Public attitudes towards forest herbicide use and the implications for public involvement

Abstract

Public opposition to herbicide use in forest vegetation management has been an important issue for forest managers for more than a decade. Despite severe restrictions or elimination of herbicide use in many regions of North America, there have been limited attempts to understand public concerns and develop approaches for gaining public support of forest vegetation management programs. A three-part study was conducted in Ontario consisting of a comprehensive literature review of the herbicide issue, guided discussions with 12 focus groups, and development of a strategy for public involvement. A strategy for public involvement on forest vegetation management issues is proposed that includes: 1) information sharing, 2) resource sharing, 3) cooperative planning, and 4) collaborative action. Many of the ideas are applicable to other areas of natural resource management. Key words: public involvement, herbicides, forest vegetation management