Fort Collins Science Center
Social and Economic Analysis (SEA)
The Fort Collins Science Center’s Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch provides unique capabilities in the U.S. Geological Survey by leading projects that integrate social, economic, and natural science in the context of human–natural resource interactions. Management and research problems associated with human-natural resource interactions are increasing complex as the demands humans place on the environment change. Solving these problems requires knowledge of both natural and social sciences, along with the skill to integrate multiple science disciplines. In response to these challenging contexts, SEA researchers apply a wide variety of economic and social science methods which complement biologists, hydrologists, geologists, geographers, and many other specialists who collaborate to understand the complex interactions in coupled human and natural systems. The goal of SEA’s research is to provide results that empower natural resource mangers in the field and enhances natural-resource management, agency functions, policies, and decision making.
The SEA Branch is comprised of four science themes that work collaboratively and independently:
Browse Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) science related to:
Agricultural Practices
Environmentally responsible land management has direct and indirect implications for wildlife, water quality, and air quality in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems far beyond their extent. Agricultural land use accounts for over 50 percent of the surface area of the contiguous United States. Public recognition that social, aesthetic, and recreational values enhance the traditional...
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.
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 managed by the Department of the Interior (DOI). Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of...
Policy Analysis and Decision Support
SEA Social Scientists investigate the process of environmental decision making and how stakeholder engagement strategies, policies, institutions, and decision support tools influence management outcomes.