Using Direct Mail in Extension Programming for Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowners
Abstract Four pilot direct mail programs for nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners were conducted in northwestern Pennsylvania. The programs varied in method of contact (targeting versus self-selection) and in type of information (economic versus multiple-use). The programs established contact with many landowners who had not been reached by past extension efforts. Type of information was not related to audience size, audience makeup, or program impact. Targeting reached more landowners than did the self-selection method, but self-selection maintained a greater percentage of these contacts. More of the landowners who selected themselves into the program than those who did not, and more of those who did not "drop out" of the targeted program than those who did, had past educational opportunities in woodland management. Direct mail was effective in increasing landowner knowledge of woodland management but less effective in developing landowner intent to manage woodland. North. J. Appl. For. 7:171-174, December 1990.