Demonstrates how the success of local decision making is largely determined by factors that are difficult to control or forecast. This book shows the importance of geographic vulnerability analysis, which takes into consideration possible scenarios about how, where, and when future patterns of land use might develop.

Detailing research supported by the U.S. Marine Corps, this text presents a study of an undeveloped area being impacted by overall regional development. Through this example, the authors explain geographic vulnerability analysis, which takes into consideration possible scenarios about how and when future patterns of land use might develop. It points to consideration of critical uncertainties, those difficult to predict aspects of the future, that must be factored into decisions. This work will aid managers and stakeholders to engage spatial contingencies toward the goal of developing more resilient landscapes that can support a primary mission as well as the conservation of natural resources.