Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Building Social Capital In Forest Communities: Analysis Of New Mexico's Collaborative Forest Restorative Program, Tyler Prante, Jennifer A. Thacher, Daniel W. Mccollum, Robert P. Berrens

Economics Faculty Scholarship

In part because of its emphasis on building social capital, the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program (CFRP) in New Mexico represents a unique experiment in public lands management. This study uses logit probability modeling to investigate what factors determined CFRP funding, which totaled $26 million between 2001 and 2006. Results reveal program preferences for projects that encourage collaboration and improve forest health, especially in poor counties. Negative determinants of funding include measures of small-diameter material utilization and whether a project takes place across multiple land jurisdictions. There is no evidence of bias toward funding any particular applicant type or land jurisdiction.