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Adaptive management is an approach to natural resource management that uses structured learning to reduce uncertainties for the improvement of management over time. The origins of adaptive management are linked to ideas of resilience theory and complex systems. It is not a panacea for wicked problems and is only appropriate in certain circumstances. Rangeland management is particularly well-suited for the application of adaptive management, having sufficient controllability and reducible uncertainties. Adaptive management applies the tools of structured decision making and requires monitoring, evaluation, and adjustment of management. Adaptive governance, involving sharing of power and knowledge among relevant stakeholders, is often required to address conflict situations. Natural resource laws and regulations can present a barrier to adaptive management when requirements for legal certainty are met with environmental uncertainty. However, adaptive management is possible as part of private lands management, as illustrated by the growth of landowner prescribed burn associations. We discuss how landowners have used prescribed burn associations within an adaptive management framework to overcome challenges and limitations to the use of prescribed fire. When applied appropriately, adaptive management enhances structured learning, and should be further explored as part of structured rangeland management decision-making.