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• 1. [Article] Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest

  This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Title: Mental and biophysical terrains of biodiversity : conservation of oak woodland on family forest Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige This research analyzes how family forest owners conceptualize biodiversity in one high-conservation value area of oak woodland in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon. Oregon white oak (Quercus garyanna) woodland, one of the most biologically diverse ecotypes in the state of Oregon, is in decline. Much of the oak ecotype occurs on the lands of family forest owners. Understanding owners' conceptions of biodiversity is important for the conservation of this important resource. Theories from sociology, social psychology, and policy analysis argue that information about people's knowledge and beliefs is important for understanding and influencing their behavior. This research explores the mental and biophysical terrains of owners' relationships with biodiversity. Through interdisciplinary methods - including concept mapping, in-depth interviews, property mapping and field reconnaissance - it explores the meanings that people give to biodiversity on their family properties. Findings indicate that 1) owners are knowledgeable about the key elements of biodiversity, and 2) their use of this knowledge in management reflects their beliefs about human relationships with nature and external market constraints. Close

• 2. [Article] Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley

  In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Title: Private forests, public policy : oak conservation on family forests in Oregon’s Willamette Valley Author: Fischer, Alexandra Paige In the United States, many of the thorniest natural resource conflicts occur on private lands. This is especially true in the Willamette Valley of Western Oregon where the hallmark habitat type, Oregon white oak woodland and savanna, is imperiled. Almost exclusively found on private land, Oregon white oak is threatened by urban development, vineyards, tree plantations, and the elimination of the periodic fires to which it is adapted. While regional and local planners, conservationists and natural resource agencies are attempting to conserve oak, little effort has been made to understand the social group in whose hands the fate of much of the resource rests: family forest owners. This paper presents a case study of oak conservation on family forestlands in Oregon. Through individual and group interviews and building upon social constructionism and interpretive policy analysis, this research investigates how two stakeholder groups—family forest owners and natural resource professionals—frame the problem of oak’s decline and opportunities and constraints for its conservation. It also analyzes some of the conservation policies that informants suggested for oak. By illuminating owners’ needs, capacities and constraints, and identifying areas of common ground and conflict in informants’ interpretive frames, this research identifies ways to reach out to a target group with empathy, facilitate cooperation between stakeholders, and avert potential conflicts that arise from conservation strategies. Close