Exploded logit modeling of stakeholdersʹ preferences for multiple forest values

Identification of all possible forest values and elicitation of stakeholdersʹ preferences is crucial for framing inclusive forest management policies, aimed at achieving sustainable forest management objectives. Forest value preferences of four major stakeholder groups in NW Ontario–Aboriginal groups, Forest industry, Environmental Non-government Organizations, and Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR)–are analyzed using a parametric statistical tool, Exploded Logit Modeling. Five dominant forest value themes–spiritual value, environmental value, recreational value, economic services value, and economic products value–are derived using hierarchical clustering of forest values collected through Conceptual Content Cognitive Mapping technique. The results indicate that people, in general, regard environmental value of forests as the most preferred benefit, followed by spiritual and recreational values. However, there is widespread inter-group variability in preferences for five types of forest values across four stakeholder groups, as well as across different demographic and economic groups. Policy implications of empirical findings are highlighted.