The Effects of Regional Forest Owner Organizations on Forest Management in the Swiss Canton of Lucerne

Abstract

This study analyzes the development of Regional Organizations (RO) of forest owners for joint forest management in the Canton of Lucerne and discusses the transferability of this new type of organization to improve the management structures elsewhere, particularly in other Swiss cantons with similar small-scale ownership patterns. For this purpose, Lucerne’s forest owners were surveyed (n = 221) and interviews with leaders of five ROs and representatives of the cantonal forest service were conducted. Nine wood-processing companies participated in a supplementary survey on effects of ROs on the wood chain. RO members were found to perceive an improvement of their position in the wood market, more professionalism and economies of scale as advantages. Some wood-processing companies acknowledge efficient cooperation with the ROs, but there are also wood buyers who are skeptical about ROs and see disadvantages for themselves. Offering a comprehensive forestry and wood-marketing service, the 11 existing ROs were able to get more than 5000 forest owners to join who possess 54 % of the Lucerne forest area. This strengthens the capacity of the cantonal forestry sector and the improved handling and mobilization of wood also supports the regional wood-processing industry. Most of the RO members (86 %) consider the RO a possible model for improving the management structures of other cantons, whereas only 30 % of the forest owners who did not join an RO share this opinion.