Role of Membership in Forestry Cooperatives for Utilization of Forestry Resources in the Western Mazandaran

In the recent decades, numerous countries, including Iran, have been considering grassroots participation in exploiting natural resources as an effective strategy. In this regard, the cooperative model of participation in north of Iran, particularly in the western part of Mazandaran Province was tested. The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of membership in forestry cooperatives in the exploitation of forestry resources in the western part of Mazandaran province. It was a correlational – descriptive study conducted through the survey method. The sample consisted of 75 members of forestry cooperatives and 76 of non-members. Validity and reliability of the data gathering instrument were conformed through appropriate methods. The result of "T" test indicated that the two groups i.e.. members and non-members had significant difference of participation in exploitation of forest resources. According to correlation analysis there were significant relation between membership & participation in exploitation of forestry resources. Also, the result produced by multivariate regression Analysis indicated that 66.8 percent of the changes in conservation was accounted by their participation in conservation and development of forest resources.