Economic Costs of Different Riparian Management Regulations in the Pacific Northwest

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Abstract Riparian management is an important consideration for sustainable wood production in the Pacific Northwest. Western Washington and Oregon have similar riparian management issues but different regulatory prescriptions. Application of these prescriptions to a sample of 10 small private ownerships illustrate some of the economic differences of each state's approach. Economic costs tend to be higher in Washington but can be significant in both states. Lower cost strategies through alternate plans may be important for protecting riparian habitat while ensuring the long-term economic viability of forestry in the region.