Framework for Identifying Preferred Sustainable Management Actions with Application to Forest Fuel Treatment

Abstract

A conceptual framework is presented for identifying preferred feasible and sustainable management actions for a coupled human and natural system. The framework involves: (1) determining operationally and financially feasible management actions; (2) selecting and estimating management objectives for those actions; (3) using the weak or strong sustainability criterion to identify feasible management actions that are sustainable; (4) assigning weights to management objectives; and (5) ranking feasible and sustainable management actions. Management actions, objectives, and weights are selected by the manager. Management actions are ranked using a multiple objective evaluation method and utility values estimated with the utility function U(${\sum}_{i=1}^n{w}_i{V}_{ij}$), where i designates management objective, j designates management action, w _i is the weight assigned to the ith management objective, V _ij is the estimated value of the ith management objective for the jth management action, and ${\sum}_{i=1}^n{w}_i\,{=}\,1$. Management objectives are simulated or estimated using biophysical and economic data and models. An empirical application of the framework is presented that uses the Stochastic Efficiency with Respect to a Function method and utility values to rank three preselected fuel treatment strategies and determines preferred treatment strategies for U.S. Forest Service land in Flathead County, Montana for two risk attitudes (i.e., almost risk neutral and strongly risk averse).