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- Info
PNIF owner attitudes in the Midwest: A case study in Missouri and Wisconsin
| Author: |
Marty, Timothy D.; Kurtz, William B.; Gramann, James H. |
| Date: |
1988 |
| Periodical: |
Northern Journal of Applied Forestry |
| Abstract: |
Studies in Missouri and Wisconsin reveal that similar owner types exist in each area but the distribution of types varies, possibly in relation to regional differences in timber markets. Landowner attitudes and associated levels of forest management practice application offer directions for program development and delivery. A broad range of programs will be necessary to engage all PNIF owner types in timber management. The Private Non-Industrial Forest (PNIF) "problem" represents a range of interrelated issues. As a result, over the last four decades there have been many attempts to assist foresters in understanding PNIF owners by quantifying and describing their characteristics and relating them to forest management decisions. Yet, there is a persistent feeling that, as a profession, our abilities for dealing with PNIF owners are limited. Harvesting decisions are made without professional input, silvicultural practices are not performed, and cutover lands lack proper reforestation. The recurring question remains, how can we as a group of professionals more effectively deal with PNIF owners? There is no simplistic answer. Our understanding of PNIF lands and owners has been evolving even as they themselves have been changing. As a step toward developing an effective method of dealing with this group it is important to understand the nature of PNIF owners, their characteristics and decision processes. In a series of studies we have attempted to systematically consider who owns forestland and why? We have focused on PNIF owners and their attitudes, opinions, and thought processes (Kurtz et al. 1984). By relating these variables to actual management behavior we have not only demonstrated that different motivations and objectives exist, but have shown how they are expressed in different types of forest management activity. This paper presents results of the most recent study conducted in Wisconsin (Marty 1983) and compares those to results obtained in earlier Missouri studies (Lewis 1979, Fairweather 1979, Trokev 1981). |
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