Ethical Issues Facing Future Availability of Forestry Data: A Discussion (Report‪)‬

Introduction The above quote clearly makes the point that just because we have acquired some data, it does not necessarily mean that we are informed. Similarly, being informed does not necessarily make us knowledgeable about a topic. Although this quotation is accurate, the essential process of converting forestry data into wisdom (management decisions) is greatly assisted if clear and explicit ethical standards are adopted in the collection and use of data. Without regard to ethics in the data management process, the current and future usefulness of the data will be put at risk, and this issue is the focus of this discussion paper.