The natural environment is so complex that simplification through abstraction is necessary to communicate concepts and relationships, to comprehend possible reactions, and to decide upon a course of action for management. Today, nearly every decision concerning the management of natural resources is based on a model of one kind or another. Modeling in Natural Resource Managementoffers a much-needed overview of the basic principles for understanding and evaluating models. Focusing on the fundamental components of model creation, interpretation, and application, the book provides a wealth of information on how models are developed and used in natural resource management, as it: defines what models are explores how the different classes of models fit into the scientific process discusses how to determine the appropriateness and usefulness of a particular model provides examples of how models are used (and misused) considers how further progress might be achieved Chapters written by leading experts -- including Mark S. Boyce, William T. Clark, Michael J. Conroy, Donald L. DeAngelis, Douglas H. Johnson, William L. Kendall, Lyman L. McDonald, Marc Mangel, James D. Nichols, Gary C. White, and others -- describe how models should be constructed and interpreted, and highlight how they can be and have been used. Modeling in Natural Resource Managementbrings together in a single volume the best and most current information about natural resource modeling and its on-the-ground application, providing a valuable reference both for scientists involved with issues of natural resource management and for managers who apply the science to real-world problems.