The Science of Open Spaces: Theory and Practice for Conserving Large, Complex Systems

This title presents a new framework for conservation based on public engagement and natural sciences. Management policies have tended to promote a one-size-fits-all mentality for large, complex landscapes. Landscape ecologist Charles Curtin argues that instead we need a science-based approach that accounts for the dynamic nature of complex systems and gives local stakeholders a say in their futures. The Science of Open Spaces proposes that we return to "first principles", fundamental physical laws of the universe, and think about complex systems from the ground up based on modern scientific theory backed up by practical experience. Curtin walks us through foundational concepts of thermodynamics, ecology, sociology, and resilience theory, applying them to real-world examples from years he has spent designing large-scale, place-based collaborative research programmes around the world.

About the Author :
Charles Curtin is a Senior Fellow at the Center for Natural Resources and Environmental Policy, University of Montana, Missoula, where he will be developing programs for the Practitioners Network for Large Landscape Conservation. He is also Interim Director of the Mora Watershed Alliance in Mora, New Mexico, where he helped develop a landscape-level conservation program in the one million acre Mora Watershed in north-western New Mexico. He was previously the director of the Resilience Design Group in the Department of Environmental Studies, Antioch University New England, in Keene, New Hampshire.

Review :
"A valuable resource..as well as an enlightening read for scientists, professionals, and academicians, regardless of academic specialty." -- "CHOICE" "Compelling...I found myself frequently nodding my head in agreement. The author's refreshing candor about challenges is unusual for an ecological restoration book...recommend[ed]."-- "Ecological Restoration" "Curtin takes a principles approach to conservation and land management...worthwhile reading for both research ecologists and ecological practitioners. Ecology and conservation students would also benefit from Curtin's thoughtful book which offers an alternate view to some of the 'normal' views of conservation practice."-- "Ecological Management and Restoration" "Curtin's book is winningly written, acutely observed and draws on his work in community-based conservation... [it] offers some hope of achieving sustainable land management in large ecosystems."-- "New Scientist" "Every reader will appreciate the well-presented case studies and for those who have worked in the trenches struggling with landscape scale conservation efforts, I guarantee there will be many aha moments."-- "Living Landscape Observer" "The book defies the typical top-down thinking of conservation theorists and government agencies and effectively demonstrates that one-size-fits-all strategies do not work in complex open systems."-- "Conservation Biology" "The Science of Open Spaces presents an astonishing grasp of social, ecological, historic, and conservation knowledge, linking that interdisciplinary knowledge with the author's experiences with fishing and ranching communities in large-scale conservation contexts. He shows us how to make conservation work for people and nature amid complexity and change."--Lynn Scarlett, The Nature Conservancy "The Science of Open Spaces weaves together theory and practice to advance our understanding of managing complex resource systems. Charles Curtin applies concepts from thermodynamics, complexity theory, and macroecology to the management of wet and dry landscapes, and describes the hard-won lessons from decades of experience. This volume is a must-read for serious students, scholars, and practitioners of natural resource management."--Lance Gunderson, Emory University "The Science of Open Spaces provides readers with a roadmap to 21st century land management, where the stakes are high, collaboration is crucial, and profound uncertainty in the face of the complexity often hampers decision-making. The scope of issue could easily intimidate, leading to quick, reactive choices or even paralysis. Curtin instead offers a structured, accessible approach for tackling the understanding and management of open spaces...Curtin does an exceptional job of balancing interesting yet readable case studies with underlying ecological and sociological theory...Readers will find this book an engaging and substantive guide to the pitfalls and paths to success of collaborative conservation."-- "The Prairie Naturalist" "Scientists, theorists, conservationists, policy-makers teachers, and students alike will find The Science of Open Spaces useful and challenging. ... like most of us, he has sought to make the most of his personal experience as a scientist concerned with the conservation of open spaces, and striving to see clearly through complexity. His effort, and the results he presents, will strongly resonate with readers."-- "Ecology"