Prairie Lakes: Model Systems for Integrating Ecology and Human Dimensions for Better Management

Abstract

Successfully managing the impacts of changing environmental conditions on complex socio‐ecological systems requires identifying, quantifying, and understanding the multitude of threats facing such systems. Research that transcends disciplinary boundaries is the best means of accomplishing this task. This article discusses key findings of previous studies conducted in the prairie region of Saskatchewan, Canada, the multitude of threats facing lake ecosystems, and the need to consider human dimensions to effectively address these issues.