Natural Resources & Environment Overview
Natural Resources & Environment
(NRE) is a broad emphasis area with major impact on the
quality of our world. CSREES national leadership integrates
research, education, and extension expertise to address
contemporary environmental and natural resource problems
with new approaches that are economically sound and environmentally
advantageous. CSREES conducts its programs primarily in
partnership with land-grant university scientists and cooperative
extension faculty.
NRE programs strengthen the nation's capacity to address
critical environmental priorities and contribute to improved
air, soil, and water quality; fish and wildlife management;
enhanced aquatic and other ecosystems; the sustainable use
and management of forests, rangelands, watersheds, and other
renewable natural resources; and a better understanding of
global climate change, including its impact on the diversity
of plant and animal life. NRE programs also demonstrate the
benefits and opportunities of sustainable development, and
contribute to the economic viability of agriculture and rural
communities realizing the impact of environmental policies
and regulations.
Natural resource sustainability increasingly depends on
the use and management decisions of individual private landowners,
who collectively control more than two-thirds of the nation's
land and water resources. With agriculture no longer the
largest element in the economic base of most rural communities,
natural resource wealth and income opportunities are becoming
more important to farmers, ranchers, other landowners, and
communities.
Pressures on land and natural resource use are increasing,
competing, and often conflicting. Public demand keeps growing
for natural resource products, services, and improved environmental
quality. Changing demographics and social values bring new
challenges. Urbanization has serious impacts on ecosystem
structure and function. Ecosystems have become increasingly
fragmented for the production of food and forest products.
Research to discover new, improved ways to use and manage
natural resources and educational programs that teach best
management practices will enhance environmental and economic
benefits, as well as human well-being. These CSREES activities
are critical investments for our future. |
