Boards, commissions, and councils engaged in policy development and conflict management involving forest resources: A review of state government structures in the United States.

摘要

Beginning late in the 1800s and continuing through the present, governments in conjunction with the forestry community have developed boards, commissions, and councils to engage citizens and interest groups in the policy development and implementation process regarding the use and management of forest resources. These entities were formed for a variety of reasons and serve a number of functions. Consequently, these bodies have taken a variety of forms reflected in their structural and operating characteristics, influencing their effectiveness as a public entity. Explicitly or implicitly, these entities also serve the function of institutionalizing the management of conflict in the forest resource management arena.; The purpose of this study was to secure a better understanding of statewide forest resource boards, councils, and commissions, especially as related to their ability to manage conflict within the policy arena of their respective state. Specifically, the study defines the current national landscape and assesses the operational effectiveness as well as the management of conflict of state forest resource boards, commissions, and councils. A thorough review of the literature, national survey, development of case studies, and review of web-based material was conducted to meet these objectives.; These entities were found to share some similar characteristics but were very diverse in nature. These differences in structural, functional, and operational characteristics were found to be most prevalent at a regional multi-state level. These entities regard themselves as effective organizations and deal with an increasing number of issues. Generally, these entities report very little internal conflict but serve an important role in managing forest policy conflicts within the state. Utilizing previous research and the findings from this study, a number of recommendations regarding these administrative structures were developed intended to improve their employment, structure, and operation.