Recognition of Wildlife Amenity Values in Defining the Small Forest Ownership Problem in the United States: A Literature Review

Abstract

The nonindustrial private forest or family forest problem originated early in the twentieth century and still exists today. These owners were seen to manage their lands in a suboptimal manner resulting in low forest productivity relative to other ownership groups, leading to future timber supply problems. Over time these concerns lessened, but numerous federal forestry incentive programs still exist today to ensure family forest lands are "properly" managed. Since family forest owners control nearly two-thirds of American private forest land, this concern can be defended. Policies that impact the family forests will coincidentally often become important wildlife policies. The NIPF and family forest literature is examined to identify the transition in the NIPF problem from one centered solely on timber to one that considers the broader values of the forest, especially wildlife. This literature also describes many natural resource management relationships and policy tools that directly related to wildlife policy. The interaction of forest and wildlife policies is a fascinating aspect of the human dimension of wildlife. The literature review is extensive so that wildlife researchers will have a source to identify this important research resource.