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Forests and societal values: comparing scientific and public perception of forest health

Author

Listed:
  • Aviva Patel

    (University of Guelph)

  • David J. Rapport

    (University of Guelph)

  • Loren Vanderlinden

    (University of Guelph)

  • John Eyles

    (University of Guelph)

Abstract

This study examines the common ground between lay people and scientists regarding forest values and definitions of forest health. With the forest at Pinery Provincial Park, Ontario, as a case study, the authors compared six ecological indicators to determine which were sensitive to the multiple impacts of visitor use, deer browsing and fire suppression. Plant cover and proportion native species were sensitive to these impacts. Sapling height was greater in low deer density areas. The authors also conducted focused discussions with local interest groups, followed by qualitative data analysis. Overall, there was good convergence between scientific and public views of forests and forest health, although this may partly be due to the groups' interest in nature and the Pinery. Subjects saw a connection between their health and the state of the global and local environment, including forests. There is a need for increased awareness in the public to the necessity of managing high deer populations in parks to protect other forest components such as biodiversity. Forest managers must consider that people greatly value forests near them for mental well being. Group responses suggested that messages explicitly linking forest benefits to human health and well being may motivate people to protect forests.

Suggested Citation

  • Aviva Patel & David J. Rapport & Loren Vanderlinden & John Eyles, 1999. "Forests and societal values: comparing scientific and public perception of forest health," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 239-249, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envsyd:v:19:y:1999:i:3:d:10.1023_a:1026402812084
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1026402812084
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Smith, Fraser, 1996. "Biological diversity, ecosystem stability and economic development," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 16(3), pages 191-203, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Emilia Janeczko & Jan Banaś & Małgorzata Woźnicka & Krzysztof Janeczko & Katarzyna Utnik-Banaś & Stanisław Zięba & Jitka Fialova, 2024. "How Did COVID-19 Pandemic Stress Affect Poles’ Views on the Role of the Forest?," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-14, May.
    2. L.M. Marafa, 2002. "Socio-Ecological Impact and Risk Assessments in the Urban Environment: A Multidisciplinary Concept from Hong Kong," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 377-385, December.
    3. Jefferson, R.L. & Bailey, I. & Laffoley, D. d′A. & Richards, J.P. & Attrill, M.J., 2014. "Public perceptions of the UK marine environment," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(C), pages 327-337.

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