Researchers at the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources are studying the effects that the Endangered Species Act has on private forest landowners. These issues are particularly important to Georgia forest landowners, as more and more local species are being proposed for listing. In order to participate in the study, the Georgia Forestry Association encourages all members to complete a brief 10 minute survey.
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About the Study
The Endangered Species Act uses restrictive land use regulations to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats. When enforced on private lands, these regulations can come into conflict with forest landowners’ private property rights. Endangered species regulations can even cause economic losses for forest landowners, but the government is not required to provide compensation for those losses.
This research study will survey private forest landowners across the Southeast about these problems and some potential solutions. The Endangered Species Act actually discourages forest landowners from providing endangered species habitat on private lands. A shift to economic incentives, such as direct payments, tax breaks, or cost-sharing programs could help to remedy these faulty policies.
The Importance for Georgia Forestry Association Members
The final results of this study will demonstrate how the Endangered Species Act affects private forest landowners. The results may be used to lobby the legislature for more effective policies, easing the burden that endangered species conservation places on private forest landowners.
Take the Survey
The Georgia Forestry Association encourages its members to take the survey, which includes questions about endangered species regulations and potential incentive programs. Your participation is voluntary, and all responses are anonymous and confidential. To complete a survey, click here →
For more information about this research study, please contact Lauren K. Ward (lkward@uga.edu), Gary T. Green (gtgreen@uga.edu), or Bob Izlar (bizlar@uga.edu).