Do Conservation Easements Promote Sustainable Management of the Norther Forest
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- Capen, David E.
University of Vermont, Rubinstein School of Environment and Natural Resources - Stokowski, Patricia A.
University of Vermont, Rubinstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
- Our study examined conservation easements for forested lands in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. The overall goal was to assess effects of conservation easements on management of forested lands and viability of surrounding communities. We surveyed easement holders, landowners, and forest managers to determine the extent to which 201 parcels protected by conservation easements are being managed for forest products and to evaluate compliance with selected principles of sustainable forest management, including those principles that relate to support of local communities. A second objective involved interviews of residents of three northern New England communities to assess the influence of easement-based land conservation on their communities.
- • Nearly three quarters (74%) of respondents use written plans to guide forest management activities. Forest health, wildlife, and wood products continue to be the most popular management priorities for landowners with easements. Easements do not seem to be curtailing forest management investments. Commercial harvesting occurred since the easement was enacted on 54% of the properties for which we received responses. From 30 site visits and forester interviews, we found that recent harvesting on conserved properties appears to have been done carefully, with legitimate forest management objectives in mind. Management seems to have considered Best Management Practices for protection of water and soil, stand improvements, and wildlife considerations.
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