Opportunities for Enhancing Nontimber Forest Products Management in the United States

Abstract

This article addresses aspects of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) management in the United States. Results from a thematic synthesis of literature germane to harvesters and forest managers indicate that many NTFPs have considerable markets but most are inadequately monitored, economically underregulated, and ecologically poorly understood. The people who harvest wild-grown NTFPs are often referred to as wildcrafters. Literature suggests that wildcrafters have historically been marginalized and are often reticent to share information or to participate in government-led initiatives. Additionally, forest managers and wildcrafters often are unable or unwilling to work together. Social networking has been suggested as a way to improve collaboration between the two stakeholders. Some examples of successful networks exist, but norms and priorities may inhibit greater participation. Asynchronous communication via the Internet and other wireless technology could improve the situation. Developing systematic inventory systems, designing NTFP output reporting protocols, advancing forest farming, and improving access to information on NTFP markets, policies, and practices may also be useful. The need for improvement on all fronts is increasingly relevant because of growing demand for NTFPs.