Forest Values: A Framework for Old-Growth Forest with Implications for Other Forest Conditions

ABSTRACT

Old-growth forests (OGF) in North America have declined significantly since European colonization. Many conflicts about basic values over OGF harvesting have occurred in recent decades. Understanding these values is an important component of addressing such situations. This paper is based on two studies of OGF values, which captured the range of existing values and the nuances that define them. Moyer conducted a narrative study with six leaders in Canada’s forest sector. Owen conducted a series of nine one-day field workshops which included 76 participants representing citizen constituency groups in Nova Scotia. Insight gained from these two studies was used to build upon existing forest values typologies to construct a forest values framework with some unique features. The framework provides opportunities for immediate use and future research.