ACCEPTABLE PRACTICES IN ONTARIO FORESTS - DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND FORESTRY PROFESSIONALS

Public opposition to forestry practices, especially clearcutting and t he use of herbicides, has become a major factor affecting silviculture in North America. Environmental values, agreement with the goals of f orest management, perceptions of risk, and trust in science and forest managers are dimensions that determine the degree of public acceptabi lity for specific forestry practices. Understanding how the public dif fers from forest managers in these dimensions can be used to enhance p ublic communications and resolve conflict about forest management plan s.