Oak Conservation and Restoration on Private Forestlands: Negotiating a Social-Ecological Landscape

摘要: In the midwestern United States, oak (Quercus spp.) forests are considered critical habitat for conserving biodiversity and a declining resource. Ecological conditions, such as deer herbivory competition from more mesic broad-leaved deciduous species, have been linked to poor regeneration. Midwest, where up 90% of forestland is privately owned, greater understanding social dimensions regeneration success especially designing effective restoration strategies. We sought determine factors that serve direct indirect constraints identify policy mechanisms could improve likelihood success. conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 32 natural resource professionals working in Midwest Driftless Area. found most anticipate will remain only component future forest. Furthermore, they identified general unwillingness landowners adopt practices primary driving force regional forest change. The pointed interdependent ecological factors, occurring at various scales (e.g., economic cost management, herbivory, exurban residential development) influencing landowner decisions. Professionals emphasized importance government cost-share programs long-term personal relationships securing acceptance practices. However, given finite societal resources, ecologically- socially-targeted approaches were viewed potential ways optimize