The public comment process

Public comment is one of the most commonly used methods for obtaining public input in national forest planning. This research explores a historically important planning exercise on the Monongahela National Forest to determine what the public actually contributed to the decisionmaking process. Although citizens generally do not offer useful technical information, the value-based information they provide helps planning staffs determine what the participating public wants. Such value-based information is more difficult to manage and respond to than technical information, however, and the Forest Service may need to adapt accordingly.

Duke Scholars

Author Toddi Steelman Environmental Sciences and Policy