Research in the area of natural resources considers the interaction of human
activities on the conservation and use of those resources. Many of these
interactions are mediated and influenced by various governmental, ethical,
economic and political structures (which we refer to collectively as
'policy'). The following is an incomplete but representative list
of several 'policy' studies currently under investigation in the
department (you should
also
consult web pages
people
associated with research in this
area):
Human Dimensions
Research Unit | The Human Dimensions Research Unit strives to expand the understanding ofacademicians, students, and natural resources agency staff about thehuman behavioral aspects of natural resource management and policy. Wework to develop fundamental understandings of human behavior associatedwith resource management and to apply concepts and empirical findings toreal-world, contemporary problems of management. Our research resultsinclude empirical data, conceptual frameworks, and theoretical insights.These research products are used in the policy development,implementation, and evaluation processes of a wide array ofpolicymakers, especially those in state and federal agencies. Theapplied aspects of Human Dimensions Research Unit research are aimed atissues facing natural resources management agencies consistent with themission of a Land Grant university. | | | 
Fishing risk-benefit
analysis and diet | Improving Risk/benefit tradeoff abilities among noncommercial fishconsumers through comparative dietary risk information -Since the 1970's, chemical contamination of sport fisheries has promptedstate and tribal fishery, environmental quality, and public health agenciesto collaborate in issuing fish consumption health advisories designed toreduce human health risks by recommending fish consumption rates thatminimize health risks and encourage appropriate use of the fisheries.Probable health effects associated with exposure to the contaminants foundin some fish include carcinogenic, developmental, and reproductive impacts.The advisories are intended to allow individuals to make informed decisionsabout their exposure to chemical contaminants in sportfish. This approachsimultaneously encourages recreational fishing opportunities for anglers,but also presumes that anglers (and other potential fish consumers) areaware of the advise and of the consequences of their decisions to complywith or disregard the advisory. In the past 15 years, Cornell DNR research has addressed the impacts ofhealth advisories and evaluated the use of various communication strategiesfor advisories, thereby improving our understanding of the link betweenadvisory awareness, attitudes, and behavior. The objectives of this specificproject are to (1) characterize the type and magnitude of responses amongvarious target audiences presented with comparative dietary risk informationassociated with fish consumption health advisories; (2) examine how thelevel of potential health risks and benefits associated with fishconsumption affects anglers' decisions regarding eating fish from LakeOntario; and (3) compare how risks and benefits are weighed by the angler,for fish eaten by the angler, and for fish eaten by women of childbearingage and children. Results from this study will focus on how anglers weighthe health risks and benefits of eating contaminated sport-caught fish, andon changing trends in fish consumption advisory awareness and compliance. | | | 
Impacts of Fluctuating
Water Levels on
Boating andBoating-Related
Tourism | Impacts of Fluctuating Water Levels on Boating and Boating-Related Tourism-The IJC is updating a 1950 plan for water level management in Lake Ontarioand the St. Lawrence River. Studies are ongoing currently on both sides ofthe U.S.-Canada border to determine how all major user groups are affectedby fluctuating water levels. This effort involves studies of marinas andboaters to determine optimal water levels for boating activity, to determinehigh water levels above which, and low water levels below which boating fromparticular points becomes impossible. From the data gathered, stage-damagecurves will be calculated and estimates of the economic impact of boating onlocal communities will be derived, as well as the net economic value of lostboating opportunity to boaters. This information will allow study officialsto compare boating impacts at given water levels with the impacts on otheruse sectors such as riparian owners, commercial shipping, and municipalwater supply uses. From all of these studies, a revised water levelmanagement plan will be prepared that considers the needs of all usergroups. | | | 
Community-based
Deer Management | Community-based deer management -Increasingly, community leaders, local government officials, and localresidents are becoming involved with deer management. Wildlife agencies andcommunities are facing new challenges as they strive to work together.Wildlife agencies in particular are faced with implementing comprehensiveintervention strategies that contribute to communities' capacity to engagemore effectively in community-based deer management. Members of the HumanDimensions Research Unit are currently engaged in a study to characterizecommunity-based deer management in New York and Massachusetts. HDRU staffare using personal interviews, program modeling, and shared histories toidentify key elements of intervention strategies that lead to effectivecommunity-based deer management. Greater understanding of currentintervention strategies should be useful to wildlife management agencies' asthey continue to evaluate their policies and roles when workingcollaboratively with communities. | | |
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