Untitled Document

Complexities of Forest Management

In our class' study of forest management, we have examined much literature that describes the conflict between economic development of our forests and the conservation of biodiversity and habitat. Research studies are conducted to evaluate different strategies of forest management to determine which can best fulfill requirements of maintaining biological diversity, while at the same time yielding a reasonable income from timber production (Kuusipalo and Kangas, 1994).

Forest management is one area that must balance social, economic, and ecological demands, all three complicated topics in and of themselves. For these reasons, I feel the Manitou Collaborative is a wonderful example of how this can be implemented to balance values and goals, and come up with solutions that can benefit all owners, and most importantly benefit the forests.

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Debate on 'Collaborative Mangement'

At the risk of sounding redundant, at its basis the Manitou Collaborative is just that, 'a collaborative effort.' Recently there has been debate on the efficiency and success of collaborative management efforts. In a debate on "consensus-based conservation," which undoubtedly involves collaboration, a few critiques of the system were offered. On the negative side, authors argued that consensus processes, "1) reinforce apathy and ignorance of conservation issues; 2) legitimize damage to the environment; 3) quash public debate about conservation; 4) solidify the existing balance of power in favor of prodevelopment forces; and 5) block progress toward an ecologically sustainable future." (Peterson, et.al, 2005)

As there have been arguments against collaborative management, it also has a base of supporters. Slosser, et.al.(2005) believe the most effective framework for conservation would be a system that collaborated protection, restoration, and certified forestry. Leach (2005) is also in support of collaborative efforts and sets out to continue the healthy debate. He ultimately disagrees with Peterson, et. al (2005) noting points based on a theoretical, argumentative essay, with little empirical evidence to support the claims. Leach (2005) claims, "Despite the challenges of empirically evaluating collaborative environmental management, one encouraging aspect of its current ascension in the United States is the great diversity of approaches being practiced around the country." Professionals are convening more frequently for meetings and conferences, and universities are beginning to offer programs and courses in "collaborative environmental management." Ultimately Leach (2005) states, "By dismissing consensus before the evidence is in, we risk missing an opportunity to improve the way society charts its ecological future."

I think as the Manitou Collaborative moves forward, sets more goals, and continues to accumulate data, it will be a piece of empirical evidence to support collaborative management efforts.

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Landscape Scale Management

One of the most important aspects of the Manitou Collaborative is that it focuses on managing at the landscape level. Large spatial scale forest management is extremely vital to species that require large areas to sustain healthy populations. Multiple ownership and land use threatens biodiversity through forest fragmentation and other ways.

On federal lands, the concept of resource management has virtually given way to the more systemic view of ecosystem management, "which involves managing the patterns and processes in a holistic manner to provide for sustained character and function, as well as for benefits and commodities for humans." (Kohm and Franklin,ed., 1997).

Landscape scale management does seem to prove more complex, but it is also seems to provide the most effective approach to management strategies. The Manitou Collaborative is focusing on Landscape Scale Management to reach their future goals.