Spatial Optimization in Ecological Applications

John Hof is a project leader and Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station. Michael Bevers is a Senior Research Scientist at the same institution. They are the authors of Spatial Optimization for Managed Ecosystems, also in the Complexity in Ecological Systems series.

Readers without an extensive background in mathematics should not shy away from this book. The authors present the mathematical techniques outlined in each section clearly and in a way that is accessible to students, academics, or professionals... This is both an intriguing and thought provoking book, that will be of interest to ecologists, geographers, and resource managers with an interest in spatial analysis. -- Peter Deadman Environments

• Preface 1. Introduction Part I. Simple Proximity Relationships 2. Sedimentation 3. Stormflow Management 4. Natural Regeneration in Any-aged Forest Management 5. Combining Simulation with Optimization: Habitat Placement for the Northern Spotted Owl Part II. Reaction-Diffusion Models6. Characteristics of the Discrete Reaction-Diffusion Model 7. The Basic Model: Habitat Placement for the Black-Footed Ferret 8. Population-Dependent Dispersal: Habitat Placement for the Black-Tailed Prairie Dog 9. Topography-Based Dispersal: Habitat Location for the Western Prairie Fringed Orchid 10. Habitat Edge Effects Part III. Control Models 11. Strategies for Controlling Exotic Pests 12. Strategies for Controlling Wildfire Part IV. Using Optimization to Develop Hypotheses About Ecosystems 13. Multi-Scaled Ecological Limiting Factors 14. Carbon Fixation in Trees as an Optimization Process 15 Postscript References Index