PDF document, 84.8 KB
This article describes nationwide and local trends in voter support for the protection of natural areas (i.e., forests, wildlife habitat and watersheds) and how ballot statement design has been found to influence voter behavior.
PDF document, 150.9 KB
Many private owners would prefer to maintain forest health when harvesting, but short-term needs can prompt harvesting decisions that are poorly planned. The circumstances that promote unplanned harvesting are often driven by a wide range of social and economic factors. This article offers a critical review of the problem and may be useful to decision-makers and advocates who want to address unplanned harvest in PA.
PDF document, 195.9 KB
Economic drivers are primarily responsible for declines in wildlife populations. However, emerging research has found the local economy and communities can be made better off by increasing wildlife diversity through forest conservation. This means wildlife management is not just for the sake of helping wildlife, but wildlife management can also help enhance human health and well-being
Private landowners are responsible for 69% of forests in Pennsylvania, but until recently only large landowners (those who owned 2,000 acres or more) were able to participate in forest carbon markets. But there are now, several new programs that focus on smaller forest owners, such as the Natural Capital Exchange (NCX) and the Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP). Since forest carbon is still a new market commodity, selling carbon may seem a bit complicated to the average forest owner. This paper describes the experiences of several small forest landowners in Pennsylvania who recently enrolled in a carbon program. The names of the landowners and identifying details have been changed to protect the identity and privacy of the parties involved.
Advocates of climate change mitigation are looking to private forest lands for solutions. This article discusses the opportunities and challenges of engaging landowners in carbon markets.
