Research

QCNR houses innovative organizations and centers that research important natural resource topics and support management innovation.

Colorado River
The Center for Colorado River Studies

The Center for Colorado River Studies is a nexus for innovative research, teaching, and outreach that informs management of the Colorado River and other major rivers of the American Southwest. The center does research to inform how the river and its tributaries can be effectively managed, trains future researchers and managers and provides education and training to stakeholders to support informed and focused decision making. 

SageSTEP Program
Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project

The Sagebrush Steppe Treatment Evaluation Project is a regional experiment evaluating methods of sagebrush steppe restoration in the Great Basin. From 2005-2010 the project implemented fuels treatments at study sites, and evaluated the short-term effects of land management options on a variety of ecosystem components. In 2011 they initiated a long-term monitoring phase of the project to better understand the changes in response to treatment over time.

Person mountain biking on redrock
Institute for Outdoor Recreation and Tourism

IORT's mission is to provide: better data for Utah's legislature and state agencies in their decision-making processes on issues relating to tourism and outdoor recreation; a base of information and expertise to assist community officials as they attempt to balance the economic, social, and environmental tradeoffs in tourism development; and an interdisciplinary approach of research and study on outdoor recreation and tourism, a complex sector of the state's economy.