Forests 2017, 8(5), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/f8050157
Understanding Ecosystem Service Preferences across Residential Classifications near Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington (USA)
1
Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
2
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
3
U.S. Forest Service, PNW Research Lab, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Academic Editor: Ir. Kris Verheyen
Received: 28 February 2017 / Revised: 21 April 2017 / Accepted: 2 May 2017 / Published: 6 May 2017
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Management Strategies for Forest Ecosystem Services)
Abstract
Ecosystem services consistently group together both spatially and cognitively into “bundles”. Understanding socio-economic predictors of these bundles is essential to informing a management approach that emphasizes equitable distribution of ecosystem services. We received 1796 completed surveys from stakeholders of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (WA, USA) using both in-person workshops and an online platform. Survey respondents rated the importance of 26 ecosystem services. Subsequent analysis revealed six distinct preference bundles of these services: environmental quality, utilitarian values, heritage values, two types of recreational values, and access and roads. Results suggest that the conceptualizations of these bundles are consistent across socio-demographic groups. Resource agencies that seek to frame dialogue around critical values may want to consider these broadly representative bundle sets as a meaningful organizing framework that would resonate with diverse constituents. View Full-TextKeywords:
ecosystem services; forest management; values; preferences; urban; rural
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Williams, K.; Biedenweg, K.; Cerveny, L. Understanding Ecosystem Service Preferences across Residential Classifications near Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington (USA). Forests 2017, 8, 157.
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