Utilization levels and residual height are tools for adaptive management, not management objectives.

Utilization/residual measurements are subject to many sources of sampling, procedural and personal errors.

Season of measurement has a strong influence on interpretation of results.

Utilization/residual guidelines are not rigid limits to be met every year, but a tool to identify stocking rate or distribution problems over several years.

Utilization/residual data must be relevant to management objectives.

Time, location, and protocol for measurement must be documented in plans, reports or management decisions based on the use of the data.