Forest policy involves a complex balance of governmental, social and
industrial objectives in an environment where the forests and the
institutions are also constantly changing. Across the various forestry
jurisdictions there is a wide variety of policy models that have evolved
in response to specific societal demands, institutional structures and
forest environments.
This book is an examination of forest policy in a selection of major
forestry jurisdictions, primarily the major competitors in world
softwood markets. These include the United States, British Columbia,
Alberta, New Zealand, Sweden, Finland, Chile and Russia. These regions
represent systems operating with natural forests, plantation forests,
initial forest endowments, second/third generation forests, public
forestland ownership, private forestland ownership, open markets, highly
structured markets, and various responses to sustainability. For each
jurisdiction a brief overview to the economy, the contribution of
forestry, the resource base, the composition of the forest industry and
the major stakeholders is provided. The policy discussions include
forest management, timber pricing and export policy, environmental
standards, land ownership and use, and the institutional setting
relating to government agencies, taxation, labor and capital. Comment is
provided on the evolution of the existing policy structure and the
chapters finish with an evaluation and prognosis for the jurisdiction.
This book is a valuable reference source for forest policy
practitioners, students of forestry and political economy and industrial
decision-makers seeking to position their business in global forestry.
