Conjoint Analysis: A Preference-Based Approach for the Accounting of Multiple Benefits in Southern Forest Management

Conjoint analysis, which enables a manager to measure the relative importance of a forest's multidimensional attributes, is critically reviewed and assessed. Special attention is given to the feasibility of using conjoint analysis for measuring the utility of market and nonmarket outputs from southern forests. Also, an application to a case of designing a nature and recreational park within a pine forest of North Carolina is presented. The authors conclude that there are promising applications for conjoint analysis; however, traditional validity testing, especially of southern nonindustrial private forest owners, is needed. South. J. Appl. For. 21(4):180-186.