ABSTRACT
Applied ecology considers the role of humans as a major factor affecting the distribution and abundance of species, the quality of habitats, and function of ecosystems. As an early example, Hinckley (1976) addressed the basics of this ‘eld in a nontechnical course called “Ecology and Man.” This chapter traces the progression in human use of ‘sh and wildlife resources beginning with early and sometimes relentless exploitation. In time, humans realized the need to reduce their adverse impacts, and they established management practices such as natural resource conservation. More recently, concepts of sustainability and ecosystem management have emerged. Applied ecology is of worldwide interest, but here we focus on North America with consideration of worldwide problems.
