West Virginia Tree Farmers and Consulting Foresters: A Comparison of Views on Timber Harvesting

Abstract

A mail sun-ey sought the responses of West Virginia Tree Farmers and consulting foresters to questions related to timber harvesting. The intent was to examine the attitudinal similarities and differences between citizens who ownforestland and are predisposed to forest management and the forestry professionals often charged with assisting with the management of these resources. Results of contingency table analysis indicated agreement between landowners andforesters on general harvesting philosophies and objectives, but disagreement on specific logging outcomes and environmental effects. The possibility of significant differences between landowners andforesters on issues such as banning clearcutting and the effects of logging on the forest environment indicates a need for efforts to educate not only landowners about forest practices, but also foresters about landowner objectives and attitudes.