Public Attitudes towards Birds and Private Forest Land Conservation

The eastern United States is dominantd by private forest lands, which are important for supporting a significant proportion of global bird populations. Here, we examine public attitudes towards bird conservation, government involvement in private lands issues, and private forest management objectives with an aim to better understand how these perceptions may shape broader attitudes about bird conservation. Data were collected using psychometric scales and a statewide web survey of the general public in Pennsylvania, USA (n = 656). Findings reveal four unique perspectives about birds and important correlations with conservation support on private lands. Respondents with positive views about landowner assistance programs often had more complex attitudes towards birds and were associated with relational and ethical perspectives about birds. We conclude that future public education efforts might cultivate in learners a more robust understanding of bird conservation if they included private forest lands values and culture in their programs.

Automated summary

The study examined public attitudes towards bird conservation, government involvement in private lands issues, and private forest management objectives in Pennsylvania, USA. Four unique perspectives about birds were identified, with respondents who had positive views towards landowner assistance programs showing more complex attitudes towards birds and being associated with relational and ethical perspectives. Future public education efforts may benefit from including private forest lands values and culture to cultivate a more robust understanding of bird conservation.