Understanding invasive plant management on family forestlands: An application of protection motivation theory

Invasive forest plants are a growing concern because of their perceived and actual negative ecological, economic, social impacts. To effectively manage invasive in ecosystems, it is paramount to understand the management decisions made by family owners (FFOs), who collectively own 36% forestlands United States. We contribute literature on plant factors that influence FFOs' likelihood property incorporating protection motivation theory (PMT; Rogers 1975). Protection Motivation Theory argues degree which individuals protect themselves from threat varies as function severity threat, vulnerability perceptions self-efficacy mitigate they believe have access resources needed respond threat. surveyed random sample 2,600 FFOs Indiana about knowledge, perceptions, experience, plans regarding wooded lands. Consistent with PMT, we constructed hierarchical binary logistic model found reported greater intentions when problem be more severe also felt stronger sense address problem. Although was not significant our final model, results show had previous Bachelor's or higher level education, owned woodlands for recreational purposes, were subject normative tended report plants. Together, these suggest components PMT (perceived self-efficacy) may used inform potential strategies, programs, outreach engaging management.