Browsing by Author "Chamberlain, James L."

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    Describing Medicinal Non-Timber Forest Product Trade in Eastern Deciduous Forests of the United States
    Kruger, Steve D.; Munsell, John F.; Chamberlain, James L.; Davis, Jeanine M.; Huish, Ryan D. (MDPI, 2020-04-12)
    Eastern deciduous forests in the United States have supplied marketable non-timber forest products (NTFP) since the 18th century. However, trade is still largely informal, and the market scope and structure are not well understood. One exception is American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.). Ginseng’s legal status as a threatened species requires that buyers apply for a license and keep sales records that are submitted to a state authority. Other marketable medicinal plants collected from the same forests, known colloquially as ‘off-roots’, are not similarly tracked. To study the characteristics of off-root trade in the eastern deciduous forests of the United States, registered ginseng buyers in 15 eastern states were surveyed in 2015 and 2016 about business attributes, purchase volume, and harvest distribution for 15 off-root species selected for their economic and conservation value. Buyers voluntarily reported harvesting 47 additional NTFP species. The most frequently purchased off-root species were the roots and rhizomes of two perennial understory plants: black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis L.). Survey data were used to develop a buyer typology and describe the off-root market structure and material sourcing. The buyer typology included four distinct categories: side or specialty (small); seasonal venture (medium); large integrated or dedicated business (large); and dedicated bulk enterprise (regional aggregator). Market activity was mapped across the study area, demonstrating that most off-root trade is concentrated in central Appalachia, an area with extensive forests and a struggling economy. Study methods and data improve non-timber forest product market insights, are useful for forest management, and can support efforts to advance sustainable NTFP supply chains.
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    Developing Production Techniques and A Site Assessment Tool for Forest Farmed Ramps in Appalachia
    Aryal, Pabitra (Virginia Tech, 2023-06-23)
    The Allium tricoccum Aiton (ramps, aka wild leeks), a native spring ephemeral, is a cultural keystone species in Appalachia, a mountainous physiographic region encompassing 205,000 square miles of the eastern United States. People in Appalachia have long harvested ramps in the wild. However, growing demand for the plant in and outside the region has increased harvesting, resulting in threats to native populations. Agroforestry cultivation techniques and technical support for sustained-yield forest farming practices are needed to conserve ramps and meet increasing demand. Various techniques for assessing suitable production practices for ramps were explored in this dissertation, particularly examining best-suited ramp ecotypes, mycorrhizal treatment, and habitat suitability determination. In the first study, bulbs and seeds from diverse Appalachian locations were gathered and transplanted to a common experimental site to investigate the effects of different ramp ecotypes on growth, survival, and stress responses. Plant characteristics and stress measurements were recorded before transplantation and post-transplantation assessments. Specifically, the study investigated the germination rate of three ramp seed ecotypes and the growth, survival, and stress responses of eight native ramp bulb ecotypes and three commercially obtained seedling samples. Results indicated that above-ground growth, survival, and stress response on the ramp ecotypes differed significantly. The second study explored the impact of mycorrhizae on ramps and was evaluated by assessing the impact of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) inoculation on Allium tricoccum. Four measurements, collectively referred to as parameter categories, were assessed. These included measures of 1) above-ground plant growth: leaf length, and leaf width; 2) stress measurement: transplant stress after a few days of transplant, and photosynthetic performance stress after a year of transplant; 3) survival analysis; and 4) mycorrhizal colonization rate. For each parameter category, three treatment comparison categories were conducted: 1) Positive control treatments: bulbs were planted from their native environment without treatment; 2) Negative controls: bulbs were treated with fungicide before planting to eradicate existing AMF in roots; and 3) The test group: bulbs were inoculated with commercial AMF (Atriva 500). Results indicated that mycorrhizal inoculation could increase ramp leaf length (P≤0.03). However, the impact varied by ecotype, highlighting the importance of considering local environmental conditions and ramp ecotype. Mycorrhizal inoculation did not impact ramp growth at the seedling stage. Mycorrhizal treatment increased the transplanted ramp's survival and stress tolerance (P≤0.001). The third study used multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM), the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP), and weighted linear combinations to model suitable habitats for ramps production. Ten habitat criteria were chosen (including five soil properties, three topographic parameters, and two land use properties) to assess the potential for growing ramps in seven counties in Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The percentage of highly suitable areas for ramps production in the studied counties ranges from 21.5% in Haywood County to 49.6% in Macon County. Similarly, moderately suitable areas range from 36.7% in Macon County to 54.5% in Lawrence County. Ground truthing was performed to validate the model. Ramp patch locations within each county were geocoded in the final suitability maps. Existing ramp patches were within the model's estimate of moderate to high site suitability ranges, suggesting the model is valid. Results of the study suggest that site suitability modeling could be useful for producers interested in growing ramps in forest farm settings across Appalachia.
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    The Effects of Cost-Share Participant Experience on Forest Buffer Retention
    Commender, Katie E.; Munsell, John F.; Ares, Adrian; Sullivan, Jay; Chamberlain, James L. (2020-09)
    Forest conservation buffers provide ecosystem services such as soil and water conservation, wildlife habitat, and clean air. This research studied the experiences and intentions of participants in forest buffer contract programs in Virginia, USA provided by governmental conservation agencies. These programs offer technical assistance and share costs of establishment and maintenance for a period of time typically between 2 and 15 years. Program participant reflections about their experience and intention to retain their forest buffer after their cost-share contract ends were measured. Two-hundred and fifty-one program participants received a mail survey and 136 were returned (response rate = 54%). Two-step cluster analysis grouped respondents into four participant types based on responses to questions about buffer maintenance and costs, and perceived environmental benefits. Discontented and Doubtful respondents (23.4%) experienced financial and maintenance challenges. They also were doubtful about environmental benefits. Contented and Confident respondents (28.2%) experienced minimal financial and maintenance difficulties, and were confident that their buffers provide environmental benefits. Benefited with Burden respondents (22.6%) also were confident about environmental benefits, but experienced burdensome maintenance and costs. Skeptical without Strife respondents (25.8%) were not convinced their buffers provide environmental benefits, but have not had problems with maintenance or costs. A Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test (alpha = 0.05) indicated that Discontented and Doubtful respondents are least likely to retain their buffer after their cost-share contract expires (rank sum = 42.2) and Contented and Confident are most likely (rank sum = 82.8). Benefited with Burden and Skeptical without Strife respondents (rank sum = 59.7 and = 59.8, respectively) were statistically similar to their Discontented and Doubtful counterparts, but slightly more likely to keep their buffer after their contract expires. Overall, Discontented and Doubtful and Benefited with Burden respondents had larger parcels of land and represented the largest percentage of full-time farmers, whereas Contented and Confident and Skeptical without Strife respondents had smaller parcels and were most likely to be part-time farmers or female. Findings suggest distinctions between types are clear along the onus of management, not necessarily perspectives on conservation. The two most influential drivers of program participation were cost-share assistance and water quality, whereas their most important management objective was improving land health.
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    Factors Affecting the Adoption and Retention of Conservation Buffers
    Commender, Katie Elene (Virginia Tech, 2016-06-03)
    Despite the numerous environmental benefits of conservation buffers and incentives offered by cost-share programs, adoption remains low. Typical buffer designs often take arable land out of production. Multifunctional conservation buffers (MCBs) offer an alternative that supports rather than excludes production. By incorporating non-timber forest products (NTFPs), edible or ornamental crops can be harvested for profit or home use, while retaining key environmental services. Beyond low adoption rates, little is known about the long-term retention of conservation buffers due in part to limited program evaluation funding. However, implementation of evaluation recommendations is imperative for buffer retention. With this in mind, we administered a mail survey to conservation buffer adopters throughout Virginia. The first objective was to evaluate post-adoption experiences with conservation buffers. We identified four landowner clusters with distinct differences in buffer perceptions and intentions to retain. Insights can help conservation agencies enhance programming to reduce negative buffer experiences and increase long-term retention. The second objective was to determine interest in and preferences for MCBs. We found respondents were somewhat to very interested in MCBs, and increases in this interest were influenced most by the buffer's potential to decrease soil loss. Respondents who found MCBs more appealing than traditional designs had supportive peers and higher expectations of MCB performance. Lastly, respondents preferred MCBs designed with nut or fruit producing trees that grow naturally. Findings can help inform future outreach and programming aimed at merging conservation and production in buffer zones.
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    Forest Farming: Who Wants In?
    Trozzo, Katie E.; Munsell, John F.; Chamberlain, James L.; Gold, Michael A.; Niewolny, Kimberly L. (2021-09)
    Forest farming is an agroforestry practice defined as the intentional cultivation of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) underneath a forest canopy. Forest farming perspectives and preferences among family forest owners are generally understudied, particularly in Appalachia, where many marketable native NTFPs species are found. We surveyed Appalachian family forest owners in 14 Southwest Virginia counties about their interest in forest farming and likelihood of leasing land for this purpose. We also asked about the owner's residency and historical connection to the region as well as contemporary land uses, and identified the following types of uses: absentee and vacationers, newcomers, longtime farming residents, and longtime nonfarming residents. We mailed 1,040 surveys and 293 were returned (28.9%). Forty-five percent were interested or extremely interested in forest farming and 36% were likely or extremely likely to lease land. Rates of interest in forest farming and leasing were similar across owner types, suggesting broad appeal among family forest owners. Study Implications: Forest farming of nontimber forest products (NTFPs) and leasing forestland for this practice is broadly appealing across diverse family forest owners in Appalachia. Opportunities to scale profitable forest farming are on the rise, potentially improving family forest management and spurring regional economic development. Study results indicate there is a critical mass of family forest owners interested in forest farming who could potentially supply cultivated NTFPs. Forest management professionals and stakeholders would benefit from considering how they can assist family forest owners who are interested in forest farming.
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    Forest Food and Medicine in Contemporary Appalachia
    Trozzo, Katie E.; Munsell, John F.; Niewolny, Kimberly L.; Chamberlain, James L. (2019-03)
    Forest food and medicine have a long history in Appalachian culture, but the region's social landscape is shifting from in-migration of amenity seekers and out-migration of multigenerational residents in search of economic opportunities. As a result, much of what we know about harvest and use has likely changed. We conducted 16 interviews with people involved in harvesting forest food and medicine in a Southwest Virginia community. Our study focused on participants' motivations to work with forest food and medicine, species preferences (edible versus medicinal), and uses (home use versus market sales). Financial benefits, nature, and personal preferences were key motivators. We compared data between multigenerational residents and newcomers to the area. Multigenerational residents emphasized income through market sales of medicinal forest species, noting harvest of multiple product types (plants, bark, leaves, buds). They also mentioned edible species (mushrooms and nuts), but to a lesser degree. On the other hand, newcomers were more likely to balance their focus between medicinal and edible forest species as well as home use and market sales. When compared to multigenerational participants, they were more inclined toward a broad suite of edible species (mushrooms, nuts, fruit, plants); however for medicinal forest species they limited harvesting to herbaceous plants. Shared motivators offer a starting point for regional programs that address the needs of both multigenerational residents and newcomers. As the future unfolds, residents are collectively shaping the next chapter in Appalachia's forest food and medicine culture in a way that meets socioeconomic goals while maintaining the region's natural resources for future generations.
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    Group Analysis of Collaborative Conservation Partnerships
    Vaughan, Ritchie Catherine (Virginia Tech, 2011-06-13)
    Collaborative conservation partnership frequency is increasing in natural resources management; however, few successful examples exist in the United States. These groups seek to address land stewardship through cooperative, communicative, bottom-up approaches that engage local stakeholders. A better understanding of member characteristics and successful group characteristics may enhance collaborative conservation partnership outcomes. A survey was conducted to quantify partnership member characteristics and advertising mediums. Results were compared with the National Woodland Owner Survey. Collaborative conservation partnership members tend to be well-educated, middle-aged, upper-middle class individuals with large landholdings. They span previously identified family forest owner clusters but may be classified as earlier adopters by Diffusion of Innovations theory. Word-of-mouth is the most common way members learn about partnership opportunities. Qualitative data was analyzed to identify key features related to the ability to achieve group goals. Multi-disciplinary literature review points to the likely influences of leadership, task type, social capital, resource inputs, processes, and temporal change attributes on collaborative conservation partnership goal achievement. Key informant interviews demonstrate that resource and social capital inputs derive disproportionately from particular actors, partnerships need flexibility to adapt to changes in available resources, leaders establish partnership activity levels, social capital is the foundation of resource access, and groups are diverse in the ways they deal with context-specific tasks, resources, and processes. Overall, collaborative conservation partnerships demonstrate potential to positively influence land stewardship and technology transfer. Growth requires expanding membership, establishing partnerships as a legitimate conservation medium, and maintaining diverse groups tailored to local contexts.
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    Measuring Medicinal Nontimber Forest Product Output in Eastern Deciduous Forests
    Kruger, Steven Daly (Virginia Tech, 2019-01-10)
    Nontimber forest products (NTFPs) play an important role in the lives of people who rely on forests. An absence of data on the size of harvests, their location, and the economic value of NTFPs prevents effective management and full utilization by all stakeholder groups. We set out to measure one important NTFP sector -- the medicinal plant trade in the diverse deciduous forests of the eastern United States, by surveying licensed buyers of ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in 15 states about purchasing of other untracked species. To combat potential coverage and non-response bias we created a place-based model that predicted the probability of purchasing non-ginseng medicinals based on buyer location and used this to build more robust estimates. This viable method for estimating NTFP output is a replicable system that can be applied in other regions and for other products. We reviewed the literature and hypothesized biophysical and socioeconomic factors that might contribute to the prevalence of non-ginseng purchasing, and tested them on the respondents using multinomial logistic regression. The significant variables were used in two-step cluster analysis to categorize respondents and non-respondents in high or low production areas. Volume was assigned to non-respondents based on respondent behavior within each cluster. Both were then summed to estimate total output. The results depict trade volume and prices paid to harvesters for 11 medicinal NTFP species. There was significant variation between products. Two species, black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis), accounted for 72 percent of trade volume and 77 percent of the value paid to harvesters. The total first-order value for all species estimated was 4.3 million $USD. The discrepancy between point-of-sale and retail value implies room for increasing value for all stakeholders at the base of the supply chain. Harvests for most species were concentrated in the central Appalachian coalfields. We also sought to understand what motivated or deterred participation by conducting qualitative interviews with buyers and other stakeholders. Buyers were interested in knowing the size and value of the trade, but had concerns about losing access to the resource, which was rooted in past experience with land managers and policy-makers, and conflicting discourse between stakeholders about the state of the trade and of wild populations. Many institutional deliverables are not well matched with the realities or priorities of the traditional trade. We describe potential avenues for collaboration and reciprocity, including providing market research and certifying or providing technical support for sustainably wild harvested material in addition to ongoing support for cultivation.
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    Monitoring Nontimber Forest Products Using Forest Inventory Data: An Example with Slippery Elm Bark
    Kauffman, Jobriath S.; Prisley, Stephen P.; Chamberlain, James L. (2017-07)
    The USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program collects data on a wealth of variables related to trees in forests. Some of these trees produce nontimber forest products (NTFPs) (e.g., fruit, bark, and sap) that are harvested for culinary, decorative, building, and medicinal purposes. At least 11 tree species inventoried by FIA are valued for their bark. For example, slippery elm (Ulmus rubra Muhl.) is included in FIA forest inventories, and the bark is used for its medicinal value. Despite widespread use of NTFPs, little quantitative information about abundance, distribution, and harvest is available to support sustainable management. Methods for using the FIA database to monitor and explain the situation regarding selected NTFPs are presented. The focus is on using FIA data to assess for (1) geographic distribution, (2) abundance, (3) applicable metrics (e.g., square feet of bark), and (4) change over time.
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    Non-timber forest product livelihood opportunities in Appalachia
    Trozzo, Katie E. (Virginia Tech, 2019-12-10)
    Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) have been harvested in the wild for generations in Appalachia. Demand for forest farmed raw material and transparent supply chains is growing, which has increased attention on the role of NTFPs in regional livelihoods. We conducted an embedded case study to understand contemporary NTFP harvest, perceptions of community-based development of NTFP livelihood opportunities, and the extent to which forest landowners are interested forest farming. One case study focused on Grayson County, Virginia and included semi-structured interviews with 16 key stakeholders. Interviews explored motivations, species preferences, and uses of NTFPs among individuals and then perceived assets, obstacles, and desired strategies for NTFP livelihood development within the community. Through qualitative analysis we found financial benefits, engagement with nature, and personal preferences (personal fulfillment, learning and creativity, and lifestyle) were key motivators. Newcomers to Appalachia were more likely to balance monetary, environmental, and lifestyle motivations, and multigenerational residents focused more on financial motivations and to a lesser degree lifestyle. We used the community capitals framework to analyze the community focused data and found references to natural, human, and cultural capital as both an asset and an obstacle. Financial capital was a top-obstacle whereas social capital was a top asset. Strategies focused on social, human, and financial capital investments such as social networking, educational programming, tax incentive programs, and local fundraising. The regional case study surveyed via mail those who own 5 or more acres of forestland in 14 Southwest Virginia Appalachian counties to understand extent to which they are interested in forest farming or leasing land for forest farming. We had a response rate of 28.9% and found 45% of forest landowners, owning 47% of the forestland, were interested in forest farming. Those that were likely to lease their land accounted for 36% of all respondents and owned 43% of the forestland. Further, those who were interested did not differ based on demographic and land characteristics. Our study reveals the contemporary state of NTFP livelihoods combines markets sales with broader homesteading objectives and that lifestyle and environmental motivators are an increasing focus as newcomers take roots in the region. Further, communities may be able to draw upon the cultural and natural capital around NTFPs as well as the strong social capital often present in rural communities to further invest in social networking, education, financial incentives, and funding to support NTFP livelihood development. Finally, forest farming and leasing of land for this practice is of considerable and broad appeal to forestland owners in Southwest Virginia, which may indicate possibilities for a critical mass to supply a growing demand for sustainably sourced and quality NTFP raw materials.
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    Potential Adoption of Native Fruit and Nut Tree Riparian Buffers on Private Land in Western Virginia
    Trozzo, Katie Ellen (Virginia Tech, 2012-04-25)
    Riparian corridors are often farmed or grazed because they are typically productive and offer a low cost water supply for livestock. These areas are also critical in terms of water quality, soil retention, and aquatic and terrestrial wildlife habitat. Conservation of riparian areas can be conflicting due to loss of productive land for other uses. Agroforestry riparian buffers planted with native fruit and nut trees could help integrate conservation and production in this valuable space by giving landowners the opportunity to provide beneficial environmental services, while enhancing their opportunities for revenue. In order to realize potential use of this type of system, it is important to understand how to communicate benefits and improve prediction of adoption. With this in mind, we conducted a mail survey of creek side owners within three Virginia subwatersheds to 1) create typologies of underlying groups of landowners in order to develop relevant communication strategies for native fruit and nut tree ripairan buffers and 2) test the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) singularly and with additional agroforestry concepts to predict intention to adopt native fruit and nut tree ripairan buffers. Three landowner types were identified within the larger population of creek owners and exhibit differences that merit tailored communication strategies. Both models predict a noteworthy amount of intention to plant native fruit and nut tree riparian buffers. However, when agroforestry measures were added they explained a notable portion of variance.
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    Projecting Medicinal Plant Trade Volume and Value in Deciduous Forests of the Eastern United States
    Kruger, Steve D.; Munsell, John F.; Chamberlain, James L.; Davis, Jeanine M.; Huish, Ryan D. (MDPI, 2020-01-07)
    The volume, value and distribution of the nontimber forest product (NTFP) trade in the United States are largely unknown. This is due to the lack of systematic, periodic and comprehensive market tracking programs. Trade measurement and mapping would allow market actors and stakeholders to improve market conditions, manage NTFP resources, and increase the sustainable production of raw material. This is especially true in the heavily forested and mountainous regions of the eastern United States. This study hypothesized that the tendency to purchase medicinal NTFPs in this region can be predicted using socioeconomic and environmental variables associated with habitat and trade, and those same variables can be used to build more robust estimates of trade volume. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) dealers were surveyed (n = 700), because by law they must acquire a license to legally trade in this species, and therefore report a business address. They also record purchase data. Similar data are not reported for other medicinal species sold to the same buyers, known colloquially as ‘off-roots’. Ginseng buyers were queried about trade activity in eleven commonly-harvested and previously untracked medicinal NTFP species in 15 states. Multinomial logistic regression comprised of socioeconomic and environmental predictors tied to business location was used to determine the probability that a respondent purchased off-roots. Significant predictors included location in a particular subregion, population and percentage of employment in related industries. These variables were used in a two-step cluster analysis to group respondents and nonrespondents. Modeled probabilities for off-root purchasing among respondents in each cluster were used to impute average off-root volumes for a proportion of nonrespondents in the same cluster. Respondent observations and nonrespondent estimations were summed and used to map off-root trade volume and value. Model functionality and estimates of the total volume, value and spatial distribution are discussed. The total value of the species surveyed to harvesters was 4.3 million USD. We also find that 77 percent of the trade value and 73 percent of the trade volume were represented by two species: black cohosh (Actaea racemosa L.) and goldenseal (Hydrastis canqdensis L.)
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    Tree Selection Guide for Mid-Atlantic Silvopastures
    Beegle, Dana Kirley (Virginia Tech, 2019-02-01)
    Silvopasture is a farming practice that intentionally combines trees, forages, and livestock grazing for the purpose of increasing overall productivity. Although silvopasture in the United States has historically been concentrated in the southeast, it holds great promise in the Mid-Atlantic region as well. However, lack of research specific to silvopasture in this region, has kept adoption rates low. Landowners interested in silvopasture need information to encourage adoption and make sound establishment and management decisions. An important management decision for silvopasture establishment is tree selection. First-time adopters (and technical service providers) need resources and information to help them choose the most suitable and most productive species for their site and operation goals. Plant and tree selection tools are widely available for horticulture applications. However, few exist for agroforestry-based systems, and no comprehensive list or selection guide has been developed for silvopasture establishment in the Mid-Atlantic region specifically. This project seeks to fill that void. To begin this project, I used a variety of horticulture- and forestry-based information sources to research trees native to the Mid-Atlantic region. For each tree, I collected information that we identified as having the greatest relevance to silvopasture establishment including site preferences (pH, soil moisture, and hardiness zone), ability to tolerate site and weather extremes (heat/drought, flood, shade, and wind/ice), physical characteristics (crown features, root structure, growth rate, and mature height), potential utility (markets, fodder and coppice potential, rate of CO2 sequestration, and other benefits), and maintenance needs (pest/disease issues). From this body of information, we selected a diverse group of 20 trees that are highly suitable and productive for silvopasture in this region based on crown characteristics, rooting patters, and growth rate; while offering Mid-Atlantic producers a range of choices for various site conditions and operation goals. This information is presented in a quick-reference chart that can be used in the field or office by landowners and technical service professionals. It includes a brief description of how to use this chart as well as guidance on source and availability of plant material. This is our Tree Selection Guide for Mid-Atlantic Silvopastures. Our hope is that this list of 20 trees will be expanded over time to include more species and perhaps become available as an online or phone-based selection tool.