Social and Economic Barriers to Ecological Restoration in the Southwest

May 14, 2009

There is general consensus that ecological restoration of southwestern ponderosa pine systems is necessary and physically attainable. However, the pace of restoration has been slow and far from approaching a broader scale. This article is 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 main social and economic barriers that are impeding the progress of restoration in the region. These barriers include lack of funding, conflict over restoration meanings and values, and lack of accounting for non-market benefits. The utilization of biomass and small-diameter wood removed via restoration treatments is an example on how these conflicting economic and social contexts play out. This article provides a synthesis of opportunities for overcoming these barriers and furthering the progress of forest restoration.

Authors:  Evan Hjerpe, Jesse Abrams, and Dennis R. Becker