Human Dimensions of Natural
Resources at Colorado State University
For more than fifty years Colorado State University's Warner College of Natural Resources (WCNR) has played a leadership role in research, teaching, training and technical assistance related to the world's parks and protected natural areas. It is widely recognized that these areas play a vital role in maintaining the earth's biotic diversity and ecosystem health. Sound management, provided by trained professionals, and citizen support will ensure the maintenance of these important areas which anchor the success of nature conservation into the 21st century. Faculty in the WCNR at CSU pioneered efforts in the study and application of human dimensions of natural resources (HDNR). HDNR has constituted a special area of research at CSU since the early 1970’s and by 1992 faculty from the Department of Human Dimensions of Natural Resources (HDNR) established a “Human Dimensions of Natural Resources Unit.” This department is one of only a handful across the nation offering a HDNR Ph.D. program.
The purpose of the HDNRU is to conduct high quality research, outreach and teaching that:
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Facilitates awareness and understanding of public values regarding natural resources,
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Improves communication with the public regarding natural resource issues,
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Leads to understanding and prediction of the social impacts of natural resource decisions,
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Improves methods of applying human dimensions information to decision-making.
The HDNR Unit promotes and draws upon the diverse group of social scientists at CSU who are actively involved in international and national research related to the human dimensions of natural resources. Faculty and students regularly conduct research for a diversity of international, federal, state and local agencies and work to improve methods of applying HD information to decision-making. Improving communication with the public regarding natural resource issues is also a key focus of the HDNR Unit.
While sustaining a focus on domestic natural resource activities, a high priority for the future is to conduct research and instruction that expands an understanding of the human dimensions of natural resources at a global level. In addition, the HDNRU has provided unique educational opportunities for graduate students who are interested in advancing our understanding of the human dimensions of natural resources and the condition of both humans and our natural resources.
