New choices and challenges for regulated private forests: The "alternate plan" option

Abstract

The state of Washington has developed a policy instrument that substantially amends traditional "top-down" private forest regulation. Called the "Alternate Plan" option, it gives landowners unusual new flexibility in designing forest management projects for their property. Projects may depart from any of the state's established Forest Practices Rules, if the property owner can satisfactorily show that a customized proposal would provide equivalent environmental protection. The state provides a prompt review and decision and then supervises project implementation and monitors compliance with the approved project specifications. We interviewed 109 stakeholders involved in the design, use, and implementation of this innovative program. From this data we evaluate the functional advantages and challenges inherent in this new regulatory approach, suggest modifications to improve its effectiveness, and discuss policymaking implications. © 2011 by the Society of American Foresters.