An economic analysis of the impact of cogongrass among nonindustrial private forest landowners in florida

Abstract

This study documents and evaluates the economic losses due to controlling cogongrass infestation among nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in the state of Florida. The analysis is based on information collected through a mail survey that was widely distributed among NIPF landowners in Florida, reaching a final sample of 1,060 landowners. The survey revealed that nearly 30% of respondents have problems with cogongrass in their property. In addition, close to 41% of NIPF owners indicated that cogongrass has reduced the recruitment and/or growth of trees in woodlands, and 54% of them responded that cogongrass has increased the hazard for wildfire in the area of infestation. Data on direct costs associated with chemical or physical control of cogongrass were collected to complete our analysis. An economic input/output analysis revealed that cogongrass control costs resulted in total economic losses of $35 million annually to the forestry industry and related business sectors throughout Florida.