The role of Non Timber Forest Products: A case study of gatherers in the eastern United States

Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play a key role in the lives and livelihoods of rural residents in or near forested areas. Consequently, organizations concerned with rural development have begun to look toward NTFPs as an opportunity for rural economic development. Concerned with the potential implications for the social and ecological structures that support NTFP harvesting, this work in progress plans to explore the culture and practices of gatherers. Using qualitative research methods including in-depth ethnographic interviews, we will document NTFP uses and users in the eastern United States. Individual case studies will give gatherers and micro-enterprise owners a voice to reveal their experience with and perspective an gathering. Natural resource managers and rural developers must have a clear understanding of the role NTFPs play in the lives and livelihoods of gatherers before they develop management plans.