Table 1 Description of dependent and independent variables tested in mixed logistic regression models for the willingness to pay for using prescribed fire
Name | Description | Coding |
|---|---|---|
Dependent variable | ||
 Choice (WTP) | Willingness to enroll in a prescribed fire program? | Binary*: 1 = yes, 0 = no |
Independent variables Program attributes (factors and levels used in choice experiment) | ||
 Ecological outcomes (EO) | 0. Promote oak regeneration | Reference level (− 1)+ |
1. Improve wildlife habitat | 1 = EO_1, and 0 if else | |
2. Restore rare vegetation | 1 = EO_2, and 0 if else | |
|  | 3. Maintain forest health | 1 = EO_3, and 0 if else |
 Management benefits (MB) | 0. Reduce management costs | Reference level (− 1) |
1. Control invasive plant species | 1 = MB_1, and 0 if else | |
2. Reduce ticks that harm humans | 1 = MB_2, and 0 if else | |
|  | 3. Reduce tree/plant pests | 1 = MB_3, and 0 if else |
 Support resources (SR) | 0. Landowner training | Reference level (− 1) |
1. Prescribed fire associations | 1 = SR_1, and 0 if else | |
2. State agency coordination | 1 = SR_2, and 0 if else | |
|  | 3. Financial assistance: cost share | 1 = SR_3, and 0 if else |
 Institutional factors (IF) | 0. Reduce legal liability | Reference level (− 1) |
1. Access to qualified consultants | 1 = IF_1, and 0 if else | |
2. Access to qualified burn bosses | 1 = IF_2, and 0 if else | |
|  | 3. Relaxed standards | 1 = IF_3, and 0 if else |
 Price | Cost of burning per ha (or per acre) | Categorical: $49 ($20), $124 ($50), $309 ($125), $494 ($200) |
Psychological factors | ||
 Trust | Trust in prescribed fire implementers (total score) | Continuous: 1 = low trust, 5 = high trust |
 Risk | Perceived risk of prescribed fire (total score) | Continuous: 1 = low risk, 5 = high risk |
Landowner characteristics | ||
 Assistance program | Past use of government assistance | Binary: 1 = previously enrolled in an assistance program, 0 if else |
 Pennsylvania | State of residence | Binary: 1 = Pennsylvania, 0 if else |
 Virginia | State of residence | Binary: 1 = Virginia, 0 if else |
 New York | State of residence | Binary: 1 = New York, 0 if else |
 Maryland | State of residence | Binary: 1 = Maryland, 0 if else |
 Income | Annual household income | Ranked categories: 1 =  < $20 k, 2 = $20 k to < $50 k, 3 = $50 k to < $80, 4 = $80 k to < $100 k, 5 = $100 k to < $150 k, 6 = $150 k to < $250, 7 = $250 k & more |
 Age | Age of respondent (years) | Ranked: Categories: 1 = 18 to 24, 2 = 25 to 34, 3 = 35 to 44, 4 = 45 to 54, 5 = 55 to 64, 6 = 65 to 74, 7 = 75 or older |