The range of choice in decision-making : the case of land acquisition for wildlife in British Columbia
Date
1987
Authors
Bailey, Lynn Diane
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This thesis examines the range of choice in decision-making, specifically the identification of alternatives. It uses the range of choice, both full and practical, as a theoretical framework for examining this aspect of the decision-making process. Land acquisition for wildlife in British Columbia is the topic explored. Competition for wildlife habitat intensifies as demands for the land base increase. While some land uses are compatible with wildlife, others permanently alter wildlife habitat. Typically, agencies responsible for wildlife have very little direct control of the land on which the resource depends. Obtaining administrative control of land, defined broadly as land acquisition, is one of the more important activities carried out by wildlife managers.
This thesis investigates a number of case studies involving past decisions by British Columbia wildlife managers to acquire land, focusing on the identification of alternative tenure types. Also studied are the major factors that have influenced the wildlife managers' range of choice. These factors are categorized as traits of the decision-makers and characteristics of the decision-making environĀment.
The full range of choice for acquiring administrative control of both privately- and publicly-owned land for wildlife is reviewed. Alternatives range from the outright purchase of private land to an expression of interest in public land. They also include encouraging individuals and agencies to consider wildlife needs in their land use decisions.
It is noted that wildlife managers in British Columbia have not considered the full range of choice in their past decisions to acquire land for wildlife. This conclusion reaffirms research conducted in other resource management disciplines, most notably water management. Although some wildlife managers may give implicit consideration to all potential alternatives, most do not have knowledge of or experience with the full range of choice. The most significant factor affecting the range of choice on privately-owned land is funding availability for land purchase. On Crown land, a major factor is mistrust in the history of relationships between individuals involved in a decision. Two of the factors found to influence wildlife managers' range of choice, knowledge and/or experience and history of relationships, are mentioned in the literature. Their influence on the range of choice is consistent with previous findings. Although funding availability is also found in the literature, it is discussed in the context of administrative costs rather than land purchase costs. Its influence on wildlife managers' range of choice thus cannot be compared to other findings.
It is recommended that the Wildlife Branch develop a provincial strategy to guide its land acquisition activities. This strategy should include the identification of the full range of choice available to wildlife managers for acquiring administrative control of land for wildlife. It is also recommended that political commitment to the wildlife resources of the Province be increased. It is hoped that this research will enhance wildlife managers' knowledge and use of the potential range of choice for acquiring land for wildlife, and that the recommendations will be followed to improve the decision-making process.