Examination of Social Factors Affecting Private Forest Owners’ Future Intentions for Forest Management in Miyazaki Prefecture: A Comparison of Regional Characteristics by Forest Ownership Size

Although Japan’s planted forest resources are mature, efficient timber production and reforest postharvest hindered by the small-scale ownership private owners’ (PFOs’) low willingness to engage in management. A New Scheme of Forest Management (NSFM) has been established under which municipalities can aggregate management rights PFOs with future intentions for Therefore, this study explores socioeconomic factors that determine PFOs’ examines NSFM challenges. were surveyed via questionnaires two regions Miyazaki Prefecture different sizes. The results showed size presence successors affect intention In addition, less aware their forests, forests source abandonment. aggregating may contribute sustainable management, increased workload on is a challenge. Overall, accessibility sufficient decision-making information prerequisite evaluating manage forests.