Community Stability In Forest Based Economies

The effects of forest harvesting policies on timber-dependent communities go beyond simple economics. The papers presented address the issues from the viewpoints of government, the timber industry, and environmentalists.

The contributors consider how social science perspectives can contribute to our understanding of communities and their conflicting choices regarding the allocation and use of forest, agriculture and other natural resources. The topics discussed include community stability, community adjustment to economic and technological change and the public's r

Collectively, the chapters in this exploratory study constitute a review of community economic development as a response in the Pacific Northwest to the globalization of the timber industry. The history of federal policies concerning forest communities & timber production is discussed, & recent social & economic changes that are profoundly affecting forest communities are examined. Case studies of new approaches to creating jobs & wealth in forest communities are presented as well as research into the link between economic development & social & political development. Charts & tables.

This Congressional report provides testimony addressing the following two House bills: HR 2389 which restores stability and predictability to the annual payments made to States and counties containing National Forest System lands and public domain lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management for use by the counties of the benefit of public schools, roads, and other purposes; and HR 1185 which modifies the requirements for paying Federal timber sale receipts. Prepared statements are provided from William N. Dennison, Supervisor, District 3, Plumas County, California; Mike Dombeck, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service; Robert E. Douglas, Tehema County Superintendent of Schools, Red Bluff, California; Bobby Green, Chairman, Lane County Board of Commissioners, Eugene, Oregon; and Glen Spain, Pacific Coast Federation of Fisherman's Associations. Complete texts of both bills are included.(GR)