ABSTRACT
Managing the natural resources of parks and protected areas is a difficult and complicated task. Management decisions must take into account the dynamics of natural cycles in plant and animal populations, the variation in natural ecological, hydrological, and geological processes, and the increasing importance of anthropogenic-induced environmental changes caused by climate warming and air and water pollution. Management decisions must also take into account other, more pragmatic factors. These include political considerations, economic limitations, existing laws, and the necessity of satisfying the needs and perceptions of the public that visit and/or cherish these areas. The degree to which each of these considerations influences the management decision-making process depends on the situation and, clearly, some influences such as public opinion can be more powerful than others. It is well acknowledged that management decisions which ignore the views of political leaders, violate laws, are economically unsound, or ignore public sentiment, do not normally last.
