Adaptive Management What is it? Adaptive: recognizes change Learns Modifies to fit new situation. In ecosystem management we need to show this type of adaptive behavior. - seek information (positive or negative) - Reward those who bring it - LEARN from it

Another way to learn! Three ways we learn: 1) Tradition: learn established “knowledge”- may be wrong!! 2) Trial and Error: learn “new” knowledge by our actions- limited in application 3) Scientific experiment: learn “new” knowledge via set rules- limited utility (theoretical vs real world)

Scientific method

Dilemma Traditional cannot prepare us for “new” ideas Trial and error good but learning is not transferable Scientific experimentation gives us precise and universal answers to small questions.

Resolution C.S. Holling and Carl Walters - suggested combining advantages of trial and error with scientific experimentation. Called it Adaptive Management Treats management as an experiment Use trial and error in a scientific framework.

Types of adaptive management Active Passive Documented trial and error Give brief examples of both

Active adaptive management Series of steps similar to scientific method but in a management setting.

Example: Forest ecosystem Problem: how to control gypsy moths - First: Imaginative policy options: Blanket spraying, spot treatments, biological controls, etc. Choose one. Model system performance: how well MIGHT it work?

Example: forest ecosystem cont. - gaps in knowledge, what don’t we know from model Management actions: design large scale application that includes reference areas. Measure performance Modify if needed Choose best policy options.

Adaptive management is the scientific method on a LARGE scale with trial and error.

Passive Adaptive Management Some aspects of experiment are left out. Most frequently are: elaborate models and nonrandom treatments. Done in the constraints of: - Stakeholders Legal requirements Court decisions Economic considerations.

Documented Trial and Error Trial and error with: - data collection - objective analysis - Shared learning. Important aspect is learning objectively and then using that knowledge to improve actions (don’t continue doing the same mistake over and over.)

Conditions for successful AM here

What do we do if conditions are not right? Partial application Get stakeholders to look at problem objectively Stress learning and adaption.

summary Different way of combining knowledge and decisions Not as rigid as in the past: I’m right, your wrong! A way of adjusting objectives, goals as we learn more. Outcome is hopefully a better overall management process