Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.5552/crojfe.2025.2825
Factors Influencing Private Forest Owners Decision-Making Rationalities to Implement Salvage Logging after Large-Scale Natural Disturbances in Slovenia
Darja Stare
orcid.org/0000-0001-9940-1274
; Slovenian Forestry Institute Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana SLOVENIA and University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Jamnikarjeva 101 1000, Ljubljana SLOVENIA
*
Špela Ščap
; Slovenian Forestry Institute Večna pot 2 1000 Ljubljana SLOVENIA
Špela Pezdevšek Malovrh
; University of Ljubljana Biotechnical Faculty Department of Forestry and Renewable Forest Resources Večna pot 83 1000, Ljubljana SLOVENIA
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
This study examines the factors that influence the decision-making rationality of private forest owners (PFOs) when implementing salvage logging after large-scale natural disturbances. The literature suggests two main responses to large large-scale natural disturbances: performing salvage logging and no salvage at all. When salvage logging is carried out, two different strategies can be applied: clearing, i.e. all trees are removed, including damaged trees and standing survivors; and salvaging, i.e. damaged trees are removed but the surviving trees are left and some dead trees are left standing. In an online survey conducted in Slovenia in March and April 2022, responses were collected from 1515 forest-owning households. A logistic regression model was created to analyse the data and understand how socio-demographic characteristics, characteristics of forest property, forest management activities and the market influence their decisions. The results show that previous management activities and cooperation with service providers significantly influence PFOs' decision-making rationality to implement salvage logging. The study contributes to a nuanced understanding of the complex decision-making processes in forestry. Future research opportunities lie in investigating specific aspects of past management activities and understanding the dynamics in cooperation between different actors to develop customised policies for effective forest management after large-scale natural disturbances.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
326400
URI
Publication date:
17.1.2025.
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