Research in Vermont (USA) into the social and cultural values of woods

 

This project explored the ways in which people value trees and forests in Vermont, USA through a series of discussion groups and interviews. The objectives were to:

• Explore, describe and examine the values that people hold for woodlands and trees and assess why this is the case, through a series of discussion groups and individual interviews in Vermont, USA
• Examine and explore forestry and environmental organisation discourses of public interactions with forests and key forest and conservation management issues
• Provide recommendations for policy development for state and federal government.

This three month research project was undertaken in Autumn 2002.

Key findings

People in Vermont described forests as comforting and reassuring. They used them for a variety of recreational activities such as hiking, hunting and snowmobiling. People also described feelings of well-being of being when they were out enjoying forests within the state. The forest cover within the state is high at seventy eight per cent.

Findings included:

• Trees and forests symbolised the natural world and a healthy environment
• People’s personal memories  of using forests were important to them and this often included specific memories from childhood
• Forests were important for a variety of reasons beyond that which is connected with economic activity
• Ethical considerations were thought important about how the environment is or should be managed.

Funders and partners

This project was joint funded by the Forestry Commission, Forest Research and the Scottish Forestry Trust. Accommodation and advice was provided by the Northeastern Research Station, USDA Forest Service in Vermont.

Publication and report

Public and institutional perspectives on forests and trees: views from Vermont and England. Scottish Forestry, 2003, Volume 57, pp73-80.

Vermont Report ^(713K)