Autopsy of a forestry ballot initiative: Characterizing voter support of Oregon's measure 64

Abstract

On November 3, 1998, Oregon voters soundly rejected a ballot initiative intended to promote sustainable forestry practices and protect forest ecosystems by restricting clear cut logging and herbicide and pesticides use. We found that initiative support was greater in more urban counties composed of more educated residents earning higher incomes and with higher proportions of registered Democrats. Opposition was strongest in counties composed of higher proportions of forest industry employees and native-born Oregonians. Measure 64 voting data provide an opportunity to examine the potential relationship between the changing socioeconomic landscape and the public's perception of the role of forestry.