Values mapping with Latino forest users: Contributing to the dialogue on multiple land use conflict management

Participatory mapping of landscape values is gaining ground as a method for engaging communities and stakeholders in natural resource management. Socio-spatial mapping allows the public to identify places of economic, social, cultural, or personal importance. In addition to providing data for planning and land management, the mapping process can open dialogue about interests and concerns related to specific places. This paper presents the collaborative development and results of a values mapping exercise with a Latino community on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. While mapping important places for work and recreation, participants discussed concerns about law enforcement, forest safety, and compliance with land use policies. Based on these concerens, the group organized a facilitated meeting with respresentatives from five land management agencies and Latino forest users. The meeting resulted in new collaborations for education and forest safety between resource managers and Latino forest users.