This paper describes and compares the evolution and implementation of Adaptive Management Areas in Washington state and Model Forests in British Columbia. Adaptive Management Areas and Model Forests share the overall goals of conducting ecologically and economically sustainable forest management activities while at the same time providing critical habitat to threatened and endangered species, recreation opportunities, improved water and soil quality, and inclusive planning processes. The “adaptive” component of these approaches promotes the notion of accomplishing these goals through experimentation and learning, in order that new information and knowledge can be incorporated into management policies and procedures. An analysis and preliminary assessment of implementation successes and challenges is also presented.

The Adaptive Management Areas and Model Forests share the ambitious goal of attaining sustainable forestry through adaptive management approaches. While it may be premature to attempt to evaluate these efforts in terms of whether sustainable forestry has been achieved, there are several dimensions that can be examined and compared across the cases. For example, it is interesting to note that the programs evolved through vastly different political processes, and are implemented under different conditions of authority and influence. In addition, the process of designating the areas was quite different, and all areas have struggled to improve participation by relevant stakeholders. Both efforts have faced challenges in implementation; most alarming is an existing or impending lack of resources, both monetary and personnel, which leads to an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding the future of these adaptive management approaches.