Factors Influencing the Social Acceptability of Conifer Removal for Rangeland Restoration

Researchers:	Mark Brunson Bruce Shindler Beth Caniglia, Oklahoma State University Dwayne Elmore, Oklahoma State University Sam Fuhlendorf, Oklahoma State University Clayton Marlow, Montana State University
Study Design and Objectives:	This project will examine factors affecting acceptability and/or adoption of conifer removal options in three study areas: Great Basin, northern Rockies, and southern Great Plains. Surveys will be administered to landowners, agency managers, and general public focusing on problems of encroachment in: Great Basin pinyon-juniper woodlands, small-order watersheds of Montana and Wyoming affected by Douglas-fir and Ponderosa pine encroachment, and the Cross Timbers and shortgrass prairie regions of Oklahoma and Kansas affected by Eastern red-cedar encroachment.
Study Dates:	2008-2009
Relationship to SageSTEP:	Data from the SageSTEP social acceptibility survey will guide development of a new survey that can address research questions specific to the conifer study and be applied across multiple regions. In addition, questions from the new survey will be included in a survey of BLM and Forest Service grazing permittees as part of the SageSTEP sociopolitical research.
Additional information:	For additional information, please contact Mark Brunson.