Changing Forest Service Values and Their Implications for Land Management Decisions Affecting Resource‐Dependent Communities¹

Employees of the U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Forest Service (USFS) are frequently confronted with difficult trade‐off decisions in establishing multiple‐use priorities that affect rural communities economically dependent on national forests. Although such decisions are often tied to laws and agency policies, in many cases they may also reflect the value orientations of USFS personnel. This study utilizes survey data collected from a nationwide sample of USFS employees to examine value orientations and management priorities across the different levels of USFS line officers. Results indicate sharp differences between established ongoing management practices and the directions these officers believe the agency should be moving, with greater emphasis given to noncommodity uses such as recreation and wildlife rather than timber.