A group model-building intervention to support wildlife management decisions

摘要

A variety of approaches are being developed to elicit knowledge from clients and develop that knowledge into conceptual maps and formal simulation models. We completed a project that provides a case example where the "standard method" was adapted for use in a group model-building intervention. We worked with a group of 10 wildlife managers to support system conceptualization, model formulation, and management response to an increase in negative human-black bear interactions in residential areas of New York State. This article discusses the procedural and conceptual steps, insights, and lessons learned from our model building intervention. Our paper focuses on model-building process and learning outcomes, rather than quantitative validation of a simulation model.