Private Forest Landowner's Perceptions of Forest Grazing in Washington State

Abstract

Nonindustrial private forest landowners (NIPF) control 21.4% of Washington's commercial forestland, much of which produces forage. Resident NIPF owners in 3 regions in the state were surveyed to determine their perceptions of forest grazing. Thirty-nine percent of the respondents grazed livestock on forestland they leased or owned, and grazing was perceived by practitioners to contribute significantly to household income. Nonincome-related motivations for owning and managing land were also significant: passing land on to children, keeping it 'natural', conservation, aesthetics, and as a current or future homesite. In western Washington, some forest grazing occurred year round while in eastern Washington it was all seasonal. Cow/calf pairs were the most commonly grazed livestock. The median size forestland parcel owned by forest grazers was 47 ha versus 24 ha for nongrazers. Leasing additional land increased the likelihood of forest grazing. Significant opportunities exist to improve both the condition and productivity of forested ranges. Achieving this requires a clear understanding of landowner's objectives and beliefs. Data are needed to evaluate landowner's perceptions that forest grazing has both economic and amenity benefits.