Abstract
State cost-share programs for nonindustrial private forest landowners are public assistance programs in the form of direct subsidy payments. A total of 18 states have such programs. This article presents a political economy model and empirical evidences of the factors that determine their presence and continuation. A logit regression is used in the empirical analysis, and the results suggest that the importance of forestry in a state's economy and healthy state finances are significant determinants. Furthermore, there is also evidence of significant regional differences within the United States and some effects of bureaucratic intent. Irrespective of the rationales or justifications for these programs, political pressure on the forest industry made them possible, and a healthy state economy made them a reality. FOR. SCI. 48(3):471–478.