The Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) branch is an interdisciplinary group of scientists whose primary functions are to conduct both theoretical and applied social science research, provide technical assistance, and offer training to support the development of skills in natural resource management activities.
The Nation’s economic and social development hinges on healthy and productive natural systems. The Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is a leader in conducting economic and social science in the context of natural resource management decision-making. To conserve our nation’s natural resources and sustain a vibrant economy for present and future generations, FORT economists and social scientists develop and deliver relevant information used by resource managers to maximize and sustain benefits the American public realize from our Nation’s natural resources. FORT social scientists work to streamline institutional and social arrangements that facilitate the successful implementation of management plans and policies. Integrating people, economies, and social systems into natural decisions is inherently interdisciplinary and requires working across economic, social, and natural sciences. Economists and social scientists at the FORT provide unique capability in USGS by leading projects at the cutting edge of conducting interdisciplinary science in this complex context.
Research Areas
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Human Dimensions of Resource Management
Human dimensions in the context of natural resource management refers to understanding attitudes, preferences, and behaviors of American citizens in order to improve conservation and management of public lands and waters. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.Economics and Ecosystem Services
Federal policymakers and land managers are accountable to the public for how they use public resources and for the outcomes of policy and management decisions. Through a variety of economic analyses and custom modeling, SEA economists evaluate how investments and management decisions affect individuals, local communities, and society as a whole.Policy Analysis and Decision Support
Social and Economic Analysis Branch Social Scientists investigate the process of environmental decision making and how stakeholder engagement strategies, policies, institutions, and decision support tools influence management outcomes.
News from the SEA branch
Explore all active and completed SEA branch science projects.
Economics of Outdoor Recreation
Economics of Wildland Fire
Identifying Chains of Consequences and Interventions for Post-fire Hazards and Impacts to Resources and Ecosystems
Wildlife Economics
Southwest Energy Exploration, Development, and Reclamation (SWEDR)
Economic assessment of addressing annual invasive grasses across the sagebrush biome
Contributions to the development of the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Sagebrush Conservation Strategy
Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review
Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)
Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation
Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention
Economic Implications of Sagebrush Treatment and Restoration Practices Across the Great Basin and Wyoming
The Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) branch is an interdisciplinary group of scientists whose primary functions are to conduct both theoretical and applied social science research, provide technical assistance, and offer training to support the development of skills in natural resource management activities.
The Nation’s economic and social development hinges on healthy and productive natural systems. The Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is a leader in conducting economic and social science in the context of natural resource management decision-making. To conserve our nation’s natural resources and sustain a vibrant economy for present and future generations, FORT economists and social scientists develop and deliver relevant information used by resource managers to maximize and sustain benefits the American public realize from our Nation’s natural resources. FORT social scientists work to streamline institutional and social arrangements that facilitate the successful implementation of management plans and policies. Integrating people, economies, and social systems into natural decisions is inherently interdisciplinary and requires working across economic, social, and natural sciences. Economists and social scientists at the FORT provide unique capability in USGS by leading projects at the cutting edge of conducting interdisciplinary science in this complex context.
Research Areas
-
Human Dimensions of Resource Management
Human dimensions in the context of natural resource management refers to understanding attitudes, preferences, and behaviors of American citizens in order to improve conservation and management of public lands and waters. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.Economics and Ecosystem Services
Federal policymakers and land managers are accountable to the public for how they use public resources and for the outcomes of policy and management decisions. Through a variety of economic analyses and custom modeling, SEA economists evaluate how investments and management decisions affect individuals, local communities, and society as a whole.Policy Analysis and Decision Support
Social and Economic Analysis Branch Social Scientists investigate the process of environmental decision making and how stakeholder engagement strategies, policies, institutions, and decision support tools influence management outcomes.
News from the SEA branch
Explore all active and completed SEA branch science projects.