Exploring the preferences of wildlife recreationists for features of boreal forest management: a choice experiment approach

Abstract

This study uses stated preference methods to determine how Saskatchewan moose hunters and wildlife viewers would choose among hypothetical boreal forest management scenarios described by six attributes. The results suggest that preferences for these attributes differ between hunters and viewers and to a lesser extent among rural and urban residents participating in each activity. The preference models were applied to two management plans proposed by the Saskatchewan Forest Habitat Project to produce moose and woodland caribou habitat in a set of five areas visited by the wildlife recreationists in central Saskatchewan. The results suggest that the hunters would benefit from these plans more than the viewers. This information indicates that passive-use values rather than use values may play an important role in justifying forest management schemes which benefit wildlife species.