An analysis of the Tatshenshini-Alsek wilderness preservation decision

This paper presents an analysis of a major wilderness preservation controve rsy concerning the Tatshenshini-Alsek area in north-western British Columbi a. it demonstrates how structured judgements about fundamental objectives, potential impacts, and key trade-offs can be used to gain insight into a co mplex policy decision, even when detailed information is scarce. The basic steps of a decision analysis are employed, including structuring objectives and measures, developing alternatives and characterizing uncertainties reg arding impacts. A workshop involving nine senior provincial government expe rts in relevant areas was held to investigate the range of views about trad e-offs involved in the decision. A constructive, small group elicitation ap proach was used to characterize value trade-offs that were summarized in te rms of value function, which was then used to evaluate the alternatives. Th e study provided information for the provincial government decision to turn the whole area into a park, foregoing mining development. (C) 1999 Academi c Press.