For example, ecologists now understand the overwhelming role of stochastic events, especially stand-replacing disturbances, in determining the state of forest ecosystems at any point in time. Mathematicians have recently discovered that extremely simple but realistic deterministic models of nonlinear systems can produce chaotic outcomes indistinguishable from true random noise. Nature is less predictable than Newtonian mechanics would suggest. 2 Liebniz was wrong when, referring to the uncertainties remaining in Enlightenment theories of Nature, he said God is not a clumsy watchmaker. These fault lines in the philosophic basis for forestry have widened into a chasm not easily bridged.
Adaptive management seems to make sense, but proponents can cite no successful examples in forestry.
Ecosystem management has a euphonious ring, but no one, credible definition can be found. Everything you own is either farmed, mined or logged. Milk comes from the store. Practicing foresters caught in the crossfire as you try simply to do your jobs cannot stand down and wait for a comprehensive resolution of these dilemmas. At the same time, these fault lines define many of our land-management controversies.