The fragmentation of nonindustrial private forests (NIPF) into progressively smaller parcels presents challenges to landscape-level management of forest pests such as the southern pine beetle (SPB). In a survey of northern Florida NIPF landowners, awareness of the SPB, forest management plan use, importance of timber income, and implementation of preventive management practices all decreased with decreasing ownership size. Small parcel size, expense, and lack of knowledge were frequently cited reasons for lack of forest management. Educational approaches that motivate forest management on small NIPF tracts are needed to promote landscape-level forest health. We discuss some broadly applicable landowner education strategies that may help address this challenge.
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