Using analytical tools for decision-making and program planning in natural resources: breaking the fear barrier

Abstract

The National Park Service and other public agencies are increasing their emphasis on inventory and monitoring (I&M) programs to obtain the information needed to infer changes in resource conditions and trigger management responses.A few individuals on a planning team can develop I&M programs, although a focused workshop is more effective.Workshops are particularly effective when objectives are clearly stated, an organizing structure is provided, and a decision-support tool is used to facilitate group decision making.We illustrate how the analytic hierarchy process provides structure and analytical robustness to I&M planning and other group decision-making efforts.This approach is a cost-effective means for eliciting information and expert opinion in a workshop setting, and provides a quantitative basis for programmatic decisions and priorities.

Citation

Peterson, David L.; Schmoldt, Daniel L. 1999. Using analytical tools for decision-making and program planning in natural resources: breaking the fear barrier. On the Frontiers of Conservation: Proceedings of the 10th Conference on Research and Resource Management in Parks and on Public Lands. 256-262.