ABSTRACT
Forest economics has contributed much to the development of policies and programs focused on the nation’s forests. The development of policies and programs focused on the nation’s forests has grown in complexity. The research agenda for policy development and program administration must reflect the broadening nature of policy development. The development and application of forest resource policies to issues of technical and social importance are ongoing activities that involve individuals as well as organizations. The production of forest and related products often requires the investment of land, labor, and capital over unusually long periods of time. Planning the use and management of forest resources has become an especially important activity of government forestry organizations. Public forestry programs focusing on private forestry activities are substantial in number and in importance. They are subject of continuing analysis and evaluation—a healthy process that fosters efficiency and effectiveness.
