Survey Results of the American Public's Values, Objectives, Beliefs, and Attitudes Regarding Forests and Grasslands: A Technical Document Supporting the 2000 USDA Forest Service RPA Assessment

The USDA Forest Service completed its Strategic Plan (2000 Revision) in October 2000. The goals and objectives included in the Plan were developed with input from the public, some of which was obtained through a telephone survey. We report results of the survey. Members of the American public were asked about their values with respect to public lands, objectives for the management of public lands, beliefs about the role the agency should play in fulfilling those objectives, and attitudes about the job the agency has been doing. The public sees the promotion of ecosystem health as an important objective and role for the agency. There is strong support for protecting watersheds. The public supports multiple uses, but not all uses equally. Motorized recreation is not a high priority objective, while preserving the ability to have a ''wilderness experience" is important. There is moderate support for providing resources to dependent communities. The provision of less consumptive services is more important than those that are more consumptive. There is a lack of support for subsidies for development and leasing of public lands. Preservation of traditional uses is a somewhat important objective. Development and use of the best scientific information enjoys wide support, as does information sharing and collaboration. A national direction for the management of National Forest lands is a slightly important objective. Increasing law enforcement on National Forests and Grasslands is an important objective and an appropriate role for the agency. The public has a strong environmental protection orientation, has a moderately strong conservation/preservation orientation, and supports some development.