Children learning about wildlife at the Barr Lake Nature Center.

Children learning about wildlife at the Barr Lake Nature Center.

Wildlife Research

Researching Human Dimensions

The Human Dimensions Research Program (HDRP) conducts social science research in Colorado about a variety of issues affecting state park and wildlife management. The purpose of this is to incorporate social and biophysical data into natural resource policy and decision making processes.

Our Work

Because humans are an integral part of ecological systems, it is important to understand what drives human behaviors and opinions. 

    As such, we examine a suite of individual attributes such as: 

    • Beliefs, attitudes, and values
    • Psychological motivations and constraints (barriers)
    • Preferences, expectations and satisfaction
    • Perceptions of risk

    We use a variety of tools and techniques to collect social science data including (but not limited to):

    • Social science surveys (mail, online, and intercept)
    • Public comment forms
    • Individual (face-to-face) interviews and group interviews (e.g., focus groups)

    Meet the Research Team

    If you have questions about previous or on-going research projects or would like to discuss how the HDRP can assist you in learning about social science, stakeholder engagement, etc, please contact one of the team members.

    Mike Quartuch, Ph.D.

    • Human Dimensions Specialist/Researcher
    • Colorado Parks and Wildlife
    • 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216
    • 303-866-3203 x 4602
    • [email protected]

    Katie Wilson, M.S.

    • Human Dimensions Specialist/Researcher
    • Colorado Parks and Wildlife
    • 6060 Broadway Denver, CO 80216
    • [email protected]
    Barr Lake Nature Center.

    Human Dimensions Research

    Research Library

    The Research Library was created in the late 1960s to provide support primarily to the wildlife research sections. The Research Library evolved to serve the broader information management needs of CPW staff. Library collections are focused on wildlife ecology and associated ecological information and CPW public historical records such as Parks and Wildlife Commission meeting agendas and minutes.