Professional Papers

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Combining Non-Timber Forest Product Extraction and Selective Logging: Can it increase profits on Programme for Belize's lands?
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2000-02-07) Deason, Ginger
Deason, Ginger. Master of Natural Resources International Resources Technical Option. Combining Non-Timber Forest Product Extraction and Selective Logging: Can it Increase Profits on Programme for Belize’s Lands? By the end of the 20th century, the economic importance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) and the possibilities they provide for conserving the tropical rainforest were in the forefront of many management plans and ecological studies. Bayleaf palm (Sabal mauritiiformis) is one such NTFP found in the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area (RBCMA) of northwestern Belize. Recent studies have found that there are ecologically sustainable ways to harvest bayleaf and that there are commercial markets for bayleaf in Belize. Programme for Belize (PfB), owner of the RBCMA, has zoned areas for NTFP extraction but has not begun harvest of bayleaf. This study considers whether bayleaf harvest would be more feasible if it were combined on the same land as selective logging. The idea of combining selective timber harvesting with NTFP extraction in the same area is not new. Programme for Belize includes selective logging as a part of its management plan and could possibly extract bayleaf from selectively logged lands with little added disturbance of the surrounding forest, and with minimal added costs. PfB’s access to market and the current and future profitability of bayleaf harvest are crucial in determining if its extraction would be feasible. This study was undertaken to determine if harvest of bayleaf from timber extraction zones could increase PfB’s profits. The principal elements analyzed were added costs, demand, and market structure in order to (i) develop an estimate of the costs and revenues from bayleaf harvest by PfB, (ii) assess current and potential future trends in the demand for bayleaf, and (iii) determine the current structure of the bayleaf market and identify any obstacles to PfB’s participation in the market. Costs such as stock surveys, labor and transportation, were determined through observations and informal interviews. Surveys were conducted to get opinions on bayleaf and its demand. The market structure was evaluated through open-ended interviews, observations, and survey results. It was determined that a stock survey of bayleaf palm on the RBCMA could be added to the timber stock survey with minimal additional costs. Moreover, labor costs would be minimal. Depending on how PfB transports bayleaf from Hill Bank Field Station to the market, however, the transportation costs could be extremely high. Surveys conducted of three different groups revealed that most people believe bayleaf is increasing in demand (especially in the tourism sector), but is becoming less abundant. The opinions expressed in the surveys showed people believe that the price of bayleaf has been increasing over the past five years and will continue to increase in the future. The majority of the people surveyed also believe that certification of bayleaf as harvested sustainable could be beneficial in protecting the species, yet most lodges surveyed would be unwilling to pay more for leaf that was certified sustainable. A thorough review and assessment of the market structure of bayleaf for tourism operations indicated that there are two main markets within reach of PfB: the inland market and the island market. The inland market is composed of contractors, usually working with family members to harvest and transport the leaf, and has few players and points of exchange of leaf. The island market, on the other hand, has many players, many points of exchange, and more available options for transport and purchase. With a rise in use in tourism for tourist facilities, bayleaf could become a valuable commodity on the Belizean market. Currently, its price does not fetch enough for PfB to make a generous profit. However, PfB could possibly foster healthy community ties by allowing locals to enter the RBCMA and cut bayleaf for a small fee and still make a small profit. This would have to be carefully planned, as there could also be negative consequences (i.e. increased poaching on RBCMA). Furthermore, if the populations of bayleaf dwindle and the tourism sector continues to grow, attitudes of lodge owners might change making certification of bayleaf an option and increasing the price of the leaf as well as the profit margin for PfB.
Trees on Organic Farms
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2000-12-28) Mirrett, Erin
Mirrett, Erin. Master of Natural Resources – Forest Economics and Management Technical Option. Trees on Organic Farms According to the literature, tree management practices can contribute not only to the increased diversity and stability of a farm’s ecology, but also to the enhancement of the farm’s financial well being both directly and indirectly (Burley, 1987; Nair, 1993). The more farmers know about incorporating trees into their farmscapes, the more likely the farmers are to have a better understanding of all the benefits incurred from such practices. Although trees are commonly found on farms, they are not commonly integrated into the farming system in the United States (Lassoie & Buck, 2000). The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not organic farmers perceive or gain all the potential benefits of trees in their farmscapes. Data were collected via a nationwide survey of organic farmers. Specifically, the survey elicited information on the current use, knowledge base and attitudes among organic farmers in the United States regarding tree components on their farms. This survey also tested the assumption that all organic farms have at least one tree component on their property. Results of the survey of 51 respondents suggest that: (1) these farmers perceive more benefits than drawbacks from tree components on their farms, (2) all farmers have at least one tree component on their land, (3) aesthetics is listed most often as a benefit, (4) natural tree corridors and orchards are the most commonly found tree components, and (5) agroforestry, managed and unmanaged plantations are least common. Finally, farmers reported a strong interest in keeping trees on organic farms although they indicated a need to be better informed about agroforestry principles and guidelines for implementation and management of trees on their farms.
Comparison of Southern State Best Management Practices Used to Protect Water Quality during Forestry Operations
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2003-06-09) Scott, Jonathan
Comparison of Headwater Stream Origin Determination Methods
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2004-02) Carr, John D.
Abstract Carr, John David. Master of Natural Resources Spatial Information Systems Technical Option. Comparison of Headwater Stream Origin Determination Methods. Water Quality in North Carolina is being negatively impacted by sedimentation pollution and nutrient loading. Riparian Buffer Rules (RBRs) have been adopted in many watersheds to abate these impacts. USGS 1:24,000 topographic maps and USDA County Soil Survey maps are the planning tools used to deploy RBR regulations to the regulated community. Errors in the approximate depiction of streams are known to exist on the USGS 1:24,000 topographic maps. Thirty-two stream origins were delineated using N.C. Division of Water Quality Stream Classification Method on the 514-hectare Harris Research Tract (HRT) located in southwest Wake County, North Carolina. The most recent USGS 1:24,000 topographic map of this area approximately depicts ten streams on the HRT. Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis techniques were used to extract stream origin predictions form Aerial Photography, Digital Raster Graphic, Digital Line Graphic, Digital Elevation Model, and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) data for the Harris Research Tract. The stream origin predictions extracted from each data layer were compared to the thirty-two stream origins located in the field. Difference in Euclidean distance was used to evaluate how well the predicted stream origins matched the thirty-two stream origins located in the field. The stream origin data generated using LIDAR more closely matched actual findings in the field than all other data layers tested. Technological advances in high resolution digital elevation data and terrain analysis software could potentially be used to improve the approximate depiction of streams on the USGS 1:24,000 topographic map.
The Sustainable Sandhills Initiative: A Comparative Analysis of North Carolina to the Sandhills Region
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2004-04-11) Dixon, Tracy
The Sustainable Sandhills Initiative: A Comparative Analysis of the Sandhills Region to North Carolina Tracy Dixon April 11, 2004 Executive Summary The Sustainable Sandhills Initiative (SSI), a regional effort of government, nonprofit, citizen, and private sector representatives, encompassing the North Carolina counties of Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke, Moore, Richmond, and Scotland, was formed in February 2003 to ensure long-term sustainability of this region. Through the formation of a baseline sustainability report including 53 environmental, social, and economic indicators measured over time, the region can gauge where it is in terms of current sustainability and how far it has to go to meet established desired end state goals. Current indictors were compared to previous regional trends as well as to statewide trends. A ranking system of green star, red alert, or yellow warning was used to evaluate current indicators. A green star classification means the indicator shows significant improvement; a red alert classification displays the indicator’s progression away from sustainability; and the yellow warning indicates neutral or inconsistent trends, or those indicators with incomplete information. Results reveal that 10 indicators (8 environmental, 1 social, and 1 economic) deserved green stars, 11 (4 environmental, 2 social, and 5 economic) warranted red alerts, and 32 (10 environmental, 11 social, and 11 economic) do not have enough information to yield consistent trends during the given the study period. These findings suggest that given current trends, the region would not be considered sustainable for long-term efforts given the high number of yellow warning and red alert indicators. These results will further aid in the SSI’s efforts to prioritize necessary changes to reach the region’s vision. The original intention of the SSI was to have the Metrics Committee and the air, water, energy, land, and waste community resource teams work closely with me in the development of the indicators. However, the first meeting of the Metrics Committee was not until February 19, 2004, and a more condensed time frame was needed for completion of this project. At the February meeting, the Committee agreed to allow the community resource teams to evaluate the available indicator data to determine how this data fits in with the team’s established desired-end states and identify where gaps in information need to be explored further. This was substituted for more substantive community involvement. The data analysis was done strictly for this project and will not be presented to the community resource teams ensuring teams ultimately decide which indicators to use to track long-term goals and how they should be interpreted. Many indicator projects take years to identify appropriate indicators with the purpose of creating community ownership and awareness through indicator development. Therefore, allowing the community resource teams to use the indicator data as a guide will act as the missing forum to empower the community. The baseline report and indicator information will be updated annually by the Sustainable Sandhills Metrics Committee and used as a tool for public education, as a means for meeting established goals, for prioritizing issues in need of further assessment, and in working towards appropriate policy objectives.
Linking forests to markets: chain of custody certification under the Forest Stewardship Council
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2004-05-07) Makino, Sae
Makino, Sae. Master of Natural Resources – International Resources Technical Option. Linking Forests to markets: chain of custody certification under the Forest Stewardship Council.
Outreach to limited resource forest landowners: creating extension materials for low literacy audiences
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2004-06-11) Mance, Kelly
Existing forestry extension and educational materials provided by public agencies in the southeastern United States generally require forestry knowledge and are written at a reading level above the average literacy level in many rural counties. The Sustainable Woodlands project at North Carolina State University has assumed, based on extensive consultation, that existing publications are formatted in ways that are less reader friendly and are likely to frustrate low literacy readers due to small font size and few illustrations. This research project 1) analyzed reading levels of existing forestry outreach materials available in the southeast; 2) developed new outreach materials that better meet the literacy needs of the target audience; and to 3) evaluated the new forestry outreach materials for content, style, and reading level (appropriate to audience) through conducting qualitative interviewing with landowners and state agency personnel. The publications that were developed start from basics, are written in nontechnical language, and have many illustrations that are closely related to the text and relevant to the intended audience. The literacy of outreach materials was analyzed using three literacy indices: FOG Index, and the Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level Analyses (tools that accompany Microsoft Word software). All three techniques lead to essentially the same conclusion: existing forestry extension materials are generally not written at a level appropriate for the majority of people in the study counties. New forestry outreach materials were developed to better meet the educational needs of a limited resource, low literacy audience by following guidelines compiled from various sources and seeking input from reviewers. The first four publications are brief, highly focused materials that provide basic technical knowledge that landowners need to communicate with agency personnel as well as public and private assistance foresters. The first set of publications, entitled Woods Wise, provides detailed step-by-step information for example, the points that might be covered by an extension agent in a meeting with a landowner. The language is appropriate for someone reading at the fourth to sixth grade level. In contrast, the second set of publications, called Tree Tips, is brief fact sheets. All points are explained in short sentences and are illustrated with line drawings, directing landowners towards the next steps and providing further sources of information. Qualitative interviews were conducted with agency personnel and landowners to evaluate the new forestry outreach publications. In general respondents found the new publications easy to read, suggesting a font of 14 or higher and to focus for additional publications on hunting leases, pine straw production, and recreation. The evaluation of current materials provides useful guidelines for development of new materials. These new materials should be specially tailored for these audiences, and include topics such as heir property issues, sources of financial or technical assistance, timber marketing and environmental and wildlife issues. Much of the forestry information available online covers these topics, with the exception of heir property issues. Thus, one feasible approach to developing new publications is simply to revise existing materials. Limited resource and traditionally-underserved landowners are not as likely as other non-industrial private forest landowners to take part in extension and other educational programs. Research and literature reviews have shown that this audience prefers some type of face-to-face contact. Materials written at an appropriate reading level can complement this face-to-face contact. In order for extension staff to be more proactive in reaching this audience, agency personnel may need to tap the social capital found in the form of “breakfast clubs” and other groups that frequent restaurants and other venues in small towns, as well as examine the successes of the health and nutrition programs in reaching this audience.
Updating North Carolina's Register of Big Trees
(2005-03-22) Lee, Elizabeth
Comparing the Influence of the Swift Creek/Middle Creek Homeowners Association and the Umstead Coalition in Altering Land Use Decisions
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2005-05) Swaim, Criss
Swaim, Criss. Master of Natural Resources – Assessment and Analysis Technical Option. Comparing the Influence of the Swift Creek/Middle Creek Homeowners Association and the Umstead Coalition in Altering Land Use Decisions This study utilizes a comparative case study method to evaluate the influence of two non-profit organizations active in the mid-1990s on land use decisions. In Wake County, North Carolina, the Middle Creek/Swift Creek Community Alliance and the Umstead Coalition worked to protect a parcels of land considered critical for environmental integrity and water quality. The Middle Creek/Swift Creek Community Alliance was focused on enforcing building regulations for the drinking water watershed and the Umstead Coalition defeated the building of a connector road, the Duraleigh Connector, through the Richland Creek cooridor. Each organization was evaluated from the perspectives of context, activities and outcomes achieved. Organizational histories and land use histories set the context for conflicts over development in watersheds that were considered environmentally sensitive. A narrative of the conflicts was then developed primarily from newspaper accounts. Using a policy science framework to map the social processes involved in each case, the outcomes were evaluated in terms of relationships between decision makers and organizations. As a final analysis, the outcomes were compared against each other to answer questions about the effectiveness of the activities. The results of the self-assessment were mixed. One organization expressed frustration and ineffectiveness while the other perceived success. In both of these cases, the effectiveness of actions to stop specific projects was evaluated differently even though in both cases the protested projects were not built. Effectiveness appears to be linked to four parameters: (1) Size of the issue - If the issue a narrowly defined project, like a road or dam, an organization can be very effective at influencing the policy process. However, if the issue a long-term, regional wide issue like watershed water quality protection, there does not appear to be the ability to control the outcomes. (2) Size of the organization – The size of the organization directly affects the influence of an organization. A larger membership has more avenues of contact to the decision makers and they are able to leverage those relationships to get a voice at the decision table. (3) Communication techniques – Dialogue that brings about viable solutions rather than polarizing positions tends to encourage discourse and bring legitimacy to the decision making process. (4) Use of science – Scientific information was not used in the process to develop viable alternatives. Rather, the tendency was use it to support pre-formed positions. The critical parameter appears to be the size of the membership. A large, well-connected membership has many avenues through which it can pursue influencing the decision making process. How well an organization manages these parameters can alter the outcomes if the activities lead to achieving a focused objective, such as stopping a road or advocating for a particular solution. However, when a broader objective, such as the protection of watershed water quality, is the goal, organizations tend to have difficulty achieving their outcomes. In each case discussed, when the broader goal of watershed water quality was evaluated, both watersheds were labeled impaired and unable to support the intended biotic functions. This calls into question the ability of non-profit organizations to protect environmental integrity.
The effects of the Healthy Forests Initiative, corresponding administrative reforms, and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act on the U.S. Forest Service’s implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act: does it serve the common interest?
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2006) Dumund, Melissa
This study investigates the effects of the Healthy Forests Initiative (HFI), corresponding administrative reforms, and the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HFRA) on the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) by the U.S. Forest Service (Forest Service). Specifically, the study investigates whether HFI and associated reforms have resulted in decisions that serve the common interest. Fire Danger Sign at A-S National Forest The units of analysis for this study are three Environmental Assessments (EA) and corresponding decisions that were conducted under HFI and HFRA to reduce fuel loads in the Apache Sitgreaves (A-S) National Forest in Arizona. Archival document review, in-person, and telephone interviews were conducted to examine whether the three case studies of HFRA implementation represent common interest solutions. The analysis revealed that HFRA offers a savings in process time, a shift in focus to the WUI areas for treatment, and an increase in the number of proposed treatment acres with a completed environmental document. The analysis also revealed a concern for funding of “NEPA-ready” projects and concern that the pre-decisional appeals process under HFRA forces objectors to comment on a project before enough data are available to substantiate their concerns. The analysis revealed that the Apache County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (ACWPP) represents the common interest, as do two of the three EAs. The proposed action in one of the three EAs did not serve the common interest and fell short of addressing environmental concerns. This EA was objected under HFRAs pre-decisional appeals process by environmentalists. The study also found that participation in the ACWPP process did not necessarily include participation by individuals affected by the site-specific EAs. Thus, their interests may not have been represented in the ACWPP process.
Development of “green growth”: a conservation planning training module for urban planners in North Carolina
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2007-06) Presley, Jacquelyn
A Marketing Plan for the 2009 NCAA Women’s Basketball Regional
(North Carolina State University. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 2008) Liebert, Patrick
The concept of marketing is the means that an organization seeks to make a profit by serving the needs of customer groups. The purpose of marketing concepts is to rivet the attention of marketing managers. Successful marketing starts with the recognition of customers needs and then works backwards to devise products and services to satisfy these needs. The principal task under the marketing concepts is not to manipulate consumers to do what suits the interests of an organization, rather to find effective and efficient means of making do what suits the interest of customers.
Herpetofaunal Species Richness of a Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris)
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2008-01-07) Martin, Michael
The effects of local and state programs and policies on brownfields redevelopment trends in Raleigh, NC and Atlanta, GA
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2008-06-19) Jones, Richard
Hemlock Bluffs Explorer Program
(North Carolina State University. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 2009) Stewart, Deanna
Advances in technology in the past decade, particularly in entertainment technology, have resulted in children spending more time indoors. Many fear that children are beginning to grow up with not only “nature deficit disorder”, but “ecophobia” as well. For this reason it has become the goal of many park managers, nature programmers, and parents to get children out into the natural world. This project concentrated on revitalizing the “Junior Explorer” activity booklet at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve (HBNR) in Cary, NC designed for children ages 5-12 years. By splitting it into two booklets for ages 5-8 years and 9-12 years the activities created were more age-appropriate for children at their developmental level. Some appropriate activities from the original booklet were reused, and to create the new activities many websites and activity booklets from other natural areas were examined. These activity booklets can help children to learn about the environment at their own pace while fostering an affinity for HBNR, which could lead to environmentally responsible behavior throughout their community. 4
Marketing Wolf Pack Baseball Camps
(North Carolina State University. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 2009) Pridgen, George
Youth camps are a part of recreation, sport, and social programs throughout America. There are many values associated with attending camps. Youth learn valuable leadership and social skills, technical skills to accomplish a task or project, or tactical skills to learn how to play a game. There are many organizations that are geared to helping youth develop these skills. Research shows that attending camps can have a lasting effect on youth and their future development (Shepard & Speelman, 1986). The purpose of the paper is to discuss the various benefits of camps and the many ways to market these camps. The purpose is to prove that camps specifically sport-based camps can help develop youth mentally and physically.
Role strain of graduate assistants in collegiate athletics
(North Carolina State University. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, 2009) Barkley, Bryan
Hofmann Forest Wetland Mitigation Bank Restoration Plans Versons 1, 2 and 3
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2009-03-26) Andrews, Richard
The purpose of this compensatory mitigation bank site is the restoration of natural wetland function and ecological value that has been lost on 88 acres of the Hofmann Forest within the White Oak River Basin. At this particular site, wetland functions will be restored on 88 acres of land where wetland functions have been lost through ditching, draining and the conversion to agricultural land use. This site is a priorconverted wetland located in the lower Coastal Plain of North Carolina. Specific goals include reestablishing an appropriate forested wetland plant community, reestablishing a natural hydrologic regime through deconstruction of the existing drainage network, reestablishing appropriate natural geomorphological characteristics, reestablishing habitat for macro and micro fauna, large and small game species, and reestablishing connectivity with surrounding natural or restored areas.
Connectivity in Wake County - a strategic analysis of the Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan - greenways
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2009-03-26) Bukowy, Catherine
Bukowy, Catherine. Master of Natural Resources – Policy and Management. Connectivity in Wake County – A Strategic Analysis of the Wake County Consolidated Open Space Plan – Greenways. Wake County has identified the preservation and management of open space as a high priority for the county. One component of the open space plan is greenways, which are to help provide connectivity between natural areas, people and nature, and further aide in the protection of water and air quality. While these goals have been marked, and progress has been made, it has been done without detailed strategic planning and reflection and with only modest operational input. The purpose of this project is to assess the progress of greenways planning in the county based on the Consolidated Open Space Plan of 2006. The assessment relied on stakeholder input, as well as literature review of greenway planning in other areas and GIS analysis to determine if the county is on track to meeting its stated objectives. Review of the COSP reveals the use of multiple definitions of greenways, a nonspecific plan for greenway creation, and a detailed plan for greenway building. It is recommended that Wake County create a single definition on which to base its future greenway planning. Further data on the natural resources available within the county, as well as the true location of current greenways should be attained and placed in a geographic information systems database. GIS can assist in locating priority areas for natural resource conservation that may otherwise be indiscernible. Additional discussion with stakeholders concludes that there is great interest in the county in building greenways; however, Wake County would like to act more as a silent partner, assisting in land acquisition and possibly funding construction. Although there is great support from leaders in various governments, non-profit, and private groups the citizen voice through public involvement is little used. Land acquisitions have been previously funded through citizen approved bonds. Bonds have proven an unstable mechanism amidst the current economic crisis and another funding mechanism should be sought.
Integrated Watershed Management in North Carolina’s Upper Neuse Riverbasin: A Blueprint for Future Collaboration and Consensus
(North Carolina State University. College of Natural Resources, 2009-04-16) Kumar, Anjali
Kumar, Anjali Bala. Master of Natural Resources – Policy & Administration Technical Option. Integrated Watershed Management in North Carolina’s Upper Neuse Riverbasin: A Blueprint for Future Collaboration and Consensus The availability of clean and plentiful water in watersheds is often taken for granted, and is becoming increasing difficult to ensure. Water conservation to preserve future water availability is necessary particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas like the Triangle region of North Carolina. The main potential causes of water scarcity in North Carolina currently are population growth, uneven distribution of water, and overuse of the resource. Issues specific to North Carolina watersheds are aquifer depletion, saltwater intrusion, overuse, upstream/downstream issues, trans-boundary conflicts and water quality. A drought, as occurred in 2007, can amplify these problems, and the ability to adapt to drought is dependent on excellent management and adequate regulations. The use of an adaptive management approach, such as Integrated Watershed Management, which has been used to varying degrees of success in recent years, should be developed in the Upper Neuse River Basin region to best cope with these issues. Through an analysis of several case studies in watersheds where IWM has been used, key elements necessary for success will be identified and applied to the Upper Neuse River Basin and its stakeholders. This will help future water managers in the region cope with these evolving water quality and quantity issues.

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