Semester

Fall

Date of Graduation

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design

Department

Agricultural & Extension Education

Committee Chair

Stacy A. Gartin.

Abstract

This study was designed to identify problems facing the forest sector in West Virginia as perceived by West Virginia Division of Forestry Service Foresters.;The descriptive method of research using questionnaire techniques was utilized in the study. Data were obtained from 48 service foresters (73% response).;Overall means were determined for each statement. The population was assumed a sample of service foresters at a point in time, thus the use of inferential statistics. Statistical procedure used for analyzing the data was analysis of variance statistical tests.;The results show that 4 of the 48 problem statements were rated as severe problems with a mean between 3.51 and 4.00. The highest ranked problem statement was "worker's compensation rates that border on being prohibitive," with a mean ranking of 3.72. "Negative publicity aimed at forestry practices from uninformed sources" received the second highest ranking with a mean of 3.57. The third highest ranked statement "poor harvesting techniques with little regard for desired future conditions" received a mean of 3.55. "The over use of diameter-limit cutting that takes faster growing higher value hardwoods and leaves the undesirable species and cull trees in the stand" ranked fourth and received a score of 3.51. Of the 48 statements identified, 28 were rated as moderate problems, 15 were rated as slight problems and one was rated as not a problem.;West Virginia Service Foresters consider the major problem in the forestry sector in West Virginia to be workers compensation rates that border on being prohibitive. There is a perceived lack of service foresters and a perceived shortfall in landowner education concerning forest management and timber harvesting.

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