A question of value: What do trees and forests mean to people in Vermont?

What underlies conflict over natural resource management? This is a question that land managers are increasingly concerned with in their dealings with multiple publics who have diverse needs. The answer relates to the ways in which people value their surrounding environment and how they react to changes in the management of valued places that hold specific meanings for them. The questions considered for this research included: what are the values and meanings people associate with forest places in Vermont, USA and what role do forests play in the landscape of the state and in personal identity? The interpretive qualitative analysis approach taken in this research emphasizes how the ways in which people value forests are linked to wider issues of concern over well being, quality of life and cultural identity. Through the in-depth discussion groups and interviews undertaken, the diversity and complexity of the meanings people associate with the forested landscape of Vermont were explored. Respondents' views of forests and trees in Vermont revolved around four main themes: forests and personal well being, personal and community identity, conflict and confusion, and forest management. Key implications for managers and policy makers are identified from the results and are discussed, focusing specifically on public participation and opportunities for people to have contact with nature and develop a relationship with specific places.