Determinants of Forest Landowner Participation in the Endangered Species Act Safe Harbor Program

This article presents an empirical analysis of the determinants of landowner participation in the Safe Harbor program. Safe Harbor has been introduced as an alternative to the traditional “command and control” approach to implementing the Endangered Species Act. Results from the empirical model suggest that size of land ownership, certain land characteristics, some silvicultural management practices, and landowner perceptions and opinions are the significant determinants of participation in the program. The results will aid public agencies and policy-makers as they refine the program contents and strategies, thereby increasing the rate of participation.