What factors influence obtaining forest certification in the U.S. Pacific Northwest?

This study explores the factors that influence obtaining forest certification in the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW). A mail survey sent to certified and non‐certified forest managing entities (public agencies, forest industry and non‐industrial private forest owners) was conducted. The study hypothesized the importance of sixteen biogeographical and socio‐economic factors in facilitating the adoption of forest certification. Three of these factors (market pressure, land ownership pattern and water‐body abundance) were found to influence the decision to obtain forest certification in the U.S. PNW.