Ecological Modeling for Resource Management

by Dale, Virginia H.

• ISBN13: 9780387954936
• ISBN10: 0387954937
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2002-12-01
• Publisher: Springer Verlag

Summary

With the use of ecological models, managers and decision makers can make sure that the ecological systems affected by their decisions are accurately represented. Unfortunately, the most relevant ecological science and modeling techniques are often not used because managers are not familiar with them or find them inappropriate for their circumstances. The authors of this volume hope to close the gap between the state of the art in ecological modeling and the state of the practice in the use of models as decision-making tools. It will serve as a readable introduction to modeling for people involved in resource management and will also review specific applications of interest to more experienced modelers. The first chapters detail several successful uses of ecological models in resource management. There are then five pairs of chapters addressing important issues in ecological modeling, including barriers to the use of modeling in decision making, evolving approaches in the field, effective use of data, the toolkit approach to management, and the various scientific and technological investments required for productive modeling. Ecologists and other scientists will learn how best to focus their research for practical, real-world applications, and resource managers and other practitioners will learn the most appropriate methods of understanding dynamic processes and making projections about the implications of their decisions.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Contributors	xiii
Part 1. Introduction
Opportunities for Using Ecological Models for Resource Management	3	(20)
Virginia H. Dale
Part 2. Examples of Using Ecological Models for Resource Management
Modeling for Endangered-Species Recovery: Gray Wolves in the Western Great Lakes Region	23	(23)
Jean Fitts Cochrane
Robert G. Haight
Anthony M. Starfield
Modeling Fish Entrainment and Impingement Impacts: Bridging Science and Policy	46	(24)
Webb Van Winkle
John Kadvany
Large-Scale Regional Assessments: Lessons Learned from the Southern Appalachian Assessment	70	(19)
David N. Wear
Part 3. Key Issues
Barriers
Overcoming Barriers to the Use of Models in Environmental Decision Making	89	(20)
Mark A. Harwell
John H. Gentile
Barriers to the Use of Ecological Models in Decision Making	109	(16)
Virginia H. Dale
Chris Rewerts
Webb Van Winkle
Mark A. Harwell
Mike Vasievich
Steve Hodapp
Evolving Approaches
Network Theory: An Evolving Approach to Landscape Conservation	125	(10)
Timothy H. Keitt
Evolving Approaches and Technologies to Enhance the Role of Ecological Modeling in Decision Making	135	(32)
Eric Gustafson
John Nestler
Louis Gross
Keith M. Reynolds
Daniel Yaussy
Thomas P. Maxwell
Virginia H. Dale
Data
Data and Information Issues in Modeling for Resource Management Decision Making: Communication is the Key	167	(13)
John R. Richardson
Cory W. Berish
Effective Ecological Modeling for Use in Management Decisions: Data Issues	180	(31)
David Hohler
Tom Ashwood
John R. Richardson
Lisa Mai Olsen
Noble Hendrix
Alison Williams
Toolkits
Effective Use of Ecological Modeling in Management: The Toolkit Concept	211	(10)
Steven M. Bartell
Role of Computational Toolkits in Environmental Management	221	(28)
Jeffery P. Holland
Steven M. Bartell
Thomas G. Hallam
S.T. Purucker
Christopher J.E. Welsh
Investments Needed
Science and Management Investments Needed to Enhance the Use of Ecological Modeling in Decision Making	249	(14)
Lev Ginzburg
H. Resit Akcakaya
Educational Investments in Environmental Science and Management	263	(26)
Thomas P. Maxwell
Jim Berkson
Tania Schoennagel
Karen A. Poiani
Robert Costanza
Part 4. Finale
What in the World Is Worth Fighting for? Using Models for Environmental Security	289	(21)
Wendell Chris King
Virginia H. Dale
New Directions in Ecological Modeling for Resource Management	310	(11)
Virginia H. Dale
Index	321