Stakeholder Perceptions of White Oak Supply in Kentucky: A SWOT-AHP Analysis

William R. Thomas, Thomas O. Ochuodho, Chad F. Niman, Matthew T. Springer, Domena A. Agyeman, Laura R. Lhotka

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Growing demand for white oak (Quercus alba) timber and difficulties in regenerating this species point toward future supply issues. Implementing forest policy and management interventions to support its long-term supply will be necessary particularly in Kentucky, where bourbon industry relies solely on casks made from white oak. To increase the probability that these actions will be successful, it is advisable to consider perceptions of stakeholders who are most likely to be involved with and impacted by those decisions. The combined Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat and Analytic Hierarchy Process technique used in this study facilitated independent capturing and ranking of perceptions from three key stakeholder groups (members of woodland owners, forest industry, and distillers industry associations) regarding long-term supply of white oak. The results of this study suggest implementing forest policy and management decisions that have the most support among stakeholders to ensure long-term sustainable supply of white oak are: (1) encourage and incentivize sustainable forest management, and (2) address poor harvesting practices.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)279-304
Number of pages26
JournalSmall-scale Forestry
Volume20
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, Steve Harrison, John Herbohn.

Keywords

  • Improving timber harvesting practices
  • Incentivizing forest management
  • SWOT-AHP
  • Stakeholder perceptions
  • White oak

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Forestry

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