A decision analytic approach to assessing stand-level silvicultural decisions is illustrated using planting density and spacing decisions for coastal Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). Information from several stand projection procedures was combined into a single analysis. The value of "perfect information" was calculated as an indicator of the value of additional response information. The value of perfect information should not be used as the sole justification for gathering treatment response information because it fluctuated with the economic assumptions made and the alternatives evaluated. However, it provides a relative ranking of treatment response requirements and a means for quantifying the risk associated with silvicultural decisions. The decision analytic approach proved flexible as a means for combining growth response information from several sources into a compromise decision.
The expected value of perfect information in unrepeatable decision-making
