The Cornell Center for Conservation Social Sciences (formerly the Human Dimensions Research Unit or HDRU) strives to expand the understanding of academicians, students, natural resources agency staff, non-governmental organizations and policy makers about the social dimensions of natural resource and environmental management and policy. We do this by studying the interactions of social and ecological systems and applying theory and empirical findings to real-world, contemporary problems. Our research outcomes, which include empirical data, conceptual frameworks, and theoretical insights, are reported at conferences and in peer-reviewed journals, books, policy briefs, outreach publications, and reports of various types. CCSS research is used by a wide array of decision makers and natural resource practitioners, especially those in state and federal agencies, to develop, implement, and evaluate environmental policies and management approaches.