1
Opportunities for Using Ecological
Models for Resource Management
Virginia H. Dale
3
1.1 Environmental Management
The roots of environmental management are diverse. One major origin is
the planning arena in which decisions are made about zoning, parcel size,
and adjacent land uses. Individuals involved in city and county government
typically have backgrounds in planning, and some combine that expertise
with an environmental perspective. Another major source of environmental management stems from an economic perspective. This viewpoint
focuses on costs of obtaining resources and maximizing the benefits
achieved. Renewable resources, such as timber or fish, offer an opportunity
for a long-term, stable supply of goods. A third origin of environmental
management is from a wildlife background. This perspective is epitomized
by Aldo Leopold (1953), who called for a land ethic that is based upon the
concept that humans are a part of a natural system and need to consider
how their actions affect the Earth. Such an ecological point of view requires
attention to the social, economic, and political arena in which environmental management occurs. To consider the opportunities and costs involved
in environmental management, all of these perspectives need to be considered. An integrated approach to environmental management involves
planning, sustainability, and environmental ethics and considers the social,
economic, political, and environmental contexts.
The challenge of managing the environment therefore requires awareness of the diverse goals that may exist for natural resources. Some people
value the environment for the economic gains it provides, such as from trees
that can be harvested or grasses that can be grazed. Other people measure
the worth of environmental attributes by the amount and type of recreational opportunities that they can provide. Recreational resources can be
quite diverse, and their use frequently conflicts with access to or economic
use of another resource. For example, a wilderness hiking experience is not
compatible with the use of off-road vehicles. Land and water are also valued
for their beauty. The vista of mountains, prairies, or sand dunes can provide
an aesthetic experience or the inspiration for songs, art, or prose. Novelists
Opportunities for Using Ecological
Models for Resource Management
Virginia H. Dale
3
1.1 Environmental Management
The roots of environmental management are diverse. One major origin is
the planning arena in which decisions are made about zoning, parcel size,
and adjacent land uses. Individuals involved in city and county government
typically have backgrounds in planning, and some combine that expertise
with an environmental perspective. Another major source of environmental management stems from an economic perspective. This viewpoint
focuses on costs of obtaining resources and maximizing the benefits
achieved. Renewable resources, such as timber or fish, offer an opportunity
for a long-term, stable supply of goods. A third origin of environmental
management is from a wildlife background. This perspective is epitomized
by Aldo Leopold (1953), who called for a land ethic that is based upon the
concept that humans are a part of a natural system and need to consider
how their actions affect the Earth. Such an ecological point of view requires
attention to the social, economic, and political arena in which environmental management occurs. To consider the opportunities and costs involved
in environmental management, all of these perspectives need to be considered. An integrated approach to environmental management involves
planning, sustainability, and environmental ethics and considers the social,
economic, political, and environmental contexts.
The challenge of managing the environment therefore requires awareness of the diverse goals that may exist for natural resources. Some people
value the environment for the economic gains it provides, such as from trees
that can be harvested or grasses that can be grazed. Other people measure
the worth of environmental attributes by the amount and type of recreational opportunities that they can provide. Recreational resources can be
quite diverse, and their use frequently conflicts with access to or economic
use of another resource. For example, a wilderness hiking experience is not
compatible with the use of off-road vehicles. Land and water are also valued
for their beauty. The vista of mountains, prairies, or sand dunes can provide
an aesthetic experience or the inspiration for songs, art, or prose. Novelists