DJ Case and Associates has been doing conservation engagement since 1986 — and doing it digitally since 2004. We are social scientists, biologists, strategic communication planners, story tellers, video producers, and web application developers. We engage exclusively on natural resource conservation and outdoor recreation pursuits. Here are just a few of our recent endeavors:

  • Adaptive technology reaches foresters and farmers

    Problem

    The U.S. Forest Service's Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science (NIACS) needed a way to extend and amplify delivery of its Adaptation Workbook to resource managers. The program's materials and workshops were tremendously successful but needed a way to reach a wider, more diverse audience with the information and tools to develop climate adaptation plans for forests, agriculture and urban forests.

    Agile approach

  • Social science research on Alaska's fishing regulations

    Problem

    The Alaska Department of Fish & Game issues around half a million sport fishing licenses to anglers in the U.S. alone. These translate into millions of trips across the state. Governing these trips are regulations, which the department consistently hears are difficult to understand and follow.

    Let's be clear

  • Understanding the Nature of Americans

    Problem

    Profound changes are occurring in the American public’s connections to nature, the outdoors, and wildlife. Participation in traditional, nature-based recreation is stagnant or declining, Americans are spending more time indoors, and they are using electronic media more than ever before. At the same time, there is growing evidence that human health and wellbeing depend on beneficial contact with nature.

    It's Just Our Nature

  • Urban Coyote Research Project

    Problem

    Coyotes have adapted well to suburban and urban landscapes. Their populations have tremendously expanded in areas where they come into contact — and sometimes conflict — with people. Unlike many other wildlife species that inhabit cities, coyotes are often considered a nuisance when they are simply seen. People are sensitive to the animals' real or perceived threat to pets or children.

    Yip and howl!

  • Culture, place, and meaning as vital variables in conservation planning

    Problem

    Sea level rise due to our changing climate is leading to losses in vital coastal habitats throughout the world, presenting a complex and pressing conservation concern.

    Adaptation planning is necessary if U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Coastal National Wildlife Refuges are going to maintain the goods and services provided from healthy coastal habitats.

    Community rising

  • Motivating private landowners for habitat

    Problem

    American forests are aging, and wildlife that depend on young forests for survival are in long-term decline. To grow populations of unique critters like golden-winged warbler, American woodcock, and the endangered Appalachian cottontail, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Wildlife Management Institute partnered with DJ Case and Associates to implement a marketing strategy to increase the number of private landowners who harvest trees and grow young forests.

    Results - 2,000 acres of habitat

  • Increasing Hunter and Angler Participation

    Getting the Process Right — No More “One-Day Wonders”

    DJ Case has been on the forefront of efforts to help agencies and their partners assess and improve existing programs and design and implement new programs to increase hunter and angler participation across the country.

    Go fish!

  • WildlifeHelp.org | Wildlife problems. Civilized solutions.

    Problem

    Northeastern state wildlife agencies recognized that residents of the region were encountering similar wildlife conflicts and that they should work together to offer solutions. Through Northeast Wildlife Administrator's Association (NEWAA) leadership, the agencies sought a way to provide sound, consistent and legal advice while minimizing the time needed for individual agencies to create and manage their own content.

    Wildlife Help Wanted

  • Nourishing an interest in hunting and angling

    Opportunity

    Participation in hunting and fishing is declining nationally among traditional audiences, but bucking the trend are people interested in wild harvest as a way to obtain local, wholesome protein. “Locavores” (as they are called) strive to consume local, organic, sustainable food — often through gardening, foraging farm markets--and hunting and fishing.

    Hungry for more?