Emerging Human Values of Forest Resources

Abstract

In Japan and the United States, people are placing greater emphasis on green (non-timber) resources. In independent studies designed to elicit social preferences for forest functions in Japan and in the United States, survey respondents were asked to rank their preferences for two sets of forest functions and to choose between two functions in a series of paired choices. Japanese respondents indicated that land and water conservation, wildlife conservation, scenic beauty, in that order, were more important than timber production. Their preferences for specific land and water conservation measures varied by local disaster history. In paired comparisons, they weighted land and water conservation, wildlife, scenic beauty, and timber functions in decreasing order of preference. United States respondents indicated that air and water quality was the most important issue and that timber and forest products supply was second in importance. However, in paired comparisons, timber was the least important function. These respondents also indicated a willingness-to-pay approximately 32 US$ per year to protect the full range of forest functions by means of conservation easements. Respondents in each country indicated clear preferences for non-timber forest values. The extent to which forest managers respond to these preferences will impact the flows of forest goods and services. Cultural differences will affect the means by which public agencies in Japan and the United States assess and incorporate public sentiment into forest management. Private forestry will be affected through the differing objectives of landowners and regulatory climates. These, too, have important cultural aspects. Research cooperation and information exchanges across the Pacific may provide new insights for solving resource management issues.