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

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.