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- Info
Likelihood of timber management on nonindustrial private forests: Evidence from research studies
| Author: |
Alig, R.J.; Lee, K.J.; Moulton, R.J. |
| Date: |
1990 |
| Periodical: |
Gen. Tech. Rep. SE-60. Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Southeastern Forest Experiment Station |
| Abstract: |
Research on timber management tendencies by nonindustrial private forest owners, while sometimes conflicting, provides useful information to support policy analyses of timber supply and investment behavior. Numerous research studies regarding NIPF tree planting, intermediate stand treatments, and timber harvesting are reviewed. Conclusive research findings include that: (1) cost sharing correlates with increased tree planting, (2) cost-shared plantings are typically not liquidated when support payments end, (3) technical assistance with harvesting tends to increase stumpage revenues for owners and results in residual timber stands that are in better condition, and (4) technical assistance is correlated with increased harvesting. The degree to which nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) owners manage their land for timber production is a key question in assessing future timber supplies. Information on management by NIPF owners is also important in analyzing policy options related to issues such as global climate change, wildlife habitat, and soil protection. Although much research has been conducted on NIPF timber management and response to government policies, the results sometimes appear to conflict and do not provide a clear understanding of the factors affecting NIPF timber management. These studies contain a great deal of information, however, and we can draw limited conclusions regarding timber supply and investment behavior. The importance of NIPF timber and the identification of significant investment opportunities on NIPF lands (USDA Forest Service 1988, in press) indicate the need for continued and expanded research in this area. This paper reviews previous research on NIPF timber management behavior, including timber harvesting, in the United States. It synthesizes findings on availability of timber from NIPF land and the effects of government programs in augmenting supplies. One aspect of this issue-how NIPF owners respond to timber-related market signals-is particularly significant because recent timber assessments by the USDA Forest Service (in press) project increasing real timber prices. Response to market signals is also important because government programs are often designed in response to perceived market imperfections (Cubbage and Haynes 1988). This synthesis of research results is intended to support analyses of the potential for increasing timber supplies from NIPF land. The review does not include studies on the social efficiency of policy instruments. Instead, it concentrates on studies designed to isolate determinants of timber management behavior by NIPF owners. The paper is organized into six sections. The first discusses NIPF research in general; the next three sections discuss NIPF planting, intermediate treatments, and harvesting; the following section examines other considerations for research into NIPF behavior; and the final section states conclusions and directions for further research. |
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