The public debate about roads on the national forests: An analysis of the news media, 1994-98

Computer methods were used to analyze attitudes and beliefs expressed in a large database of news stories about roads on the US national forests. The view that forest roads are important for recreational use and access was expressed most frequently, followed by the belief that roads cause environmental damage. Analyzing the debate about forest roads as it is reflected in the news media is one way to monitor the changing context in which forest management decisions and policies need to be made.