Artificial intelligence could be a game changer for forestry, but foresters warn that opaque algorithms and biased inputs may compromise critical land-management and policy decisions. That is according to a new study, published in Forest Policy and Economics, which draws on 20 in-depth interviews with forestry professionals across academia, government, and the private sector in the Southwest, conducted by faculty from the Northern Arizona University School of Forestry.
“We noticed a great deal of discussion about the potential of AI in forestry, but very little research on how the professionals on the ground actually feel about it,” Saxena, who, along with Luke Ritter and Derek Uhey, led the study. “This study was our first investigation into the topic, motivated by the need to understand the human side of this technological shift.”
The researchers found widespread concern over the so-called “black box” problem, where AI’s decision-making processes are hidden from users. “They are particularly concerned about the ‘black box’ problem where they can’t understand AI’s decision-making process, creating serious accountability issues,” Saxena said.
“A key concern they shared was the risk of training AI using some agencies’ poor-quality or biased data and then trusting its flawed outputs for important land management or policy analysis” — like mandates on where to administer prescribed burns or allow clear-cutting.
Still, many interviewees welcome AI as a tool to relieve labour shortages and handle routine tasks. “They also see great potential in using AI for complex data analysis, such as with light detection and ranging, as long as it functions as an assistant that enhances, rather than replaces, the judgment of an experienced professional,” Saxena said.
Ritter argued that understanding practitioners’ fears and recommendations is crucial before AI becomes widely adopted in forestry. “It’s challenging to ethically implement AI when we, as foresters, have gaps in our knowledge about how and why it’s being used,” Ritter said. “This study highlighted some interesting themes, but we need to keep discussing AI in the classroom and the workplace. We hope this paper provides a foundation for policy changes and further research as AI continues to grow.”
For further information: Luke Ritter, Derek Andrew Uhey, Alark Saxena,
Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of forestry professionals towards artificial intelligence (AI), Forest Policy and Economics, Volume 179, 2025, 103626, ISSN 1389-9341, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2025.103626.
