The Influence of Science in Policy: An Examination of Riparian Area Management on Oregon Private Forest Lands
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Date
2017
Authors
Waters, Marla Raye
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
In the Pacific Northwest, land use policies have historically championed economic values over environmental protection. Attempts to balance the commercial value of harvesting on private forestlands with the need to preserve our natural resources have brought about long time controversies between different interest groups. Since 1972, Oregon’s forest policies concerning harvesting trees in riparian areas have changed drastically from the initial practices, in efforts to balance economic, political, social and scientific needs. This thesis examines the role of science in environmental public policy creation. In order to determine the degree to which science influences forest harvesting practices, it is necessary to compare the historical development of Oregon’s policies to those of surrounding states. My study will look at the developmental history of forest practices on private timberlands in Oregon, Washington, and California to determine how these policies differ, and what role science played in prompting those differences.
Description
63 pages. A thesis presented to the Environmental Studies Program and the Clark Honors College of the University of Oregon in partial fulfillment of the requirements for degree of Bachelor of Science, Spring 2017
Keywords
Environmental science, Public policy, Forest Practices Act, Riparian areas, Riparian ecosystems, Private forest lands