Applying Decision Science to Managing National Forests
2012
This publication is an example of the application of decision science to the management of federal public forests, in particular to meet sustainability goals and multiple use regulations.
Through three case studies, the authors describe four stages of a decision analytic approach: problem structuring (framing the problem and defining objectives and evaluation criteria), problem analysis (defining alternatives, evaluating likely consequences, identifying key uncertainties, and analyzing tradeoffs), decision point (identifying the preferred alternative), and implementation and monitoring the preferred alternative with adaptive management feedbacks. They emphasize the need for participation by decision-makers, analysts, scientists, and stakeholders in the process.
Applying Decision Science to Managing National Forests
Source:
Marcot BG, Thompson MP, Runge MC et al. Recent Advances in Applying Decision Science to Managing National Forests. Forest Ecology and Management 2012; 285: 123-132. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/41887