What is the project?

The project is a collaboration between the National Park Service's (NPS) Biological Resource Management Division (BRMD) and Cornell University's Human Dimensions Research Unit (HDRU) that seeks to improve NPS ability to respond to wildlife management needs of park units across the country by integrating biological and human dimensions of wildlife management. To read the project agreement, click here.

Who are the collaborating institutions?

The Biological Resource Management Division (BRMD) carries out a broad-based biological resource support program that focuses on exotic species management and ecosystem restoration, threatened and endangered species, and wildlife management. The Division is responsible for policy formulation, planning, training, coordination, and implementation of biological resource management activities and programs of broad Servicewide importance. The Division also provides expert scientific, planning, and evaluation assistance on management actions and biological resource management issues at the park level. Part of the Natural Resource Program Center, the BRMD was created through the Natural Resource Challenge, a multi-year program to help increase active, scientifically sound management of our nation's National Parks.

The Human Dimensions Research Unit (HDRU) was created in Cornell University's Department of Natural Resources in the early 1970's and strives to expand the understanding of academicians, students, and natural resources agency staff about the human behavioral aspects of natural resource management and policy. We work to develop fundamental understandings of human behavior associated with resource management and to apply concepts and empirical findings to real-world, contemporary problems of management. Our research results include empirical data, conceptual frameworks, and theoretical insights. These research products are used in the policy development, implementation, and evaluation processes of a wide array of policymakers, especially those in state and federal agencies. The applied aspects of Human Dimensions Research Unit research are aimed at issues facing natural resources management agencies consistent with the mission of a Land Grant university.

Meet the Contact Team

	Kirsten Leong is the Program Lead for Human Dimensions of Biological Resource Management in the Biological Resource Management Division of the National Park Service. She received a B.S. with Honors in Biology and B.A. in Anthropology from Brown University and an M.S. in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation and Graduate Certificate in Environmental Education and Communication from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Natural Resources from Cornell University. She has worked in wildlife research and education at national parks, zoos and museums for 15 years, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer at Isalo National Park in Madagascar. Her interests include human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology and education.
	Dan Decker, Ph.D., is the Director of the Office of Land Grant Affairs, Senior Advisor to the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Co-leader of the Human Dimensions Research Unit and Professor in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University.
	Margaret Wild, DVM, Ph.D., is the Wildlife Veterinarian for the Biological Resource Management Division of the NPS. She provides technical assistance to parks on animal health and welfare issues, develops and reviews NPS policy on wildlife well being, develops training for park staff in animal health issues, assists with disease outbreak investigations, and works interdepartmentally to facilitate disease control and provide parks with the necessary information and direction.