The Human Dimensions & Conservation Law Enforcement
Laboratory (HDCLEL) at Mississippi State University (MSU) seeks to expand
understanding of the human aspects of wildlife and fisheries policy,
management, and law enforcement through theoretical and practically-driven
research, teaching, and continuing education. Consistent with the mission
of a Land Grant university, the focus is on contemporary problems facing
resource management agencies and private landowners. Specifically, the
mission of the HDCLEL is to provide quality research and insights into
the human aspects of wildlife, fisheries, forestry and marine-related
issues, resource users, and other stakeholder groups to help natural resources
agencies and organizations:
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Integrate human dimensions information into natural resources decision-making processes,
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Establish economic impacts of wildlife-related recreation (i.e., fresh and saltwater fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching) to regional, state, and local economies, and determine non-market values for same,
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Improve law enforcement effectiveness through better understanding of wildlife law violators and spatial aspects of wildlife crimes,
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Enhance law enforcement professionalism through a better understanding of public perception of and issues facing conservation law enforcement officers and administrators,
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Effectively manage human/wildlife interactions, with an emphasis on private landowners and wildlife damage,
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Promote natural resources management, outreach, and recruitment programs, and
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Equip current and future employees with the knowledge of and skills to use cutting-edge research tools needed to be effective managers and conservation law enforcement officers.
