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.
The Nation’s economic and social development hinges on healthy and productive natural systems. The Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is a leader in conducting economic and social science in the context of natural resource management decision-making. To conserve our nation’s natural resources and sustain a vibrant economy for present and future generations, FORT economists and social scientists develop and deliver relevant information used by resource managers to maximize and sustain benefits the American public realize from our Nation’s natural resources. FORT social scientists work to streamline institutional and social arrangements that facilitate the successful implementation of management plans and policies. Integrating people, economies, and social systems into natural decisions is inherently interdisciplinary and requires working across economic, social, and natural sciences. Economists and social scientists at the FORT provide unique capability in USGS by leading projects at the cutting edge of conducting interdisciplinary science in this complex context.
Research Areas
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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.Economics and Ecosystem Services
Federal policymakers and land managers are accountable to the public for how they use public resources and for the outcomes of policy and management decisions. Through a variety of economic analyses and custom modeling, SEA economists evaluate how investments and management decisions affect individuals, local communities, and society as a whole.Policy Analysis and Decision Support
Social and Economic Analysis Branch Social Scientists investigate the process of environmental decision making and how stakeholder engagement strategies, policies, institutions, and decision support tools influence management outcomes.
News from the SEA branch
Explore all active and completed SEA branch science projects.
Human Dimensions of Climate Change
Uncovering the Ecosystem Service Value of Carbon Sequestration in National Parks
Agriculture from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Technology from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Water from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Humanitarianism from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Forestry from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Environment from 'Landsat Imagery: A Unique Resource'
Human Dimensions of Resource Management
Policy Analysis and Decision Support
How and Why Upper Colorado River Basin Land, Water, and Fire Managers Choose to Use Drought Tools (or Not)
Users, Uses, and Value of Landsat Imagery
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.
The Nation’s economic and social development hinges on healthy and productive natural systems. The Fort Collins Science Center (FORT) is a leader in conducting economic and social science in the context of natural resource management decision-making. To conserve our nation’s natural resources and sustain a vibrant economy for present and future generations, FORT economists and social scientists develop and deliver relevant information used by resource managers to maximize and sustain benefits the American public realize from our Nation’s natural resources. FORT social scientists work to streamline institutional and social arrangements that facilitate the successful implementation of management plans and policies. Integrating people, economies, and social systems into natural decisions is inherently interdisciplinary and requires working across economic, social, and natural sciences. Economists and social scientists at the FORT provide unique capability in USGS by leading projects at the cutting edge of conducting interdisciplinary science in this complex context.
Research Areas
-
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.Economics and Ecosystem Services
Federal policymakers and land managers are accountable to the public for how they use public resources and for the outcomes of policy and management decisions. Through a variety of economic analyses and custom modeling, SEA economists evaluate how investments and management decisions affect individuals, local communities, and society as a whole.Policy Analysis and Decision Support
Social and Economic Analysis Branch Social Scientists investigate the process of environmental decision making and how stakeholder engagement strategies, policies, institutions, and decision support tools influence management outcomes.
News from the SEA branch
Explore all active and completed SEA branch science projects.