Options forestry: Acting on uncertainty

Abstract

An increased appreciation of how scientific and societal uncertainty enters management decisions suggests a new approach to forest management-options forestry. We contend that unflinching assessments of uncertainty can often find an array of alternatives that cannot be distinguished with sufficient confidence to permit the choice of one "best practice." Options forestry responds to uncertainty by diversifying management, emphasizing learning, and integrating research and management. A Siuslaw National Forest project in Oregon demonstrates options forestry as an approach to act on uncertainty to society's advantage.