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Emily J Wilkins, PhD (Former Employee)

Science and Products

A hiker on the Lower White River Wilderness trail. BLM photo.

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. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Human Dimensions of Resource Management

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. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.
Learn More
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
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
Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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
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

Survey Responses Collected in 2024 Measuring End-users' and Experts' Experiences Being Engaged in Development of Scientific Tools Survey Responses Collected in 2024 Measuring End-users' and Experts' Experiences Being Engaged in Development of Scientific Tools

Engagement of end-users and fellow experts is fundamental to the creation of useful scientific tools. We conducted a survey-based research project to assist scientists responsible for creating scientific tools by evaluating their engagement of end-users and experts in the development of these tools. Our study includes a suite of six United States Geological Survey (USGS) projects that...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems: Mojave Trails National Monument, California, 2024 Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems: Mojave Trails National Monument, California, 2024

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE) is a Public Participatory GIS tool developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management to aid in gathering information from the public about their values for public lands and waters. This contains data from 121 surveys returned in 2024 for the Mojave Trails National Monument in California...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Results of a U.S. General Public Survey to Inform the 2018 North American Waterfowl Management Plan Update (2017) 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...
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Filter Total Items: 21

Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Aspects of visitor use Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Aspects of visitor use

Federally managed public lands and waters receive about 1 billion recreational visits each year. Data on these visitors can aid in guiding policy decisions, managing resources effectively, and communicating the economic contributions of lands and waters. This report explores the methods used by agencies to collect data on aspects of recreational visitor use to Federal lands and waters...
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Dieta Hanson, Whitney Boone, Spencer A. Wood, Christian S.L. Crowley, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

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 J. Wilkins, Wylie Carr, Samantha G. Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela B. Daniele, Spencer A. 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 J. 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 J. Wilkins, Sarah M. Lindley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster, Mark T. 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 J. Wilkins, Spencer H. Wood, Christian S.L. 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 J. Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
FORT Science in Action Part 9: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative produces science for energy development and conservation in southwestern Wyoming

FORT Science in Action Part 9: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative produces science for energy development and conservation in southwestern Wyoming

As the science backbone of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), USGS has developed 200+ science products for WLCI partners over the...

Read Article
FORT Science in Action, Part 8: Enhancing visitor data in support of the EXPLORE Act

FORT Science in Action, Part 8: Enhancing visitor data in support of the EXPLORE Act

The Department of Interior (DOI) manages 480 million acres of public lands that attract over 565 million visitors every year, generating $1.2 trillion...

Read Article
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

Science and Products

A hiker on the Lower White River Wilderness trail. BLM photo.

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. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Fort Collins Science Center
Human Dimensions of Resource Management

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. Human Dimensions at the FORT also includes understanding the users and applications of data and technology in the context of natural resource management.
Learn More
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
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
Social and Economic Analysis (SEA) Branch

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
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

Survey Responses Collected in 2024 Measuring End-users' and Experts' Experiences Being Engaged in Development of Scientific Tools Survey Responses Collected in 2024 Measuring End-users' and Experts' Experiences Being Engaged in Development of Scientific Tools

Engagement of end-users and fellow experts is fundamental to the creation of useful scientific tools. We conducted a survey-based research project to assist scientists responsible for creating scientific tools by evaluating their engagement of end-users and experts in the development of these tools. Our study includes a suite of six United States Geological Survey (USGS) projects that...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems: Mojave Trails National Monument, California, 2024 Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems: Mojave Trails National Monument, California, 2024

Values Mapping for Planning in Regional Ecosystems (VaMPIRE) is a Public Participatory GIS tool developed by the U.S. Geological Survey in collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management to aid in gathering information from the public about their values for public lands and waters. This contains data from 121 surveys returned in 2024 for the Mojave Trails National Monument in California...
By
Fort Collins Science Center

Results of a U.S. General Public Survey to Inform the 2018 North American Waterfowl Management Plan Update (2017) 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...
By
Fort Collins Science Center
Filter Total Items: 21

Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Aspects of visitor use Monitoring recreation on federally managed lands and waters—Aspects of visitor use

Federally managed public lands and waters receive about 1 billion recreational visits each year. Data on these visitors can aid in guiding policy decisions, managing resources effectively, and communicating the economic contributions of lands and waters. This report explores the methods used by agencies to collect data on aspects of recreational visitor use to Federal lands and waters...
Authors
Emily J. Wilkins, Dieta Hanson, Whitney Boone, Spencer A. Wood, Christian S.L. Crowley, Rudy Schuster
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center

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 J. Wilkins, Wylie Carr, Samantha G. Winder, Julianne Reas, Daniela B. Daniele, Spencer A. 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 J. 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 J. Wilkins, Sarah M. Lindley, Karla Rogers, Rudy Schuster, Mark T. 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 J. Wilkins, Spencer H. Wood, Christian S.L. 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 J. Wilkins
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Fort Collins Science Center
FORT Science in Action Part 9: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative produces science for energy development and conservation in southwestern Wyoming

FORT Science in Action Part 9: The Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative produces science for energy development and conservation in southwestern Wyoming

As the science backbone of the Wyoming Landscape Conservation Initiative (WLCI), USGS has developed 200+ science products for WLCI partners over the...

Read Article
FORT Science in Action, Part 8: Enhancing visitor data in support of the EXPLORE Act

FORT Science in Action, Part 8: Enhancing visitor data in support of the EXPLORE Act

The Department of Interior (DOI) manages 480 million acres of public lands that attract over 565 million visitors every year, generating $1.2 trillion...

Read Article
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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