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Emily J Wilkins, PhD

Emily Wilkins is a Research Social Scientist conducting human dimensions research to help inform public land and outdoor recreation management. 

Emily Wilkins is a Research Social Scientist in the Social and Economic Analysis Branch (SEA) at the USGS Fort Collins Science Center. Broadly, she conducts human dimensions research to help inform public land and outdoor recreation management. Emily earned her Ph.D. at Utah State University in environment and society. She also has a M.S. in forest resources from the University of Maine, and a B.S. in environmental science and policy from Drake University. Much of her past research has focused on how weather affects visitors to public lands, and how to use freely available online data (for example, social media) to help inform public land management. She enjoys programming in R, working with geospatial data, and conducting survey research to help better understand visitors to public lands.

Professional Experience

  • Research Social Scientist, USGS Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO (2021 – present)

  • Post-Doctoral Researcher, Utah State University, Logan, UT (2020 – 2021)

  • Presidential Doctoral Research Fellow, Utah State University, Logan, UT (2017 – 2020)

  • Contractor, contracted to USGS Fort Collins Science Center, Fort Collins, CO (2016 – 2018)

  • Research Assistant, University of Maine, Orono, ME (2014 – 2016)

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. in Environment and Society, Utah State University

  • M.S. in Forest Resources, University of Maine

  • B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy, Drake University

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 14

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 that there m
Authors
Jeffrey L. Marion, Emily J. 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

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 conduct and m
Authors
Sarah M. Lindley, Emily J. 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

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 to Yellow
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Dani T. Dagan, Jordan W. 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

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 recreational acti
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Lydia Horne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Novel data in recreation monitoring—Summary proceedings from interagency workshops in 2019 and 2023

Two interagency workshops were held in 2019 and 2023 in Fort Collins, Colorado, to discuss the use of novel data in recreation monitoring. During the workshops, the phrase “novel data in recreation monitoring” was primarily used to refer to data from social media, mobile device applications, and other online secondary sources. The goals of these workshops were to share information across agencies
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Christian S.L. Crowley, Eric M. White, Spencer A. Wood, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Perceived constraints to participating in wildlife-related recreation

Wildlife-related recreationists play an important role in conservation. Understanding constraints to wildlife-related activities is critical for maintaining or increasing participation in activities like birdwatching and hunting. A mail-out survey was administered to a generalized sample representative of U.S. residents (i.e., not specific to birdwatching or hunting) in early 2017 to determine wha
Authors
Nicholas W. Cole, Emily J. Wilkins, Kaylin Clements, Rudy Schuster, Ashley A. Dayer, H. W. Harshaw, David C. Fulton, Jennifer N. Duberstein, Andrew H. Raedeke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Support for management actions to protect night sky quality: Insights from visitors to state and national park units in the U.S.

Light pollution is a global phenomenon where anthropogenic light sources continue to grow unabated, affecting both social and ecological systems. This is leaving parks and protected areas as some of the last vestiges of naturally dark environments for protecting views of the night sky. Yet, even parks and protected areas have outdoor lighting. Alternative lighting practices are needed to reduce or
Authors
J. Adam Beeco, Emily J. Wilkins, Anna B. Miller, Chase C. Lamborn, Sharolyn Anderson, Zachary D. Miller, Jordan W. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Visitation to national parks in California shows annual and seasonal change during extreme drought and wet years

This study examines the influence of drought indicators on recreational visitation patterns to National Park Service units in California (USA) from 1980 to 2019. We considered mountain, arid, and coastal park types across a climate gradient where seasonal recreational opportunities are directly or indirectly dependent on water resources. Significant departures from the normal hydroclimate, reflect
Authors
Jeffrey S. Jenkins, John T. Abatzoglou, Emily J. Wilkins, Elizabeth E. Perry
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

What is “big data” and how should we use it? The role of large datasets, secondary data, and associated analysis techniques in outdoor recreation research

With researchers increasingly interested in big data research, this conceptual paper describes how large datasets, secondary data, and associated analysis techniques can be used to understand outdoor recreation. Some types of large, secondary datasets that have been increasingly used in outdoor recreation research include social media, mobile device data, and trip reports or online reviews. First,
Authors
Dani T. Dagan, Emily J. Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Bureau of Reclamation: Visitor satisfaction survey instructions

The purpose of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Visitor Satisfaction Survey is to measure visitors’ opinions about BOR facilities, services, and recreational opportunities. This effort helps BOR meet requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and other BOR and Department of the Interior (DOI) strategic planning efforts. This survey manual provides the detailed methods
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Nicholas W. Cole, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Rural-urban differences in hunting and birdwatching attitudes and participation

Outdoor recreation facilitates important connections to nature and wildlife but is perceived differently across population segments. As such, we expected that current and past socio-demographic characteristics of individuals would influence intention to participate in outdoor recreation. We solicited 5,000 U.S. residents. (n = 1,030, 23% response) to describe their perceptions of hunting and birdw
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Nicholas W. Cole, Holly M. Miller, Rudy Schuster, Ashley A. Dayer, Jennifer N. Duberstein, David C. Fulton, Howard W. Harshaw, Andrew H. Raedeke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Communicating information on nature-related topics: Preferred information channels and trust in sources

How information is communicated influences the public’s environmental perceptions and behaviors. Information channels and sources both play an important role in the dissemination of information. Trust in a source is often used as a proxy for whether a particular piece of information is credible. To determine preferences for information channels and trust in various sources for information on natur
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Holly M. Miller, Elizabeth Tilak, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
link
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.

Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
link

Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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.
Learn More
link
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
link

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
link
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
link

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

Results of a U.S. General Public Survey to Inform the 2018 North American Waterfowl Management Plan Update (2017)

This contains data from 1,030 surveys returned in 2017 from across the United States. Data were collected via a mail-out survey stratified by the population of each state. Data collected include nature-related activity participation, attitudes and barriers to hunting and birdwatching, knowledge of others who hunt and birdwatch, preferred birds, involvement in conservation activities, preferences f
By
Fort Collins Science Center
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

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 14

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 that there m
Authors
Jeffrey L. Marion, Emily J. 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

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 conduct and m
Authors
Sarah M. Lindley, Emily J. 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

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 to Yellow
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Dani T. Dagan, Jordan W. 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

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 recreational acti
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Lydia Horne
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Novel data in recreation monitoring—Summary proceedings from interagency workshops in 2019 and 2023

Two interagency workshops were held in 2019 and 2023 in Fort Collins, Colorado, to discuss the use of novel data in recreation monitoring. During the workshops, the phrase “novel data in recreation monitoring” was primarily used to refer to data from social media, mobile device applications, and other online secondary sources. The goals of these workshops were to share information across agencies
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Christian S.L. Crowley, Eric M. White, Spencer A. Wood, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Perceived constraints to participating in wildlife-related recreation

Wildlife-related recreationists play an important role in conservation. Understanding constraints to wildlife-related activities is critical for maintaining or increasing participation in activities like birdwatching and hunting. A mail-out survey was administered to a generalized sample representative of U.S. residents (i.e., not specific to birdwatching or hunting) in early 2017 to determine wha
Authors
Nicholas W. Cole, Emily J. Wilkins, Kaylin Clements, Rudy Schuster, Ashley A. Dayer, H. W. Harshaw, David C. Fulton, Jennifer N. Duberstein, Andrew H. Raedeke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Support for management actions to protect night sky quality: Insights from visitors to state and national park units in the U.S.

Light pollution is a global phenomenon where anthropogenic light sources continue to grow unabated, affecting both social and ecological systems. This is leaving parks and protected areas as some of the last vestiges of naturally dark environments for protecting views of the night sky. Yet, even parks and protected areas have outdoor lighting. Alternative lighting practices are needed to reduce or
Authors
J. Adam Beeco, Emily J. Wilkins, Anna B. Miller, Chase C. Lamborn, Sharolyn Anderson, Zachary D. Miller, Jordan W. Smith
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Visitation to national parks in California shows annual and seasonal change during extreme drought and wet years

This study examines the influence of drought indicators on recreational visitation patterns to National Park Service units in California (USA) from 1980 to 2019. We considered mountain, arid, and coastal park types across a climate gradient where seasonal recreational opportunities are directly or indirectly dependent on water resources. Significant departures from the normal hydroclimate, reflect
Authors
Jeffrey S. Jenkins, John T. Abatzoglou, Emily J. Wilkins, Elizabeth E. Perry
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

What is “big data” and how should we use it? The role of large datasets, secondary data, and associated analysis techniques in outdoor recreation research

With researchers increasingly interested in big data research, this conceptual paper describes how large datasets, secondary data, and associated analysis techniques can be used to understand outdoor recreation. Some types of large, secondary datasets that have been increasingly used in outdoor recreation research include social media, mobile device data, and trip reports or online reviews. First,
Authors
Dani T. Dagan, Emily J. Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Bureau of Reclamation: Visitor satisfaction survey instructions

The purpose of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) Visitor Satisfaction Survey is to measure visitors’ opinions about BOR facilities, services, and recreational opportunities. This effort helps BOR meet requirements of the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993 (GPRA) and other BOR and Department of the Interior (DOI) strategic planning efforts. This survey manual provides the detailed methods
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Nicholas W. Cole, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Rural-urban differences in hunting and birdwatching attitudes and participation

Outdoor recreation facilitates important connections to nature and wildlife but is perceived differently across population segments. As such, we expected that current and past socio-demographic characteristics of individuals would influence intention to participate in outdoor recreation. We solicited 5,000 U.S. residents. (n = 1,030, 23% response) to describe their perceptions of hunting and birdw
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Nicholas W. Cole, Holly M. Miller, Rudy Schuster, Ashley A. Dayer, Jennifer N. Duberstein, David C. Fulton, Howard W. Harshaw, Andrew H. Raedeke
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

Communicating information on nature-related topics: Preferred information channels and trust in sources

How information is communicated influences the public’s environmental perceptions and behaviors. Information channels and sources both play an important role in the dissemination of information. Trust in a source is often used as a proxy for whether a particular piece of information is credible. To determine preferences for information channels and trust in various sources for information on natur
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Holly M. Miller, Elizabeth Tilak, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
link
A scientist hikes up to a glacier in Glacier National Park.

Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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.
By
Fort Collins Science Center
link

Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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.
Learn More
link
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
link

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
link
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
link

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

Results of a U.S. General Public Survey to Inform the 2018 North American Waterfowl Management Plan Update (2017)

This contains data from 1,030 surveys returned in 2017 from across the United States. Data were collected via a mail-out survey stratified by the population of each state. Data collected include nature-related activity participation, attitudes and barriers to hunting and birdwatching, knowledge of others who hunt and birdwatch, preferred birds, involvement in conservation activities, preferences f
By
Fort Collins Science Center
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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