Social complexity and the management of small-diameter stands

The disposition of small-diameter forest stands is linked to forest health, ecological restoration, and timber harvest-highly contentious issues witho ut public or technical consensus. We present results of a qualitative socia l assessment focusing on small-diameter stand management on the Colville Na tional Forest in northeastern Washington to illustrate social complexity em bedded in the decisions that confront forest managers. The discussion is br oadened to suggest that the social complexity inherent in small-diameter st and management is an issue that must be confronted throughout the West (and to some extent the entire country), as increasing emphasis is placed on fo rest restoration on public lands.