Human perceptions of forest fragmentation: Implications for natural disturbance management

2005 ◽  
Vol 81 (2) ◽  
pp. 256-264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Meitner ◽  
Ryan Gandy ◽  
Robert G D'Eon
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Fragmentation ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
The Public ◽  
Tree Retention ◽  
Human Perceptions

To test public perception and preference of forest fragmentation trends under current forest management practices, we solicited preferences for harvest patterns from 63 study participants before and after they were provided with educational material on the subject. In addition, we solicited preferences for harvest systems employing different retention patterns. Participants preferred harvest patterns tending away from small, dispersed harvest blocks (i.e., more fragmented) towards larger, more aggregated harvest blocks (i.e., less fragmented). This preference was more pronounced when participants were provided with information that stressed a less fragmented pattern as being ecologically beneficial. This result suggests that the public is willing to accept larger, more aggregated harvest blocks relative to the status quo, especially if provided with information that stresses benefits of that approach. However, participants clearly preferred a harvest system employing dispersed individual tree retention over other systems employing a more concentrated retention pattern. The combination of these results suggests that public acceptability of larger aggregated harvest blocks may depend on the amount of post-harvest retention involved, and that harvest systems employing dispersed individual tree retention will be preferred by the public. Key words: effects of information, environmental perception, forest fragmentation, forest management, human perception, natural disturbance

Human Perception of and Response to Wildfire Smoke

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariah Fowler ◽  
Mojtaba Sadegh
Keyword(s):  
Human Perception ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
State University ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wildfire Smoke ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Experiences ◽  
Human Perceptions

<p>Wildfire smoke presents a growing threat in the Western U.S.; and human health, transportation, and economic systems in growing western communities suffer due to increasingly severe and widespread fires. While modelling wildfire activity and associated wildfire smoke distributions have substantially improved, understanding how people perceive and respond to emerging smoke hazards has received little attention. Understanding and incorporating human perceptions of threats from wildfire smoke is critical, as decision-makers need such information to mitigate smoke-related hazards. We surveyed 614 randomly selected people (in-person) across the Boise Metropolitan Area in Idaho and 1,623 Boise State University affiliates (online), collecting information about their level of outside activity during smoke event(s), knowledge about the source of air quality information and effective messaging preference, perception of wildfire smoke as a hazard, and smoke-related health experiences. This relatively large dataset provides a novel perspective of people’s perception of smoke hazards and provides crucial policy-relevant information to decision-makers. Dataset is available to the public and can be used to address a wide range of research questions.</p>

Forest processes from stands to landscapes: exploring model forecast uncertainties using cross-scale model comparison

2010 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 2345-2359 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Papaik ◽  
Andrew Fall ◽  
Brian Sturtevant ◽  
Daniel Kneeshaw ◽  
Christian Messier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Forest Dynamics ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Landscape Model ◽  
Tree Model ◽  
Individual Tree ◽  
Forest Management Practices ◽  
Landscape Models

Forest management practices conducted primarily at the stand scale result in simplified forests with regeneration problems and low structural and biological diversity. Landscape models have been used to help design management strategies to address these problems. However, there remains a great deal of uncertainty that the actual management practices result in the desired sustainable landscape structure. To investigate our ability to meet sustainable forest management goals across scales, we assessed how two models of forest dynamics, a scaled-up individual-tree model and a landscape model, simulate forest dynamics under three types of harvesting regimes: clearcut, gap, and uniform thinning. Althougth 50–100 year forecasts predicted average successional patterns that differed by less than 20% between models, understory dynamics of the landscape model were simplified relative to the scaled-up tree model, whereas successional patterns of the scaled-up tree model deviated from empirical studies on the driest and wettest landtypes. The scale dependencies of both models revealed important weaknesses when the models were used alone; however, when used together, they could provide a heuristic method that could improve our ability to design sustainable forest management practices.

TRIAD zoning in Quebec: Experiences and results after 5 years

2009 ◽  
Vol 85 (6) ◽  
pp. 885-896 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Messier ◽  
Rebecca Tittler ◽  
Daniel D Kneeshaw ◽  
Nancy Gélinas ◽  
Alain Paquette ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Sustainable Forest Management ◽  
Natural Disturbance ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Past ◽  
Management Objectives ◽  
Mixed Plantations ◽  
Functional Zoning ◽  
Social Interests ◽  
Original Concept

The TRIAD approach to forest management involves dividing the forest into 3 zones, each with its own management objectives, but with the overall goal of increasing the ecological and economic sustainability of the forest. For the past 5 years, we have been experimenting with TRIAD zoning in central Quebec, incorporating social interests into the original concept of TRIAD management. Results generally indicate that this approach is economically viable, socially acceptable, and preferable ecologically in this area. Although much remains to be done, thus far the consensus among the various project participants is that this approach may be a good fit for the public forest of Canada. Key words: TRIAD, functional zoning, sustainable forest management, ecosystem management, natural disturbance based management, intensive forestry, mixed plantations, partial cuts, eco-efficiency, conservation, new forestry, green accounting

scholarly journals Alternative Mowing Regimes’ Influence on Native Plants and Deer

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Guyton ◽  
Jeanne C. Jones ◽  
Edward Entsminger
Keyword(s):  
Plant Communities ◽  
Carrying Capacity ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Native Plants ◽  
Strong Support ◽  
Native Plant ◽  
The Public ◽  
Public Survey ◽  
Significant Difference

This study evaluated mowing regimes, changes in native and non-native plant communities, deer presence in the research plots,and public perception of various management practices on ROWs. No significant difference was found in the height of vegetation 3 weeks after each mowing between research plots mowed 4 times per year and plots mowed only once per year in uplands or lowlands. Native plants increased in plots mowed once per year and deer preferred the frequently mowed plots where clovers and vetches had been seeded. Increasing the carrying capacity of the lowlands with more extensive plantings of clover and vetch may attract deer, thus encouraging them to browse and use the underpasses beneath bridges and making the ROWs safer. The public survey found strong support for wildflowers on ROWs and a distaste for litter. Further, respondents would tolerate a less manicured ROW if it saved money, made the roads safer, and hid litter.

scholarly journals A dataset on human perception of and response to wildfire smoke

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariah Fowler ◽  
Arash Modaresi Rad ◽  
Stephen Utych ◽  
Andrew Adams ◽  
Sanazsadat Alamian ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Perception ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
State University ◽  
The Public ◽  
Wildfire Smoke ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Health Experiences ◽  
Human Perceptions

Abstract Wildfire smoke presents a growing threat in the Western U.S.; and human health, transportation, and economic systems in growing western communities suffer due to increasingly severe and widespread fires. While modelling wildfire activity and associated wildfire smoke distributions have substantially improved, understanding how people perceive and respond to emerging smoke hazards has received little attention. Understanding and incorporating human perceptions of threats from wildfire smoke is critical, as decision-makers need such information to mitigate smoke-related hazards. We surveyed 614 randomly selected people (in-person) across the Boise Metropolitan Area in Idaho and 1,623 Boise State University affiliates (online), collecting information about their level of outside activity during smoke event(s), knowledge about the source of air quality information and effective messaging preference, perception of wildfire smoke as a hazard, and smoke-related health experiences. This relatively large dataset provides a novel perspective of people’s perception of smoke hazards, and provides crucial policy-relevant information to decision-makers. Dataset is available to the public and can be used to address a wide range of research questions.

scholarly journals Effect of Thinning on Forest Scenic Beauty in a Black Pine Forest in Central Italy

Forests ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1295
Author(s):  
Isabella De Meo ◽  
Paolo Cantiani ◽  
Alessandro Paletto
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Central Italy ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Pairwise Comparison ◽  
Black Pine ◽  
Scenic Beauty ◽  
Forest Management Practices ◽  
Management Interventions

Forest management practices determine changes in stand characteristics and consequently influence public perception of forest scenic beauty visually appreciated by visitors. To understand the relationship between forest management practices and public perception, the present study evaluated the effects of thinning on the forest scenic beauty analyzing visitors’ preferences towards images of forest managed in different ways. The investigation was implemented in a black pine (Pinus nigra spp.) forest located in Central Italy, where a designed thinning experiment was conducted during the winter of 2016. Silvicultural interventions were based on three options: traditional thinning (medium-intensity thinning from below), selective thinning, and absence of intervention (control). Then, through the face-to-face administration of a questionnaire to a sample of 200 visitors, visitors’ aesthetic preferences for stands’ characteristics affected by management interventions were assessed. The survey also investigated the perception of the effect of silvicultural treatments on the scenic beauty using pairwise comparison method. Results evidence a strong relation between scenic beauty and forest attributes. In particular, the results show that visitors prefer mixed forest with varying tree heights and layers, and consequently a high and variable quantity of light reaching the soil. Results also show that visitors prefer managed forests, and both kinds of thinning have a positive effect on the scenic beauty.

Forest Management In Mongolia – A Review Of Challenges And Lessons Learned With Special Reference To Degradation And Deforestation

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander Gradel ◽  
Gerelbaatar Sukhbaatar ◽  
Daniel Karthe ◽  
Hoduck Kang
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Land Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Forest Health ◽  
Hydrological Regime ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Driven System ◽  
The Status

The natural conditions, climate change and socio-economic challenges related to the transformation from a socialistic society towards a market-driven system make the implementation of sustainable land management practices in Mongolia especially complicated. Forests play an important role in land management. In addition to providing resources and ecosystem functions, Mongolian forests protect against land degradation.We conducted a literature review of the status of forest management in Mongolia and lessons learned, with special consideration to halting deforestation and degradation. We grouped our review into seven challenges relevant to developing regionally adapted forest management systems that both safeguard forest health and consider socio-economic needs. In our review, we found that current forest management in Mongolia is not always sustainable, and that some practices lack scientific grounding. An overwhelming number of sources noticed a decrease in forest area and quality during the last decades, although afforestation initiatives are reported to have increased. We found that they have had, with few exceptions, only limited success. During our review, however, we found a number of case studies that presented or proposed promising approaches to (re-)establishing and managing forests. These studies are further supported by a body of literature that examines how forest administration, and local participation can be modified to better support sustainable forestry. Based on our review, we conclude that it is necessary to integrate capacity development and forest research into holistic initiatives. A special focus should be given to the linkages between vegetation cover and the hydrological regime.

L'importance des outils de planification forestière dans les opérations de relations publiques en Suisse | The importance of forestry planning tools in public relations operation in Switzerland

2004 ◽  
Vol 155 (11) ◽  
pp. 487-491
Author(s):  
Christina Giesch Shakya
Keyword(s):  
Forest Management ◽  
Public Relations ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Public Understanding ◽  
The Public ◽  
Forest Management Plan ◽  
Forest Enterprises ◽  
Forestry Services ◽  
Regional Forest ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

The current study examines the importance of planning and management documents (notably the forest management plan and the regional forest plan) for public relations purposes. 17 people (15 forest engineers and 2 forest guards) were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. The results of our survey show that some of the information used for public relations is taken from the planning documents. The forest management plan is primarily considered to be an internal document, but it also provides information on the objectives of forest enterprises, justifications of the planned measures, numbers and maps. The regional forest plan contributes to the public relations in three ways: its content provides information about objectives, description of forest functions, projects and measures. In addition, the participation of the public in the process of elaborating this plan is an ideal opportunity to heighten awareness in society and further public understanding of the forest and forestry services. Finally, as the regional forest management plan is in the public domain, it functions as a type of «show case» of the forest service.

Population Growth and Waste Management in Metropolitan Lagos

2013 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Femi O. Omololu ◽  
Akinmayowa S. Lawal
Keyword(s):  
Waste Management ◽  
Population Growth ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Public Private Partnership ◽  
Household Waste ◽  
Waste Generation ◽  
Private Partnership ◽  
The Public ◽  
Lagos State ◽  
Waste Management Practices

This paper examines the influence of population growth on waste generation in Lagos metropolis, African’s most populous urban conglomeration. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study analyses the pattern of household waste disposal, collection and transportation in Lagos State. It also examines the public-private partnership strategy adopted in waste management. The findings show that population growth significantly influences waste generation and management in Lagos metropolis. As the population increased, the volume of waste generated also increased in each LGA of Lagos State. The public-private partnership strategy has been effective in managing waste, but the Lagos State Waste Management Authority oversight was adjudged as less than satisfactory. The paper concludes that intervention is needed in terms of educating the growing population of the Lagos metropolis on the best waste management practices. It highlights the need for a more efficient and effective publicprivate partnership collaboration to solve this perennial social problem.

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