The purpose of this study was to explore public knowledge of forest management, attitudes about information sources, preferences regarding methods of information exchange, and attitudes towards adaptive ecosystem management. Specifically, it focused on communities in the McKenzie watershed in Oregon and explored differences between the general public and citizens who are more actively engaged in forestry issues (attentive public). The study was designed to provide information to Forest Service and BLM personnel about their publics that would support the development of more effective communication strategies.
The study employed a mixed model research design. Several complementary qualitative and quantitative social assessment techniques were used including interviews, participant observation, a mail survey, and focus groups.