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Abstract
This study examines how visual resource management functions in three community forests in British Columbia. We interpret the findings through the lens of visible stewardship theory that encourages care for forest landscape values and making visible the evidence of management activities. We conducted visual quality effectiveness evaluations on each of the forests to assess achievement of Visual Quality Objectives determined by the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development. In addition, we interviewed forest staff and community members to collect data on their aesthetic values and insights. Findings reveal that the community forests are managing scenic quality well and that the dominant aesthetic values identified by community members are reflected in the practices of forest managers. These values and practices appear reasonably consistent with the principles of visible stewardship, demonstrating care of the forest resource, safeguarding ecological values, and helping ensure the compatibility of management objectives with local aesthetic and cultural perceptions.
Parent Publication
Citation
Smith, Ashley V.; Sheppard, Stephen R.J.; Pinkerton, Evelyn W. 2018. Community Forestry Practice and Visible Stewardship: A Case Study Evaluation in British Columbia. In: Gobster, Paul H.; Smardon, Richard C., eds. Visual resource stewardship conference proceedings: landscape and seascape management in a time of change. Gen. Tech. Rep. NRS-P-183. Newtown Square, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northern Research Station: 161-175.
