From timber to tourism: Perceptions in rural communities about changing forest-based economies

Timber was a significant economic driver in many rural communities of the Pacific Northwest throughout much of the 20th century. However, the number of timber related jobs began declining in the 1980s, leading to hardship in many timber dependent communities. Since then, some state and local public officials have become interested in promoting forest based tourism to boost local economies.

Jeff Kline, a research forester and economist with the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Research Station, and Ian Munanura, a tourism expert and associate professor at Oregon State University, surveyed residents in Klamath and Linn Counties—two areas once heavily reliant on the wood products industry. They wanted to learn about residents’ attitudes toward tourism, and whether residents would support forest based outdoor recreation opportunities in their communities.

The researchers found that local support for tourism depended on more than the economic benefits that tourism might bring to individual communities. Alignment with personal values and desired quality of life also influenced local support for forest-based tourism. Residents who viewed forests primarily as a source of timber and wood-products industry jobs were less supportive of tourism. Those who viewed forests in a more multifaceted way were more open to tourism.

These findings, as well as a followup statewide survey, are helping to guide tourism research and policies throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Citation

Kirkland, John; Kline, Jeff; Munanura, Ian. 2024. From timber to tourism: Perceptions in rural communities about changing forest-based economies. Science Findings 265. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 6 p.

Read Past Issues of Science Findings