Natural Resource Economics

Natural resource economics provides critical information on the economic consequences of Department of the Interior and other natural resource and hazard management decisions. Economics bridges biophysical science results with natural resources and hazards management in monetary terms that are understandable by scientists, managers, policy makers, and the public. USGS’ internal economics capacity advances integration of the earth and economic sciences increasing the decision-relevance and value of USGS science.

Our Focus Topics

Interior marshes are experiencing increases in salinity and marsh habitat has been overtaken by encroaching mangroves

* Value ecosystem services and natural resources

* Assess benefits from scientific information in decision making

* Analyze tradeoffs from resource management alternatives and scenarios

* Evaluate environmental markets and their use

Our Projects & Studies

Mississippi Corn Irrigation Photograph

* National Wildlife Refuges Integrated Biophysical Models

* Mauna Loa Eruption Case Study

* Value of CyanoHABS Information: Freshwater Beach Management

* Valuing Streamgage Information

Browse Topics

Bayesian Decision Analysis

Biodiversity and Habitat Markets Policy

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Difficult Run Watershed

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge Assessment

Economic and Ecological Implications of Market - Based Conservation

Economic Coordinating Group

Economic Impact Analysis for Planning Model

Economics Community of Practice

Environmental Markets Assessments

Fire Mitigation

Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

Natural Resources Management

Non-Market Valuation

Nutrient and Sediment Retention

Value of Information

Value of Return on Investment

Value of Streamgage Information