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Dennis R. Becker
Assistant Professor 

Ph.D. 2002, University of Idaho
Natural resource policy, economics, planning

Office: 101d Green Hall
Phone: (612) 624-7286
Fax: (612) 625-5212
E-mail: drbecker@umn.edu

Research Interests

My current research focuses on the social and economic impacts of forest and related natural resource policy.  This includes policy development and evaluation for biomass removal on public and private lands, characterization of resource availability for bioenergy applications, assessment of state-level environmental review programs and procedures, natural resource-based collaborative planning, and forest-based community development both in Minnesota and nationally.  This work simultaneously attempts to bridge the fields of political science, sociology, economics, forest management, and ecology.  I am also involved in third-party forest certification, providing technical assistance for international forest governance and community development, and policy analysis and review for various congressional, agency, industry and stakeholder inquiries.

Current Programs and Grants

• Monitoring and assessing the social and economic impacts from natural resource policies and community assistance programs (MN Regional Sustainable Partnerships, USDA Forest Service)
• Assessing biomass utilization strategies, sustainable supply, and policy development (USDA Forest Service, Joint Fire Science Program, State of Minnesota)
• Assessment and evaluation of state environmental review programs and cumulative impact assessment (University of Minnesota, State of Minnesota)
• Assessment of strategies for stakeholder engagement in water quality management
• Community forestry and collaborative planning to affect environmental management

Courses Taught

• ESPM 2021  Environmental Sciences: Integrated Problem Solving, 3 credits.
• ESPM 3241W/5241 Natural Resource and Environmental Policy, 3 credits.
• ESPM 4242/5242 Analysis of Environmental and Natural Resource Policy, 3 credits.

Research

Publications

Vitae

Center for Environment and Natural Resource Policy