Human Dimensions of Natural Resources and the Environment
Our Mission
The mission of the Human Dimensions Lab is to conduct applied research on human interactions with the environment, provide educational opportunities for students exploring the intersection of biophysical and social processes, and build strong partnerships with landowners, industry, agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the public. We are fundamentally interested in how people interact with the natural world and how these human dimensions influence and inform natural resource management decisions.
Montanans Share Common Love Toward Grizzly Bears
For an animal whose population barely tops 2,000, Montana’s grizzly bears hold an outsized presence in the psyche and politics of the Treasure State.
UM Research Examines Ways to Make Climate Data More Useful for Farmers and Ranchers
In a recent paper led by doctoral candidate Ada Smith, a team of UM researchers examine the best ways scientists can share climate data with agricultural producers to aid them in decision-making.
UM Research Suggests Social Factors Important for Human-Wildlife Coexistence
The Lab recently published a new study in the Journal of Wildlife Management analyzing why landowners do or don’t secure attractants in bear country. The results suggest that collective or socially motivated factors may be a missing and important piece of the puzzle for encouraging voluntary steps to secure attractants and improve wildlife-human coexistence.
Human Dimensions of Grizzly Bears
The Lab conducted a collaborative study with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to better understand Montanans' thoughts about grizzly bears and grizzly bear management.