GNF residents have positive attitudes toward both early- and late-successional stages, with the most positive attitudes associated with the older forest stage. Similarly, although residents expressed positive affective beliefs about both stages, the late-successional stage elicited the most positive emotional responses. Both rural and nonrural residents expressed relatively positive attitudes toward use of timber management to sustain early successional stages. Similarities in attitudes and beliefs among rural and nonrural residents suggest that communities of more similar interests than expected occur throughout the GNF, with respect to forest management goals and strategies.
External Human Factors in Incident Management Team Decisionmaking and Their Effect on Large Fire Suppression Expenditures
Authors: Canton-Thompson Janie , Gebert Krista M. , Thompson Brooke , Jones Greg , Calkin David , Donovan Geoff
Published: April 2024

Large wildland fires are complex, costly events influenced by a vast array of physical, climatic, and social factors. Changing climate, fuel buildup due to past suppression, and increasing populations in the wildland-urban interface have all been blamed for the extreme fire seasons and rising suppression expenditures of recent years. With each high-cost year comes a multitude of fire cost reviews, suppression cost studies by federal oversight agencies, and new rules and regulations focused on containing or reducing suppression costs. However, largely ignored in many of these inquiries are the human factors and pressures outside (external to) the influence of the incident team managing a fire that are contributing to the problem. This article presents an in-depth examination of some external human factors that affect incident management team (IMT) decisionmaking and influence suppression costs. Data were collected during 2004 and 2005 through 48 in-depth interviews with IMT command and general staff members representative of each Geographic Area Coordination Center, all federal agencies, and many state agencies whose employees serve on teams. External human factors identified include risk management; interaction with agency administrators; policies, regulations, and rules; resource availability; and social-political pressure. Inattention to these factors can result in policies that adversely affect IMTs charged with managing highly volatile events in a safe, timely, and cost-efficient manner.
Public Response to Wildfire: Is the Australian “Stay and Defend or Leave Early” Approach an Option for Wildfire Management in the United States?
Authors: McCaffrey Sarah M. , Rhodes Alan
Published: April 2024

In the United States, the increasing costs and negative impacts of wildfires are causing fire managers and policymakers to reexamine traditional approaches to fire management including whether mass evacuation of populations threatened by wildfire is always the most appropriate option. This article examines the Australian “stay and defend or leave early” (SDLE) approach (which is not inherently the same as shelter in place) and the contextual factors that may make it more or less appropriate in the United States. We first discuss what SDLE actually entails and then examine four contextual areas that could influence how appropriate the approach might be in the United States: nature of fire risk, agency roles and responsibilities, education and shared responsibility, and human dimensions and decisionmaking. Although some contextual differences may mean that there are US locations where the approach would be inappropriate, they are not systematic enough to mean that the approach would not be viable in many localities. However, significant groundwork would need to be laid to ensure success.
Economic Impact Evaluation of Uruguay Forest Sector Development Policy
Authors: Morales Olmos Virginia , Siry Jacek P.
Published: April 2024

Since the 1960s, the government of Uruguay has been encouraging forestry as an alternative use for marginal agricultural lands in an effort to promote economic development, diversification, and environmental services. The Forestry Law of 1987 (Parliament of Uruguay 1988) introduced subsidies and tax exonerations for the development of forest plantations and wood manufacturing industries. Consequently, the new forest sector has been growing rapidly, attracting foreign investment. This study evaluates the impact of Uruguay forest sector development policy on the country’s economy by conducting a cost–benefit analysis. The results indicate a positive net impact when compared with livestock production. The NPV associated with the forest sector development was US$615.4 million, and the internal rate of return was 32.4%. The successful implementation of the forest policy has allocated land to more productive uses while attracting foreign investment, generating income and employment, and providing environmental benefits.
Forest Biomass Supply in the Southeastern United States—Implications for Industrial Roundwood and Bioenergy Production
Authors: Galik Christopher S. , Abt Robert , Wu Yun
Published: April 2024

This analysis explores regional aggregate bioenergy potential, the interaction of logging residues and roundwood supply, and the potential supply costs of woody biomass from three southern states. Significant amounts of forest residues are potentially available within the study area: approximately 2.8 million dry tons in North Carolina, 1.8 million dry tons in South Carolina, and 1.3 million dry tons in Virginia. These quantities are sufficient to satisfy regional biomass electricity production requirements only through 2012 under a hypothetical national Renewable Portfolio Standard and Renewable Fuels Standard, after which changes in the biomass resource stream will be necessary. Supply curves generated for multiple regions in each state indicate that forest residues vary regionally in both supply and price, and exceeding the supply of forest residues could be accompanied by a dramatic spike in resource pricing, with implications for timberland owners and users of the forest resource base.
Forest Management and Climate Change Mitigation: Good Policy Requires Careful Thought
Authors: Maness Thomas C.
Published: April 2024

Many people believe that forest management and the production of forest products can be important tools in a climate change mitigation strategy. This article critically examines how forest management can contribute to climate change mitigation in the global context, and it examines four major issues that must be considered before developing a strategy that would achieve real contributions. The article argues that protection of the carbon stock in the existing natural forest should be the central management objective related to carbon. Second should be the development of a widely accepted standard for calculating forestry offsets to drive future private investment on private forests. The article concludes with some recommendations for policy setting.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Northeastern Forest Bioindustry
Authors: Benjamin Jeffrey , Lilieholm Robert J. , Damery David
Published: April 2024

Given the interest in renewable energy sources across the United States, it is likely that biomass harvested directly from the forest will play an important role in creating and sustaining the forest bioindustry. This article shows that the Northeastern Region's strengths (abundant forest resources and an established forest sector) provide the framework for a sustainable and viable forest bioindustry. Careful consideration must also be given to existing infrastructure, resource conditions, forest operations, public policy, and the wide range of social values likely to emerge as the industry grows. Challenges that must be addressed include improvements to the overall condition of the forest operations community, integration of new technologies into existing facilities, and assessment of the impact social values may have on the supply of raw materials and processing.
The 2007 Southern California Wildfires: Lessons in Complexity
Authors: Keeley Jon E. , Safford Hugh , Fotheringham C.J. , Franklin Janet , Moritz Max
Published: April 2024

The 2007 wildfire season in southern California burned over 1,000,000 ac (∼400,000 ha) and included several megafires. We use the 2007 fires as a case study to draw three major lessons about wildfires and wildfire complexity in southern California. First, the great majority of large fires in southern California occur in the autumn under the influence of Santa Ana windstorms. These fires also cost the most to contain and cause the most damage to life and property, and the October 2007 fires were no exception because thousands of homes were lost and seven people were killed. Being pushed by wind gusts over 100 kph, young fuels presented little barrier to their spread as the 2007 fires reburned considerable portions of the area burned in the historic 2003 fire season. Adding to the size of these fires was the historic 2006-2007 drought that contributed to high dead fuel loads and long distance spotting. As in 2003, young chaparral stands and fuel treatments were not reliable barriers to fire in October 2007. Second, the Zaca Fire in July and August 2007 showed that other factors besides high winds can sometimes combine to create conditions for large fires in southern California. Spring and summer fires in southern California chaparral are usually easily contained because of higher fuel moisture and the general lack of high winds. However, the Zaca Fire burned in a remote wilderness area of rugged terrain that made access difficult. In addition, because of its remoteness, anthropogenic ignitions have been low and stand age and fuel loads were high. Coupled with this was severe drought that year that generated fuel moisture levels considerably below normal for early summer. A third lesson comes from 2007 conifer forest fires in the southern California mountains. In contrast to lower elevation chaparral, fire suppression has led to major increases in conifer forest fuels that can lead to unnaturally severe fires when ignitions escape control. The Slide and Grass Valley Fires of October 2007 occurred in forests that had been subject to extensive fuel treatment, but fire control was complicated by a patchwork of untreated private properties and mountain homes built of highly flammable materials. In a fashion reminiscent of other recent destructive conifer fires in California, burning homes themselves were a major source of fire spread. These lessons suggest that the most important advances in fire safety in this region are to come from advances in fire prevention, fire preparedness, and land-use planning that includes fire hazard patterns.
Growing Organizational Challenges for the US Forest Service: Results of a Longitudinal Study in a Period of Major Environmental Change
Authors: Brown Greg , Squirrell Trevor G. , Harris Charles C.
Published: April 2024

The US Forest Service has been widely viewed as the leader of the nation's forestry profession. Using longitudinal survey research, we have been measuring the extent of ongoing changes in the attitudes, beliefs, and preferences of agency employees on a wide range of resource management and organizational issues from 1990 to 2008. We have observed the agency transition from a timber-dominated organization to an agency struggling to cope with its posttimber reality. The performance gap in US Forest Service employees' perception of agency management activities—the difference between employee preferences and their perception of the position of the agency on key management issues—spawned an internal agency reform movement in 1989, but that gap has since narrowed. New organizational circumstances, including a reduced workforce, an exodus of employee technical expertise, declining resource budgets, reorganization initiatives, and the ascendancy of fire management have had major impacts on agency programs and employee morale.
Fostering Sustainable Operations in a Natural Resource Management Agency: Insights from the Field
Authors: Winter Patricia L. , Burn Shawn M.
Published: April 2024

Sustainable operations (SO; operating in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable manner) is consistent with the environmental stewardship mission of natural resource management organizations. This study sought to examine SO practices in the daily work lives of US Forest Service employees, including those primarily stationed in the office and in the field. The purpose was to identify influences on these behaviors such that organizations can more effectively promote them. We surveyed a random sample of employees within a region and research station of the US Forest Service (n = 451) regarding SO behaviors, barriers, and facilitators to SO, and perspectives on SO. Consistent with the Proenvironmental Behavior Change Model (Burn, S.M. and P.L. Winters. 2008, A behavioral intervention tool for recreation managers, Park Sci. 31[1]:5–15), social norms, attitudes, setting design, knowledge and information, and habit were all important influences on SO behaviors, with social norms, attitudes, and habits the strongest influences. Recommendations for promoting SO are provided.
Analytical Decisionmaking Considerations for Upgrading or Changing Geographic Information System Software
Authors: Bettinger Pete , Lowe Tripp , Siry Jacek , Merry Krista , Nibbelink Nate
Published: April 2024

The analysis of a decision to change or upgrade geographical information systems (GIS) software can involve both quantitative and qualitative criteria. Although some aspects of changing or upgrading GIS can be financially valued, there are a number of intangible benefits and costs that are better assessed qualitatively. Thus, a benefit/cost analysis that recognizes both quantitative and qualitative criteria would be useful in considering the tradeoffs among the options considered. Two hypothetical case studies are provided to help people think through the analysis process. One involves a major upgrade in the version of software being used and the other involves a complete change in software to a free or low-cost set of tools. In considering both the quantitative and the qualitative aspects of a change in software, one can assess the tradeoffs that might arise.
The Role of Innovation in the Forest Products Industry
Authors: Hansen Eric N.
Published: April 2024

The US forest products industry has lost several hundred thousand jobs over recent years. It is argued that low-cost, foreign competition is largely responsible for this loss. Given this situation, enhancing innovation is increasingly seen as a path to competitive advantage and improved financial performance. Strategies have been and are being developed at the state and national level in the United States as well as the national level in many other countries. Although there is general recognition that innovation can positively impact competitiveness in the industry, there is little research verifying this relationship. This article discusses current innovation research focusing on the forest products industry. It also provides a brief example of a competitor nation's (Finland) efforts to enhance innovation in its forest products industry. With this background, the potential roles in enhancing innovation in the US forest products industry of company executives, policymakers, and researchers/educators are outlined. For example, it is recommended that companies concentrate on creating more innovation-centric cultures and policymakers are encouraged to support the future forest products industry workforce. Finally, it is suggested that the research and education community can be more effective in supporting industry through industry-focused research and developing skills of current and future employees.
Environmental and Social Risks: Defensive National Environmental Policy Act in the US Forest Service
Authors: Mortimer Michael J. , Stern Marc J. , Malmsheimer Robert W. , Blahna Dale J. , Cerveny Lee K. , Seesholtz David N.
Published: April 2024

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its accompanying regulations provide a spectrum of alternative analytical pathways for federal agencies proposing major actions that might significantly impact the human environment. Although guidance from the President's Council on Environmental Quality suggests the decision to develop an environmental impact statement (EIS), which requires the most rigorous level of analysis, should be based on the likelihood of significant environmental impacts, findings from an Internet survey with US Forest Service project leaders suggest that the decision may more commonly be based on process-related risks, including the threat of litigation, perceived defensibility in court, and the level of public and political interest in the agency's proposed action. An analysis of judicial decisions in NEPA-related litigation reveals that EISs do not appear to be more defensible than environmental assessments in the courts, suggesting that current decisionmaking about NEPA documentation may be misguided, leading to unnecessary project expenditures and delays.
Status and Progress in Large-Scale Assessments of the Productive Capacity of Forest Ecosystems in the United States
Authors: Smith Brad , Oswalt Sonja N.
Published: April 2024

The Montreal Process is a forest sustainability reporting framework adopted by 12 temperate–boreal nations consisting of 7 basic criteria and 64 indicators. This article focuses specifically on criterion 2, maintenance of the productive capacity of forest ecosystems, and its five indicators: area of forestland and net forestland available for timber production; growing stock and annual increment on forest available for timber production; area, percent, and volume in plantations; and annual removals of nonwood forest products (NWFP). We compare historic and current inventory processes, discuss the implications of each, present criterion 2 indicator highlights, and identify gaps in our current knowledge. In general, the productive capacity of US forests is strong. Forest and timberland areas have been stable for over 50 years, net growth continues to exceed removals, growing stock volume is up 51% since 1953, and planted forests continue to increase in area and provide a larger share of the nation's annual wood production. NWFPs continue to be difficult to track but progress has been made.
Attitudes and Intentions of Off-Highway Vehicle Riders toward Trail Use: Implications for Forest Managers
Authors: Kuehn Diane M. , D'Luhosch Peter D. , Luzadis Valerie A. , Malmsheimer Robert W. , Schuster Rudolph M.
Published: April 2024

Management of off-highway vehicles (OHV) in public forest areas requires up-to-date information about the attitudes and intentions of OHV riders toward trail use. A survey of 811 members of the New England Trail Riders Association was conducted in fall 2007; 380 questionnaires were completed and returned. Descriptive statistics and regressions were used to identify relationships between OHV rider attitudes, management preferences, and intentions toward two trail use–related behaviors (i.e., illegal use of trails by OHVs and the creation and/or use of unauthorized trails by OHV riders). Results reveal that the average responding association member has a negative attitude toward the two depreciative behaviors, intends to ride OHVs legally, and slightly prefers indirect over direct forms of management. Significant relationships between intentions and both attitudes and management preferences are identified. Policy and management implications and strategies are discussed.
Teak Plantations: Economic Bonanza or Environmental Disaster?
Authors: Hallett Justin T. , Díaz-Calvo Javier , Villa-Castillo Jaime , Wagner Michael R.
Published: April 2024

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is a high-value tropical hardwood with unique wood properties. Teak timber is diminishing in its native range and most teak now comes from intensively managed plantations outside the native range. With increasing demand for high-quality teak wood, plantation area is only expected to increase. There are currently many criticisms and uncertainties expressed in the literature and in public forums regarding the establishment of new teak plantations. The literature indicates issues limiting the potential for teak including wood quality, silvicultural methods, pest problems, and environmental considerations. A field survey of teak plantations along the Pacific Coast of Mexico revealed that silvicultural methods are well known and effective, and most environmental negatives can be mitigated through landscape-level decisionmaking. This article provides information that can assist institutions and investors in deciding whether to consider plantations of high-quality, short-rotation teak in suitable climatic regions.