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Human Dimensions of Resource Management

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By Fort Collins Science Center July 4, 2025

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.

Media
Elk in Yellowstone National Park
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
An elk roaming through Yellowstone National Park.

Human Dimensions scientists in the Social and Economic Analysis Branch use quantitative and qualitative social science methods to empower day-to-day decision making by DOI field managers, and in the creation and implementation of Federal land and water management plans.

Human Dimensions research in the SEA Branch places human needs and interests within the context of natural systems with the objective of maximizing the benefits American citizens receive from public lands and waters. 

 

Specific activities for Human Dimensions of Resource Management scientists include:

1) Collecting data from visitors, community residents, and other stakeholders about their activities on public lands and attitudes toward public land and water management alternatives

2) Understanding the relationships among public land water management actions, human well-being, and community sustainability in light of phenomena such as outdoor recreation provision and energy development

3) Assessing users of data and technology in natural resource management in order to improve DOI’s ability to provide these tools to decision makers.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Screenshot of mapping software that shows the multiple uses of public lands

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

As part of the Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems project, also known as VaMPIRE, USGS scientists are developing a public participatory GIS application that aids in gathering information about visitors’ values for public lands and waters.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

As part of the Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems project, also known as VaMPIRE, USGS scientists are developing a public participatory GIS application that aids in gathering information about visitors’ values for public lands and waters.
Learn More
Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp

North American Waterfowl Management Plan

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) represents the foundational and successful effort to manage waterfowl and migratory bird in North America. Continued success of NAWMP depends on maintaining relevance to partners and society over time. Social science research supports NAWMP by providing a better understanding of what people value regarding waterfowl and their habitats.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
North American Waterfowl Management Plan

North American Waterfowl Management Plan

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) represents the foundational and successful effort to manage waterfowl and migratory bird in North America. Continued success of NAWMP depends on maintaining relevance to partners and society over time. Social science research supports NAWMP by providing a better understanding of what people value regarding waterfowl and their habitats.
Learn More
Elk in open field in Yellowstone National Park

Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to model the social-ecological system that encompasses chronic wasting disease management in the United States. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurologically degenerative disease that impacts many cervid species in North America (e.g., elk, moose, mule deer, and white...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to model the social-ecological system that encompasses chronic wasting disease management in the United States. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurologically degenerative disease that impacts many cervid species in North America (e.g., elk, moose, mule deer, and white...
Learn More
Person hiking on the Continental Divide Scenic Trail in Colorado

Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

The Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services Program regularly conducts recreational visitor satisfaction surveys. The USGS Social and Economic Analysis Branch is assessing the visitor survey effort and recommending updates to the current effort.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

The Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services Program regularly conducts recreational visitor satisfaction surveys. The USGS Social and Economic Analysis Branch is assessing the visitor survey effort and recommending updates to the current effort.
Learn More
Prescribed burn at St. Marks National Refuge

Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

The Joint Fire Science Program is a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service that connects relevant fire science research with stakeholders. USGS Scientists are supporting the Joint Fire Science Program by assessing the science needs of its stakeholders in order to inform future decision making.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

The Joint Fire Science Program is a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service that connects relevant fire science research with stakeholders. USGS Scientists are supporting the Joint Fire Science Program by assessing the science needs of its stakeholders in order to inform future decision making.
Learn More
Close up photo of a bird

Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the issues, viewpoints, and concerns within the Service in relation to conservation introductions. Conservation introduction is the planned, intentional moving of species, populations or genotypes to a location outside a target’s native range.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the issues, viewpoints, and concerns within the Service in relation to conservation introductions. Conservation introduction is the planned, intentional moving of species, populations or genotypes to a location outside a target’s native range.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 27

National Park Service staff perspectives on how climate change affects visitor use National Park Service staff perspectives on how climate change affects visitor use

1. Many public lands, including those managed by the U.S. National Park Service(NPS), have the purpose of conserving natural and cultural resources and providing opportunities for visitors to recreate in and enjoy these areas. Achieving this mission becomes more challenging as drought, flooding, increasing temperatures and other climatic change effects are impacting NPS lands and...
Authors
Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Emily Wilkins, Wylie Carr, Samantha Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela Daniele, Spencer Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System

Research shows that climate change is already affecting both resources and visitors in U.S. National Parks. We sought to better understand if and how park staff across the National Park Service are adapting to climatic changes that affect visitor use, as well as barriers and challenges to adaptation and information needs. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 63 staff...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Wylie Carr, Samantha G. Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela B. Daniele, Spencer A. Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Using public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) to explore uses and values for Mojave Trails National Monument, California Using public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) to explore uses and values for Mojave Trails National Monument, California

Many people ascribe a variety of values to public lands and waters, but some values are more difficult to assess and quantify than others. Public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) are tools that have been used to help quantify and map the public’s diverse values for a landscape. This work describes the first known Office of Management and Budget–approved use of PPGIS...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lindley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster, Mark Hannon, Parker T. Rowland, Michael J. Runnels
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Visitation estimation Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Visitation estimation

Federally managed public lands and waters attract millions of visitors each year, generating significant economic benefits for surrounding communities. Accurate visitation data are crucial for guiding policy decisions and managing resources effectively. This report explores the methods employed by agencies to collect and use data on recreational visitation to Federal lands and waters...
Authors
Dieta Hanson, Emily Wilkins, Spencer Wood, Christian Crowley, Whitney Boone, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

The mountains are calling, but will visitors go? Modeling the effect of weather and air quality on visitation to Pacific Northwest parks and protected areas using mobile device data The mountains are calling, but will visitors go? Modeling the effect of weather and air quality on visitation to Pacific Northwest parks and protected areas using mobile device data

We investigated how visitors to federal, state, and local parks and protected areas (PPAs) respond to weather and air quality conditions in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), United States. Specifically, we modeled the relationship between weekly visitation and mean weekly minimum and maximum temperature, precipitation, Air Quality Index (AQI), and particulate matter 2.5 concentration (PM2.5...
Authors
Kira Minehart, Ashley D'Antonio, Emily Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

North American Waterfowl Management Plan survey regional profile—Southeast region North American Waterfowl Management Plan survey regional profile—Southeast region

Executive SummaryGaining a better understanding of the human dimensions of waterfowl management to inform the North American Waterfowl Management Plan is a valuable but challenging goal for the future success of waterfowl management. Increasing engagement with key stakeholder groups will lead to more support and effective waterfowl management. Social systems are complex because...
Authors
Nicholas Cole, David Fulton
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center

A review of the effects of climate change on visitor use in US public lands and waters A review of the effects of climate change on visitor use in US public lands and waters

Climate change is affecting recreational visitor use in U.S. public lands and waters, causing changes to visitation levels, timing of trips, activity participation, and visitor safety. This report reviews the literature on how climate change is influencing visitor use in the United States and how visitor use may be affected in the future. Our goal is to provide the current state of the...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Wylie Carr, Julianne Reas, Samantha G. Winder, Spencer A. Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Trail sustainability broadly defined Trail sustainability broadly defined

In this paper we provide a concise yet comprehensive examination of the importance and sustainability of trail networks, considering a diverse array of perspectives. Sustainability related to recreation infrastructure elements has been variously defined, with different disciplines often only considering one or two aspects of sustainability. In the context of trail networks, we suggest...
Authors
Jeffrey Marion, Emily Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Delineating draft inventory analysis units for National Scenic and Historic Trails inventory, assessment, and monitoring programs Delineating draft inventory analysis units for National Scenic and Historic Trails inventory, assessment, and monitoring programs

As of 2024, there are 32 National Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHTs) in the system administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The BLM administers, manages, and protects 19 of these trails as part of its system of national conservation lands. Various laws, regulations, and policies require that the BLM...
Authors
Sarah Lindley, Emily Wilkins, Carin Farley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Quantifying and evaluating strategies to decrease carbon dioxide emissions generated from tourism to Yellowstone National Park Quantifying and evaluating strategies to decrease carbon dioxide emissions generated from tourism to Yellowstone National Park

The tourism industry needs strategies to reduce emissions and hasten the achievement of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction targets. Using a case study approach, we estimated CO2 emissions related to park tourism in Yellowstone National Park (USA) generated from transit to and from the park, transit within the park, accommodations, and park operations. Results indicate tourism...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Dani Dagan, Jordan Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Effects and perceptions of weather, climate, and climate change on outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism in the United States: A systematic review Effects and perceptions of weather, climate, and climate change on outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism in the United States: A systematic review

Weather, climate, and climate change all effect outdoor recreation and tourism, and will continue to cause a multitude of effects as the climate warms. We conduct a systematic literature review to better understand how weather, climate, and climate change affect outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism across the United States. We specifically explore how the effects differ by...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Lydia Horne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences

Canadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel...
Authors
Katherine Sainsbury, Howard W. Harshaw, David Fulton, Nicholas Cole, Ashley A. Dayer, Jennie N. Duberstein, Andrew H. Raedeke, Rudy Schuster, Mark P. Vrtiska
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Fort Collins Science Center
Making every visit count: How Federal agencies estimate visitation to our public lands and waters

Making every visit count: How Federal agencies estimate visitation to our public lands and waters

In a new study, researchers review current approaches used by federal agencies to estimate recreational visitation to their lands and waters, as well...

Read Article
What makes a trail sustainable?

What makes a trail sustainable?

In this paper, USGS researchers describe four, interconnected elements affecting the sustainability of a recreational trail: managerial sustainability...

Read Article
New study from FORT social scientists and collaborators describes perceived constraints of the U.S. public to participating in wildlife-related recreation

New study from FORT social scientists and collaborators describes perceived constraints of the U.S. public to participating in wildlife-related recreation

A new paper out in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism describes the self-determined constraints of the U.S. public to participating in...

Read Article

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.

Media
Elk in Yellowstone National Park
Sources/Usage: Some content may have restrictions. View Media Details
An elk roaming through Yellowstone National Park.

Human Dimensions scientists in the Social and Economic Analysis Branch use quantitative and qualitative social science methods to empower day-to-day decision making by DOI field managers, and in the creation and implementation of Federal land and water management plans.

Human Dimensions research in the SEA Branch places human needs and interests within the context of natural systems with the objective of maximizing the benefits American citizens receive from public lands and waters. 

 

Specific activities for Human Dimensions of Resource Management scientists include:

1) Collecting data from visitors, community residents, and other stakeholders about their activities on public lands and attitudes toward public land and water management alternatives

2) Understanding the relationships among public land water management actions, human well-being, and community sustainability in light of phenomena such as outdoor recreation provision and energy development

3) Assessing users of data and technology in natural resource management in order to improve DOI’s ability to provide these tools to decision makers.

Below are other science projects associated with this project.

Screenshot of mapping software that shows the multiple uses of public lands

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

As part of the Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems project, also known as VaMPIRE, USGS scientists are developing a public participatory GIS application that aids in gathering information about visitors’ values for public lands and waters.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE)

As part of the Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems project, also known as VaMPIRE, USGS scientists are developing a public participatory GIS application that aids in gathering information about visitors’ values for public lands and waters.
Learn More
Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp

North American Waterfowl Management Plan

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) represents the foundational and successful effort to manage waterfowl and migratory bird in North America. Continued success of NAWMP depends on maintaining relevance to partners and society over time. Social science research supports NAWMP by providing a better understanding of what people value regarding waterfowl and their habitats.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
North American Waterfowl Management Plan

North American Waterfowl Management Plan

The North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP) represents the foundational and successful effort to manage waterfowl and migratory bird in North America. Continued success of NAWMP depends on maintaining relevance to partners and society over time. Social science research supports NAWMP by providing a better understanding of what people value regarding waterfowl and their habitats.
Learn More
Elk in open field in Yellowstone National Park

Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to model the social-ecological system that encompasses chronic wasting disease management in the United States. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurologically degenerative disease that impacts many cervid species in North America (e.g., elk, moose, mule deer, and white...
By
Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

Mapping Chronic Wasting Disease Management: Identify Opportunities for Intervention

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to model the social-ecological system that encompasses chronic wasting disease management in the United States. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurologically degenerative disease that impacts many cervid species in North America (e.g., elk, moose, mule deer, and white...
Learn More
Person hiking on the Continental Divide Scenic Trail in Colorado

Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

The Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services Program regularly conducts recreational visitor satisfaction surveys. The USGS Social and Economic Analysis Branch is assessing the visitor survey effort and recommending updates to the current effort.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

Bureau of Land Management Recreational Visitor Data Program Review

The Bureau of Land Management Recreation and Visitor Services Program regularly conducts recreational visitor satisfaction surveys. The USGS Social and Economic Analysis Branch is assessing the visitor survey effort and recommending updates to the current effort.
Learn More
Prescribed burn at St. Marks National Refuge

Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

The Joint Fire Science Program is a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service that connects relevant fire science research with stakeholders. USGS Scientists are supporting the Joint Fire Science Program by assessing the science needs of its stakeholders in order to inform future decision making.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

Joint Fire Science Program Evaluation

The Joint Fire Science Program is a partnership between the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service that connects relevant fire science research with stakeholders. USGS Scientists are supporting the Joint Fire Science Program by assessing the science needs of its stakeholders in order to inform future decision making.
Learn More
Close up photo of a bird

Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the issues, viewpoints, and concerns within the Service in relation to conservation introductions. Conservation introduction is the planned, intentional moving of species, populations or genotypes to a location outside a target’s native range.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

Conservation Introductions: Enhancing Decision Support for the Pacific Northwest and Pacific Islands

This research effort is an interagency partnership between U.S. Geological Survey and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to explore the issues, viewpoints, and concerns within the Service in relation to conservation introductions. Conservation introduction is the planned, intentional moving of species, populations or genotypes to a location outside a target’s native range.
Learn More
Filter Total Items: 27

National Park Service staff perspectives on how climate change affects visitor use National Park Service staff perspectives on how climate change affects visitor use

1. Many public lands, including those managed by the U.S. National Park Service(NPS), have the purpose of conserving natural and cultural resources and providing opportunities for visitors to recreate in and enjoy these areas. Achieving this mission becomes more challenging as drought, flooding, increasing temperatures and other climatic change effects are impacting NPS lands and...
Authors
Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Emily Wilkins, Wylie Carr, Samantha Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela Daniele, Spencer Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System Adapting visitor use management under a changing climate across the U.S. National Park System

Research shows that climate change is already affecting both resources and visitors in U.S. National Parks. We sought to better understand if and how park staff across the National Park Service are adapting to climatic changes that affect visitor use, as well as barriers and challenges to adaptation and information needs. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 63 staff...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Wylie Carr, Samantha G. Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela B. Daniele, Spencer A. Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Using public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) to explore uses and values for Mojave Trails National Monument, California Using public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) to explore uses and values for Mojave Trails National Monument, California

Many people ascribe a variety of values to public lands and waters, but some values are more difficult to assess and quantify than others. Public participatory geographic information systems (PPGIS) are tools that have been used to help quantify and map the public’s diverse values for a landscape. This work describes the first known Office of Management and Budget–approved use of PPGIS...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lindley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster, Mark Hannon, Parker T. Rowland, Michael J. Runnels
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Visitation estimation Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Visitation estimation

Federally managed public lands and waters attract millions of visitors each year, generating significant economic benefits for surrounding communities. Accurate visitation data are crucial for guiding policy decisions and managing resources effectively. This report explores the methods employed by agencies to collect and use data on recreational visitation to Federal lands and waters...
Authors
Dieta Hanson, Emily Wilkins, Spencer Wood, Christian Crowley, Whitney Boone, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

The mountains are calling, but will visitors go? Modeling the effect of weather and air quality on visitation to Pacific Northwest parks and protected areas using mobile device data The mountains are calling, but will visitors go? Modeling the effect of weather and air quality on visitation to Pacific Northwest parks and protected areas using mobile device data

We investigated how visitors to federal, state, and local parks and protected areas (PPAs) respond to weather and air quality conditions in the Pacific Northwest (PNW), United States. Specifically, we modeled the relationship between weekly visitation and mean weekly minimum and maximum temperature, precipitation, Air Quality Index (AQI), and particulate matter 2.5 concentration (PM2.5...
Authors
Kira Minehart, Ashley D'Antonio, Emily Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

North American Waterfowl Management Plan survey regional profile—Southeast region North American Waterfowl Management Plan survey regional profile—Southeast region

Executive SummaryGaining a better understanding of the human dimensions of waterfowl management to inform the North American Waterfowl Management Plan is a valuable but challenging goal for the future success of waterfowl management. Increasing engagement with key stakeholder groups will lead to more support and effective waterfowl management. Social systems are complex because...
Authors
Nicholas Cole, David Fulton
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center

A review of the effects of climate change on visitor use in US public lands and waters A review of the effects of climate change on visitor use in US public lands and waters

Climate change is affecting recreational visitor use in U.S. public lands and waters, causing changes to visitation levels, timing of trips, activity participation, and visitor safety. This report reviews the literature on how climate change is influencing visitor use in the United States and how visitor use may be affected in the future. Our goal is to provide the current state of the...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Sarah Lynn Rappaport Keener, Wylie Carr, Julianne Reas, Samantha G. Winder, Spencer A. Wood
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Trail sustainability broadly defined Trail sustainability broadly defined

In this paper we provide a concise yet comprehensive examination of the importance and sustainability of trail networks, considering a diverse array of perspectives. Sustainability related to recreation infrastructure elements has been variously defined, with different disciplines often only considering one or two aspects of sustainability. In the context of trail networks, we suggest...
Authors
Jeffrey Marion, Emily Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Delineating draft inventory analysis units for National Scenic and Historic Trails inventory, assessment, and monitoring programs Delineating draft inventory analysis units for National Scenic and Historic Trails inventory, assessment, and monitoring programs

As of 2024, there are 32 National Scenic and Historic Trails (NSHTs) in the system administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. The BLM administers, manages, and protects 19 of these trails as part of its system of national conservation lands. Various laws, regulations, and policies require that the BLM...
Authors
Sarah Lindley, Emily Wilkins, Carin Farley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Quantifying and evaluating strategies to decrease carbon dioxide emissions generated from tourism to Yellowstone National Park Quantifying and evaluating strategies to decrease carbon dioxide emissions generated from tourism to Yellowstone National Park

The tourism industry needs strategies to reduce emissions and hasten the achievement of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emission reduction targets. Using a case study approach, we estimated CO2 emissions related to park tourism in Yellowstone National Park (USA) generated from transit to and from the park, transit within the park, accommodations, and park operations. Results indicate tourism...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Dani Dagan, Jordan Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Effects and perceptions of weather, climate, and climate change on outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism in the United States: A systematic review Effects and perceptions of weather, climate, and climate change on outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism in the United States: A systematic review

Weather, climate, and climate change all effect outdoor recreation and tourism, and will continue to cause a multitude of effects as the climate warms. We conduct a systematic literature review to better understand how weather, climate, and climate change affect outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism across the United States. We specifically explore how the effects differ by...
Authors
Emily Wilkins, Lydia Horne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences What waterfowl hunters want: Exploring heterogeneity in hunting trip preferences

Canadian and American waterfowl hunters were surveyed to identify their hunting trip preferences. Respondents were individuals that were now participating or had participated in waterfowl hunting, and most had hunted the majority of the last five years. We identified four latent classes of waterfowl hunters that varied in their preferences for harvest, access effort, length of travel...
Authors
Katherine Sainsbury, Howard W. Harshaw, David Fulton, Nicholas Cole, Ashley A. Dayer, Jennie N. Duberstein, Andrew H. Raedeke, Rudy Schuster, Mark P. Vrtiska
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Fort Collins Science Center
Making every visit count: How Federal agencies estimate visitation to our public lands and waters

Making every visit count: How Federal agencies estimate visitation to our public lands and waters

In a new study, researchers review current approaches used by federal agencies to estimate recreational visitation to their lands and waters, as well...

Read Article
What makes a trail sustainable?

What makes a trail sustainable?

In this paper, USGS researchers describe four, interconnected elements affecting the sustainability of a recreational trail: managerial sustainability...

Read Article
New study from FORT social scientists and collaborators describes perceived constraints of the U.S. public to participating in wildlife-related recreation

New study from FORT social scientists and collaborators describes perceived constraints of the U.S. public to participating in wildlife-related recreation

A new paper out in the Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism describes the self-determined constraints of the U.S. public to participating in...

Read Article
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