Forest Landowners’ Engagement in Communication Networks and Educational Activities: Insights from the Southern United States

We employed the Multiple Indicator-Multiple Causes (MIMIC) model to explore whether the pattern of landowners’ engagement in various information sources and educational activities was influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, making it harder and unsafe to attend mass gatherings. Using data from a 2023 survey of forest landowners in the Southern United States, we found that 51% of respondents were likely to engage in communication networks and educational activities over the next decade. Landowners with larger forest holdings, purchased properties, and the ownership motivation for enjoying scenery are more likely to engage in communication and educational activities. Increased use of online resources and delays in receiving forestry and land management assistance during the pandemic were also positively associated with engagement, highlighting the pandemic’s role in reshaping educational outreach and communication efforts. Our findings offer nuanced insights for developing and revising forest landowner communication networks and educational programs in the post-pandemic era.