The effect of timber value information on Pennsylvania's private forest landowner: A case study

Six case studies involving private forest landowners in two central Pennsylvania counties explore whether or not participants accurately estimate the present and future value of their timber and the impact improved growth and value data had on their perception af forest value. Methods included testing initial participant estimates, attitudes, and objectives against cruise data collected on each tract and discussing discrepancies between the two information sets (predicted and measured). Participants were relatively accurate at predicting approximate present values, but less adept at predicting probable future values and apportioning appropriate values to contributing factors of future value growth. The relative value of these and other findings from the case studies to education and outreach efforts on the part of resource professions-particularly in regards to generating forest landowner interest in forest management - is discussed.