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Science and Decisions Center

The USGS Science and Decisions Center (SDC) is a unique and small interdisciplinary center which conducts integrated physical, biological, socioeconomic, and information science, advances decision-analytic methods in the USGS, and investigates innovative data collection and analysis methods with a goal of increasing the use and value of USGS science in decision making.

News

SACNAS Virtual Presentation

SACNAS Virtual Presentation

Floodplain Ecosystem Service Mapper Released

Floodplain Ecosystem Service Mapper Released

Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

Employing an Ecosystem Services Framework to Deliver Decision Ready Science

Publications

Nesting and post-fledging predation risk influence diel patterns of songbird fledging

Among stages of avian ontogeny, the act of nest departure or fledging is an abrupt transition into a new environment and a major leap toward independence for offspring. In altricial birds, the timing of fledging is notable in that many species tend to fledge early in the morning. Past studies have proposed nest predation as a key factor driving birds to fledge earlier in the morning (the ‘survival
Authors
Todd M. Jones, Scott J. Chiavacci, Thomas J. Benson, Michael P. Ward

Nisqually River Delta—Humans and nature benefiting together

IntroductionThis is a brochure created in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Nisqually Indian Tribe, and the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Designed for a public audience, the brochure describes the history of the Nisqually Indian Tribe, the ecology of the delta, the resources and recreational opportunities available for Refuge visitors, future challenges
Authors
Kristin B. Byrd, Isa Woo, Glynnis Nakai, Debbie Preston, Shonté Jenkins

Flood damage costs beyond buildings—A Lake Champlain case study

IntroductionFloods account for more than 75 percent of Federal disaster declarations and lead other natural disasters in economic costs. Early-warning systems have lowered flood-related fatalities, but costs continue to rise as flood-prone areas continue to be urbanized (U.S. Geological Survey, 2006). A Lake Champlain case study shows that at moderate flood heights, the economic costs of non-struc
Authors
Charles Rhodes

Science

Decision Science

We host strong decision science programs on University campuses listed below. Understanding cultural, social, and political factors drives decision-making. In other words, what people think matters. One of the key building blocks our program is we actively engage local communities and our research is relevant to the needs of the States, geographic regions, and the Nation. We make available new...
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Decision Science

We host strong decision science programs on University campuses listed below. Understanding cultural, social, and political factors drives decision-making. In other words, what people think matters. One of the key building blocks our program is we actively engage local communities and our research is relevant to the needs of the States, geographic regions, and the Nation. We make available new...
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About the Science and Decisions Center

Today's natural resource managers must make effective decisions with broad–scale societal impacts.
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About the Science and Decisions Center

Today's natural resource managers must make effective decisions with broad–scale societal impacts.
Learn More