The effective use of quantitative forest structure targets in forest management requires three components. The first is a data set that specifies a reference condition representing the desired forest conditions from which quantitative assessment criteria are derived. The second is either observed forest structure data or output from a credible forest growth model used to generate projections of forest management scenarios that are under consideration. The third is a statistically and biologically consistent assessment procedure used to determine whether the forest structure target has been, or is likely to be, achieved. Four quantitative forest structure targets are compared within the context of the Forests and Fish Law of Washington State. The comparisons are performed using two reference data sets and several management scenarios projected using two versions of the ORGANON forest growth model to highlight several issues that can arise when using quantitative forest structure targets and forest growth models.
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