Communicating the role of genetics in management

Three current issues serve as examples to convey the role of genetics in management. (I) Consequences of (qualitative) data. Results of simulated data for diameter (quantitative data) over several generations, illustrate the pitfalls of working towards balanced uneven-aged silvicultural systems in northern red oak, under natural regeneration constraints and existing management direction. (2) Comparisons of section boundaries within an ecological classification system and climatic zones (homoclines) as surrogates for managing genetic resources, are of limited utility in describing patterns of genetic variation for adaptive, growth, and disease resistance traits. (3) Reporting gains and seed yields from tree improvement programs in Forest Service decision documents is recommended as means of showing consequences of 'action vs. no action' for genetic resources, thereby placing genetics in a more active role in the Agency's next round of forest planning.