Attitudes and perceptions of loggers and environmental groups toward the forest industry in Mississippi

Constituent groups have the potential to greatly impact forest industry activities. To better understand their views, this study sought to document attitudes and perceptions of loggers and two environmental/conservation groups in Mississippi, and determine similarities or differences between groups. Focus group sessions gathered information used to create a mail survey implemented using Dillman's Total Design Method. Survey data analysis found that all groups held similar perceptions of themes defining forest industry, as well as forest industry occupations. Attitudes and perceptions differed among some groups concerning activities industry did or did not perform well, as well as environmental problems associated with forest industry. Mississippi Loggers Association (MLA) members were found to hold more positive attitudes/perceptions, similar to those of the Mississippi Wildlife Federation (MWF). Mississippi 2020, a small grassroots organization, was found to differ from MLA members in all instances, and from MWF members on some issues.