ABSTRACT
This chapter describes a framework for developing information and monitoring subsystems. Information concerning events and developments appears in many forms and formats. Sources of information exist in countless places, including government agencies at all levels, private firms, trade and professional groups, universities, not-for-profit organizations, and public interest bodies. The term "alternative futures" emphasizes what may plausibly and conceivably occur rather than a standard, baseline future that is a logical extension of the past and present. Alternative futures focus on what could be; this includes the ideal and the pessimistic as well as the standard extrapolated future. In a rapidly changing environment, such as exists in the United States and the world can make only educated guesses about the future. Consequently, must be able to switch strategies and actions quickly. This is the purpose of contingency planning. The information and monitoring system just described can be very useful for contingency planning for renewable natural resources.
