Information-seeking behavior about multiple stressors for roadside forest management

Abstract

The combination of diverse land uses and multiple biophysical stressors brings complexity to forest management, particularly along roadways. Managers and landowners may seek information and resources to address property-level challenges that occur in such contexts. However, little is known about information-seeking behavior among professionals in the forest management community. Our objective was to examine knowledge transfer within the context of information-seeking behavior of forest management professionals in Connecticut (United States) in relation to addressing multiple forest stressors and roadside forest management. Semi-structured interviews were completed with 39 stakeholders in the Connecticut professional forest management community. Interview topics included participant and land type characteristics, management objectives, forest stressors and impacts, and information-seeking behavior. Results of qualitative analysis supported a conceptual framework that presented information seeking as an iterative feedback loop influenced by information needs, sources, availability, and utility. Participants sought and validated information from both tacit and explicit sources across multiple spatial scales. Information about forest conditions and stressor-related impacts applicable to the local context were of particular interest. All participants sought knowledge from colleagues, but some felt that their own expertise was undervalued. Knowledge transfer may be enhanced through co-production of knowledge and investment in boundary spanning individuals.