Using mental model approach for ascertaining socio-cultural perceptions of forest-based ecosystem services among female forest landowners in Georgia, United States

ABSTRACT

In the southern United States (US), female forest landowners (FeFLs) constitute 27% of family forest landowners, owning approximately 12.1 million ha of forestland. With changing demographic trends, FeFLs will likely own more forestlands in the foreseeable future. Understanding FeFLs’ perceptions of ecosystem services (ESs) is vital as their management decisions will impact the flow of forest-based ESs. Our study used a mental model approach to comprehensively understand FeFLs’ socio-cultural perceptions of ESs. Interviews with 39 FeFLs in Georgia, US, highlighted diverse perceptions of forest-based ESs encompassing cultural, provisioning, regulating, and supporting services. The FeFLs’ mental model revealed five thematic areas on ESs perceptions: economics, personal enjoyment, family and heritage, forestland as a place for social activity, and environmental benefits. The economics theme emerged distinctly regardless of their ownership type or forestland proximity, whereas personal enjoyment, family and heritage, and forestland as a place for social activity demonstrated place attachment. Co-owners linked forest management more closely to economics than sole-owners. Residential FeFLs valued social benefits, while non-residential landowners emphasized biodiversity significance. Our findings provide crucial insights for shaping inclusive strategies and policies, enhancing forest management among FeFLs, fostering a sense of community, and ensuring the sustainability of forestlands in the region.

KEYWORDS:

• Equitable Participation
• extension and outreach
• minority family forest landowners
• sustainable forest management
• mixed methods
• Conceptual Content Cognitive Mapping (3CM)

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate the support of Land & Ladies, Georgia Forestry Commission, all research participants, and individuals who helped identify participants and participated in the research.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture under Grant #2021-68006-33880, the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SSARE) under Grant #GS22-264, and the Explorers Club Exploration Fund Grant.