RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Socioeconomic Barriers and the Role of Biomass Utilization in Southwestern Ponderosa Pine Restoration
JF Ecological Restoration
FD University of Wisconsin Press
SP 169
OP 177
DO 10.3368/er.27.2.169
VO 27
IS 2
A1 Hjerpe, Evan
A1 Abrams, Jesse
A1 Becker, Dennis R.
YR 2009
UL http://er.uwpress.org/content/27/2/169.abstract
AB There is general consensus that ecological restoration of southwestern ponderosa pine systems is necessary and there exists ample ecological science suggesting that it is physically attainable. However, the pace of restoration has been noticeably slow and is far from approaching the landscape level. We conducted a review of published journal articles, book chapters, and proceedings on the restoration of ponderosa pine forests in the Southwest in order to identify and examine the primary socioeconomic barriers that are impeding the progress of ecological restoration in the region. The role of small-diameter wood utilization in the southwestern United States is highlighted as an example of broader, divergent socioeconomic contexts needing reconciliation if restoration is to expand to the ecosystem scale. A synthesis of opportunities for overcoming barriers and furthering the progress of forest restoration is provided.