Capturing Old-Growth Values for Use in Forest Decision-Making |
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Authors: | Rochelle J Owen Peter N Duinker Thomas M Beckley |
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Institution: | (1) Dalhousie University, 6100 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 3J5;(2) School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, 6100 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, Canada, B3H 3J5;(3) Faculty of Forestry and Environmental Management, University of New Brunswick, P.O. Box 44555, Fredericton, NB, Canada, E3B 6C2 |
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Abstract: | Old-growth forests have declined significantly across the world. Decisions related to old growth are often mired in challenges
of value diversity, conflict, data gaps, and resource pressures. This article describes old-growth values of citizens and
groups in Nova Scotia, Canada, for integration in sustainable forest management (SFM) decision-making. The study is based
on data from 76 research subjects who participated in nine field trips to forest stands. Research subjects were drawn from
Aboriginal groups, environmental organizations, forestry professionals, and rural and urban publics. Diaries, group discussions,
and rating sheets were used to elicit information during the field trips. Findings show that different elicitation techniques
can influence the articulation of intensity with which some values are held. In addition, certain values are more often associated
with old-growth than with other forest-age classes. Some values associated with old-growth are considered more important than
others, and some silvicultural treatments are perceived to compromise old-growth values more than others. Demographic characteristics,
such as constituency group, gender, and age, are shown to influence value priorities. Ideas on how to incorporate old-growth
values into SFM decision-making are highlighted. |
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Keywords: | Old-growth forest Values Stakeholders Field trips Mixed-methods Canada Nova Scotia Decision-making |
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