the same but the parameter values can be altered to fit the situation. As an
example, there have been numerous applications of the JABOWA model
of forest gap dynamics first developed by Botkin et al. (1972) (see Table
16.1) [see review by Bugmann (2001)]. Although the JABOWA model has
been modified over the years to include a variety of disturbances and now
spatial attributes, the basic driving variables and parameters are the same
in all versions. Such a generic modeling approach has allowed the users to
focus on issues rather than the construction of the mathematical tool.
In summary, a model is typically designed to produce projections of
change over time on the basis of a basic understanding of the system and
with varying amounts of data. Assumptions and interactions need to be
clearly set forth. Often, this kind of information is exactly what a resource
manager needs to make decisions. Yet models are not always used, even
though models would provide helpful assistance to resource management
in many situations.
16.3 Areas for Improvements in the Use Ecological
Models for Resource Management
Improvements to the use of ecological models for resource management
can be made by giving attention to several areas:
• Establishing closer communication between field ecological/environmental scientists and modelers and, in turn, between modelers and
decision makers
• Clearly defining the problem
• Using models to enhance understanding
• Exploring alternative future conditions
16.3.1 Establishing Good Communication
The need for improved communication between modelers and decision
makers is a theme that runs through many of the chapters in this book. The
elements of modeling need to be understood not only by those developing
and applying models, but also by those who use the model results. Too often
model projections are not used in decision making because they are misunderstood. Much of the frustration related to ecological models results
from unrealistic expectations by all parties involved (Van Winkle and Dale
1998). Discrepancies often exist (1) between reality and the expectations of
those funding or reviewing a model application concerning how the results
should contribute to decision making or advancing ecological understanding and (2) between the claims made by modelers at the beginning of a
project and the realities of the modeling applicability and integrity at the
end. These discrepancies arise, in part, from a lack of understanding of the
16. New Directions in Ecological Modeling for Resource Management
315
example, there have been numerous applications of the JABOWA model
of forest gap dynamics first developed by Botkin et al. (1972) (see Table
16.1) [see review by Bugmann (2001)]. Although the JABOWA model has
been modified over the years to include a variety of disturbances and now
spatial attributes, the basic driving variables and parameters are the same
in all versions. Such a generic modeling approach has allowed the users to
focus on issues rather than the construction of the mathematical tool.
In summary, a model is typically designed to produce projections of
change over time on the basis of a basic understanding of the system and
with varying amounts of data. Assumptions and interactions need to be
clearly set forth. Often, this kind of information is exactly what a resource
manager needs to make decisions. Yet models are not always used, even
though models would provide helpful assistance to resource management
in many situations.
16.3 Areas for Improvements in the Use Ecological
Models for Resource Management
Improvements to the use of ecological models for resource management
can be made by giving attention to several areas:
• Establishing closer communication between field ecological/environmental scientists and modelers and, in turn, between modelers and
decision makers
• Clearly defining the problem
• Using models to enhance understanding
• Exploring alternative future conditions
16.3.1 Establishing Good Communication
The need for improved communication between modelers and decision
makers is a theme that runs through many of the chapters in this book. The
elements of modeling need to be understood not only by those developing
and applying models, but also by those who use the model results. Too often
model projections are not used in decision making because they are misunderstood. Much of the frustration related to ecological models results
from unrealistic expectations by all parties involved (Van Winkle and Dale
1998). Discrepancies often exist (1) between reality and the expectations of
those funding or reviewing a model application concerning how the results
should contribute to decision making or advancing ecological understanding and (2) between the claims made by modelers at the beginning of a
project and the realities of the modeling applicability and integrity at the
end. These discrepancies arise, in part, from a lack of understanding of the
16. New Directions in Ecological Modeling for Resource Management
315