From the small woodland problem to ecosocial systems: the evolution of social research on small-scale forestry in Sweden and the USA

Abstract

This review article deals with the evolution of academic small-scale forestry research in Sweden and the USA from its early focus on timber supply to present-day interest in stewardship objectives, characteristics and attitudes. Aiming at identifying fresh opportunities for research on small-scale forestry, it reflects on the questions that have dominated the literature over the past quarter of a century, the socioeconomic conditions under which those questions arose, and their influence on the evolution of the field. The goal was to explore key drivers for research over the past 25 years and identify emerging research themes, and by that provide insight into what developments may make the research enterprise more fruitful. With some exceptions, it is based on articles in refereed journals and to academic theses covering the time span 1985Á2010. It reflects a reappraisal of the subject of the research and corresponding policies. Similar research tendencies are evident in both countries. Research historically focused on the practical problem of efficient production using a weak theoretical foundation. More recently, researchers have focused on understanding diverse motivations and roles that can be played. It is argued that the field of small-scale forestry research is ripe for new multidisciplinary approaches.

Member, Owner, Customer, Supplier? - The Question of Perspective on Membership and Ownership in a Private Forest Owner Cooperative

“…With respect to "the sense of belonging and fellowship" it is well-known that, private forest owners in Sweden as well as in Finland , N o r w a y a n d U S A , h a v e b e c o m e m o r e heterogeneous, and in addition less dependent on forestry as their only income (for an overview see Fischer et al 2010). The same can be claimed for cooperative members (Berlin 2006).…”

Factors Influencing the Choice of Management Strategy among Small-Scale Private Forest Owners in Sweden

“…Most small-scale private forest owners are not exclusively driven by profit, but instead, have diverse objectives for their forests, including recreation, monetary gain, potential as a residential location, family legacy and nature protection [1][2][3]. In Sweden, half of the productive forest area is owned by small-scale, non-industrial, private forest owners.…”

Forest Values and Forest Management Attitudes among Private Forest Owners in Sweden

“…Hence, today forests are characterized by multiple uses, and it is quite accepted for private forest owners to associate multiple values with their forests resource-restoration, conservation, production, maintenance, etc. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13]. In addition to multiple uses of forests, there are also multiple rationales for forest management.…”