Attitudes and perceptions of forest stakeholders regarding land management planning on U.S. forest service lands in Alabama

In this study the attitudes, desires, perceptions, and suggestions of individuals participating in the USDA Forest Service public participation process in Alabama were examined. A survey instrument mailed throughout the state was used to solicit respondent answers. It was found that the majority of respondents were preservationists in the attitudinal orientation and desires. The majority of respondents perceived the Forest Service as moderately utilitarian in its management philosophy. The attitudinal orientation of the respondents was closely related to the geographical intensity of the forest products industry within the state. The higher the concentration of the forest products industry within the state the more likely the respondent to maintain a utilitarian orientation. Almost half of the respondents indicated membership in a national environmental or professional forestry related organization. This suggests that the National Forests in Alabama are receiving input relating to local and national agendas. Public input is still dominated by a small majority of identifiable groups which may not reflect the desires and perceptions of the majority of forest stakeholders. Regardless of their perceptions, a majority of respondents indicated that the Forest Service should continue to enhance efforts regarding public participation. Respondents were mixed in their perceptions regarding a closed or opened public participation process. Overall, public perceptions of Forest Service management in Alabama are positive.