PUBLIC OPINION ANALYSIS ON STATE FOREST MANAGEMENT: STUDY AREA IN KAIŠIADORYS MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

The relation between public and forest changes during the time. Public opinion and interests has considerable influence on decision making regarding forestry. Half of Lithuania’s forests (circa 1.1 mill. ha) has state forest status and are managed by state forest enterprises (SFEs) under confidence rights. One of the most important strategic aims for SFEs is to meet public needs. Yet, public opinion and forestry facts mismatches. Therefore, this study aims to analyse prevailing opinion on forestry practices in state forests managed by Kaišiadorių SFE that are located in Kaišiadoriai municipality. The sociological survey methodology was applied that was conducted involving respondents representing inhabitants over 18th years old. Data was analysed by conducting frequency analysis. Results showed incorrect public opinion concerning with increase of forest coverage, sustainable cutting intensity and increasing environmental consideration. According to opinion of the respondents, the quality of the forests, afforestation and forest sanitary was well improved by Kaišiadorių SFE. It was determined the demand to develop more recreation infrastructure objects in Kaišiadorys municipality forests. The comparison between surveys conducted in 2007 and 2014 showed increasing amount of public that was quite well informed on forestry issues. Also, it determined changes in information sources concerning forestry. Results of the research stressed the necessity of the long-term strategy for the information dissemination.

Keywords: forestry, public opinion, survey, state forest, state forest enterprise.

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2015.043