Perceptions of communication in Norwegian forest management

This article is based on a case study investigating the pattern of communication and participation in Norwegian forest management. The study concludes that forest management only to a limited extent includes formal public participation. The examples of participation in Norwegian forest management also indicate that formal participation is no guarantee of real influence and that the competence and attitude of key actors may be of great importance. The pattern of communication between key stakeholders in the present forest management system is clearly influenced by the distribution of power and conflicting interests.