Goals and Cutting Decisions of Private Small Forest Owners : Forstpolitische und ökonomische Aspekte der bäuerlichen Waldwirtschaft

1989

2 Abb., 9 Lit. Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

2354

200007496

In this article private small forest owner's cuttings are analyzed with the help of decision theory. Special interest is shown in the goals of the forest owners. The need for the study arose because of low cutting intensity among some groups of small forest owners. This phenomenon is apparent for example in France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Scandinavia and the USA. My research strategy has been to increase the understanding of the decision situation and decision processes of private small forest owners. This will make it possible for the government and the wood buyers to introduce effective measures for increasing cutting intensity. The results show that most small forest owners, regardlessly of owner category, have a long time perspective. For all owner categories we found a strong will to keep and hold the estate in trust and hand it on to the next generation. Most owners looked upon the estate as in inheritance from the grandparents and a loan from the children. However, the operational goal profile is quite different for various owner categories. If there is a goal conflict between the strategic and operational goals the latter usually prevails. Most non- farmers say that they have no economic or financial reason to cut. It is easier to let the forest grow. Interesting investment alternatives are needed. Forest bonds are put forward as an idea.