The Impact of COVID-19 on management of non-industrial private forests in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

This paper explores the potential effects of COVID-19 on forest management decisions undertaken by non-industrial private forest landowners (NIPFL) in the southeastern United States. We find 39% of NIPFL would likely alter their forest management practices as a result of COVID-19. Our results highlight the differential impact of COVID-19 on management practices among segments of NIPFL. Race, source of income from property, COVID-19 impacts to employment/income, and geography were significantly associated with deviations in forest management practices. Consequences to short-term reductions in forest management as it relates to future wildfire risk and associated damages are discussed.

Keywords

• Timber harvest
• NIPFL
• Wildfire risk
• Forest management
• Forest policy
• Ecosystem services