Landowner Perspectives on Attributes of the West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program

—We surveyed participants of the West Virginia Forest Stewardship Program to evaluate its status and effectiveness following a decade of program implementation. The questionnaire used permitted the respondent to answer freely: “what did you like most?” and “what did you like least?” about the Forest Stewardship Program during their participation in the program. With regard to the desirable attributes, 81% of survey respondents answered; only 65% filled in the blanks concerning the least desirable attributes. The most desirable attributes listed were: usefulness of the plan (23%), professional assistance and advice (20%), and educational aspects (19%). Respondents listed least desirable attributes as not enough follow-up (17%), not enough cost-sharing assistance (10%), and no dislikes (23%). While most comments were favorable, some program participants shared alternative perspectives.