Center for Economics and Social Sciences
The Center for Economics and Social Sciences (CESS) advances our understanding of the social and economic aspects of forest disturbances, forest product markets, forest management, and how humans interact with the environment. We explore how historical, current, and prospective policies, laws, regulations, trade measures, carbon and ecosystem service markets, taxes, and future ownership dynamics influence resource management, income equity, and ownership diversity.
We collaboratively examine how environmental and land use changes across the landscape affect urban, rural, African American, and Tribal populations. We create research tools that support land managers to maintain and enhance the quantity, quality, and value of ecosystem services that forests provide.
Two Research Work Units (RWU) make up this Center:
- Forest Economics and Policy (RWU-4804). Developing economic knowledge of ecosystem services provided by forests.
- Integrating Human and Natural Systems (RWU-4952). Improving understanding of how people influence and are influenced by natural environments.
Key Personnel
Center Director
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Person
Michelle Baumflek
Research Biologisthttps://research.fs.usda.gov/about/people/michelle.baumflek
Project Leaders
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Person
Jesse Henderson, PhD
Research Economisthttps://research.fs.usda.gov/about/people/jesse.henderson2