Melissa M. Kreye, Ph.D.

Melissa M. Kreye, Ph.D.

  • Assistant Professor of Forest Resources Management
334 Forest Resources Building
University Park, PA 16802

Areas of Expertise

  • Social and economic values associated with private forests, including prescribed fire, wildlife, and carbon sequestration.

Education

  • Ph.D., Forest Resources and Conservation, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (2014)
  • M.S., Fisheries: Wastewater Utilization, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA (2008)
  • B.S., Fisheries Biology, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA (2004)

 Research Publications

Regmi, A. (Student Author - Graduate Student), Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%), & Kreye, J. (2023b). Forest Landowner Values and Perspectives of Prescribed Fire in the Northeast/Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. Journal of Fire Ecology (in press). Graduate student research.

Freeman, S., Taff, B., Lawhon, B., Benfield, J., Kreye, M. M. (10%), Newton, J., Miller, L., & Newman, P. (2023). The Impact of Message Framing on Wildlife Approach During Ungulate Viewing Experiences in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Journal of Interpretation Research 28(1), 7-24. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10925872231157596. Graduate student research.

Regmi, A. (Student Author - Graduate Student), Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%), & Kreye, J. (2023a). Forest landowner demand for prescribed fire as an ecological management tool in Pennsylvania, USA. Forest Policy and Economics 148. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forpol.2022.102902 Graduate student research.

Sharma, S. (Author - Graduate Student), & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%) (2022b). Forest Owner Willingness to Accept Payment for Forest Carbon in the United States: A Meta-analysis. Forests 13(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f13091346 Graduate student research.

Sharma, S. (Primary Author - Graduate Student), & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%) (2022a). Social Value of Bird Conservation on Private Lands in Pennsylvania. Ecological Economics 196(107426). DOI: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S092180092200088X Graduate student research.

Sharma, S. (Author - Graduate Student), & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%) (2021). Public Attitudes towards Birds and Private Forest Land Conservation. Society and Natural Resources 12(11). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f12111525 Graduate student research.

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 75%), Adams, D., Soto, J., Rimsaite, R. (Co-Author - Postdoctoral Student), & Tanner, S. (2021). Economic and Ethical Motivations for Forest Restoration and Incentive Payments. Society and Natural Resources. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2021.1938320 Post-doctoral scholars.

Rimstaite, R. (Author - Postdoctoral Student), & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%) (2021). Assessing the Value Extension Adds to Decision Making among Natural Resources Leaders. Journal of Extension 59(1). ISBN/ISSN: EISSN-1077-5315. Post-doctoral scholar.

Sellers, S. (Primary Author - Graduate Student), Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 35%), Carney, T. (Co-Author - Graduate Student), Ward, L., & Adams, D. (2021). Can Payments for Watershed Services Help Advance Restoration of Longleaf Pine?: A Critically Engaged Research Approach. Forests 12(279), 32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f12030279 Graduate student research.

Kreye, M. (Author, 80%), Adams, D. C., & Kline, J. D. (2019). Gaining Voter Support for Watershed Protection. Land Use Policy 89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2019.104227, My dissertation research.

Kreye, M. (Author, 50%), Rimsaite, R., & Adams, D. C. (2019). Public Attitudes about Private Forest Management and Government Involvement in the Southeastern United States. Forests 10(9). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f10090776, ISBN/ISSN: 10.3390/f10090776. Post-doctoral scholar.

Kreye, M. (Author, 60%), Adams, D. C., & Ober, H. K. (2018). Protecting Imperiled Wildlife Species on Private Lands: Forest Owner Values and Response to Government Interventions. Ecological Economics 149, 254-264. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2018.03.016, ISBN/ISSN: 0921-8009. My post-doctoral research.

Kreye, M. (Author, 50%), Pienaar, E. F., Soto, J. R., & Adams, D. C. (2017). Creating Voluntary Payment Programs: Effective Program Design and Ranchers' Willingness to Conserve Florida Panther Habitat. Land Economics 93(3), 459-480. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3368/le.93.3.459, ISBN/ISSN: 0023-7639. My post-doctoral research.

Kreye, M. (Author, 60%), Pienaar, E. F., & Adams, A. E. (2017). The Role of Community Identity in Cattlemen Response to Florida Panther Recovery Efforts. Society & Natural Resources 30(1), 79-94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/08941920.2016.1180730, ISBN/ISSN: 0894-1920. My post-doctoral research.

Kreye, M. (Author), Adams, D. C., Escobedo, F. J., & Soto, J. R. (2016). Does policy process influence public values for forest-water resource protection in Florida? Ecological Economics 129, 122-131. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2016.06.007, ISBN/ISSN: 0921-8009 My dissertation research.

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 50%), & Pienaar, E. (2015). A Critical Review of Efforts to Protect Florida Panther Habitat on Private Lands. Land Use Policy. ISBN/ISSN: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.06.018. My post-doctoral research.

Pienaar, E. F., Kreye, M. (Author, 50%), & Jacobs, C. (2015). Conflicts between Cattlemen and the Florida Panther: Insights and Policy Recommendations from Interviews with Florida Cattlemen. Human Ecology 43(4), 577-588. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-015-9765-x, ISBN/ISSN: 0300-7839. My post-doctoral research.

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 80%), Adams, D. C., & Escobedo, F. (2014). The Value of Forest Conservation for Water Quality Protection. 5(5), 862. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/f5050862, ISBN/ISSN: 1999-4907. My dissertation research.

Extension Publications

Carbon and Climate

Balawejder, K. (Author - Undergraduate Student), & Kreye, M. M. (2023). What Can Trees Tell Us About Climate Change? (pp. 2). Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/what-can-trees-tell-us-about-climate-change

El Afandi, G. S., & Kreye, M. M. (50%) (2023). Climate Regulation and Change: What is Causing it? Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/climate-regulation-and-change-what-is-causing-it

Tanger, S., VanderSchaff, C., Sueseta, A., Kreye, M. M. (30%), & Norman, C. (2023). Carbon Accounting in Forest Management. (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/carbon-accounting-in-forest-management

Kreye, M. M. (80%), Kowalczyk, T., Khanal, P., & Sharma, S. (2023). How Much Should I be Paid to Manage Forest Carbon? (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/how-much-should-i-be-paid-to-manage-forest-carbon

Kreye, M. M. (50%), VanderSchaaf, C., Kowalczyk, T., & Clay, K. (2023). How to Manage Forests for Carbon: An Introduction for Family Forest Owners. (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/how-to-manage-forests-for-carbon-an-introduction-for-family-forest-owners

Tanger, S., VanderSchaff, C., Susaeta, A., & Kreye, M. M. (25%) (2023). Long-Term Financial Planning for Timber and Carbon. (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/long-term-financial-planning-for-timber-and-carbon

Kreye, M. M. (2023). The Economic Value of Private Forests and Climate Change Mitigation. (pp. 5). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/the-economic-value-of-private-forests-and-climate-change-mitigation

Cushing, T., Norman, C., Kreye, M. M. (25%), & Tanger, S. (2023). What Should I Think About Before Signing a Forest Carbon Contract? (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/what-should-i-think-about-before-signing-a-forest-carbon-contract

Kreye, M. M. (50%), Norman, C., & Sharma, S. (2023). Case Study 2: Three Landowners' Experiences with Climate Smart Forestry Programs. (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/case-study-2-three-landowners-experiences-with-climate-smart-forest-programs

Tanger, S., Vanderschaff, C., Susaeta, A., & Kreye, M. M. (25%) (2023). Conversions Commonly Used When Comparing Timber and Carbon Values. (pp. 4). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed. https://extension.psu.edu/conversions-commonly-used-when-comparing-timber-and-carbon-values

VanderSchaaf, C., Susaeta, A., Norman, C., & Kreye, M. M. (25%) (2023). Forest Carbon Pools: Where are they? Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/forest-carbon-pools-where-are-they

VanderSchaff, C., Tanger, S., Susaeta, A., Kreye, M. M. (20%), & Norman, C. (2023). Methods for Estimating Carbon Within Forests. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed. https://extension.psu.edu/methods-for-estimating-carbon-within-forests

Kreye, M. M. (2023). Resources for Family Forest Owners: Carbon Markets and Climate-Smart Forestry. (pp. 2). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.   https://extension.psu.edu/resources-for-family-forest-owners-carbon-markets-and-climate-smart-forestry

Norman, C., & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%) (2023). Case Study 1: Two Landowners' Experiences With Carbon Payment Programs. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.   https://extension.psu.edu/case-study-1-two-landowners-experiences-with-carbon-payment-programs

Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%), & Norman, C. (2022). Cómo los bosques almacenan el carbono. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  (pp. 3).  https://extension.psu.edu/como-los-bosques-almacenan-el-carbono

Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%), & Norman, C. (2022). What do Forest Carbon and Sequestration and Storage Mean? (pp. 2). Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.   https://extension.psu.edu/what-do-forest-carbon-sequestration-and-storage-mean

Norman, C., & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%) (2021). Questions to Ask Before Joining a Carbon Program. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-carbon-program

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 50%), & Norman, C. (2020). Carbon Markets 101. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed. https://extension.psu.edu/carbon-markets-101

Norman, C., & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%) (2020). How Forests Store Carbon. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/how-forests-store-carbon

Kreye, M. M. (Author 100%) (2019). Pennsylvania’s Potential for Reducing Carbon Emissions using Private Forests. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/pennsylvanias-potential-for-reducing-carbon-emissions-using-private-forests

Kreye, M. M, (Author 75%) (2023). Facts about Forest Carbon and Carbon Markets. Penn State Extension. https://sites.psu.edu/focce/files/2023/04/Facts-about-Forest-Carbon-Markets.pdf

Wildlife Conservation

Kreye, J., Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%), Zetwick, D. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Kline, H. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Regensburger, J. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Grove, C. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: The Bog Turtle. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-the-bog-turtle

Kreye, J., Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%), Cunfer, N. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Gutshall, L. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Powers, E. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Tomko, G. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Long-eared Owl. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-long-eared-owl

Kreye, J., Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%), Schugt, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Stafford, M. (Student Author), Knipe, D. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Gershey, J. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Allegheny Woodrat. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-allegheny-woodrat

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 30%), Kreye, J., Cameron, C. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Kozlowski, T. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Crofton, A. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Wenrick, D. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Blackpoll Warbler. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-blackpoll-warbler

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 25%), Kreye, J., Lawrence, A. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Manslowski, X. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Wolfinger, A. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Lovasik, K. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Spangeburg, K. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Northern Flying Squirrel. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-northern-flying-squirrel

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 30%), Kreye, J., Lannan, A. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Sabol, C. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Knecht, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Williams, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Protected Species in Pennsylvania: Yellow-bellied Flycatcher. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/protected-species-in-pennsylvania-yellow-bellied-flycatcher

Kreye, J., Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 25%), Groshek, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Hawthorne, N. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Patterson, E. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Pauletta, A. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Woodring, C. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Restoring Pennsylvania’s Game Birds. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/restoring-pennsylvanias-game-birds

Sharma, S. (Graduate Student), & Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 50%) (2021). Bird Friendly Forestry on Private Lands in Pennsylvania. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/bird-friendly-forestry-on-private-lands-in-pennsylvania

Werner, P. (Graduate Student), Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 15%), & Avery, J. (2021). The Need for Turtle Conservation in Pennsylvania. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/the-need-for-turtle-conservation-in-pennsylvania

Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 30%), Kreye, J., Lange, K. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Ensor, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Clark, J. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Garner, Z. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). The Indiana Bat: An Endangered Species in Pennsylvania. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/the-indiana-bat-an-endangered-species-in-pennsylvania

Kreye, M. M. (2019). Understanding the Value of Wildlife in Pennsylvania. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-the-value-of-wildlife-in-pennsylvania

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 70%), Pienaar, E., Soto, J., & Adams, D. (2016). Creating voluntary payment programs effective program design and ranchers' willingness to conserve Florida panther habitat. Wildlife Management. Peer Reviewed. Colorado State University. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25675/10217/180979 

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 60%), & Pienaar, E. (2016). Government Efforts to Protect Habitat for the Florida Panther on Private Lands: WEC368/UW413, 9/2016. EDIS. (85th), (pp. 5). University of Florida. Peer Reviewed.  https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/128031

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 60%), Pienaar, E., & Boughton, R. (2016). Landowner Cost-Share Incentives and Payments for Ecosystem Services: A Comparison of Key Program Features: WEC370. University of Florida. Peer Reviewed.  

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 70%), Pienaar, E., Boughton, R., & Wiggins, L. (2016). Safe Harbor Agreement: A Regulatory Assurance under the Endangered Species, WEC358/UW403, 12/2015. 1(3). University of Florida. Peer Reviewed.  https://journals.flvc.org/edis/article/view/127688.

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 50%), & Pienaar, E. (2014). Protecting the Florida panther and panther habitat on private lands: conflicts and management. Biodiversity, Threatened and Imperiled Species. Colorado State University. Peer Reviewed. http://dx.doi.org/10.25675/10217/86346

Forest Conservation Topics

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 80%), Sharma, S. (Student Author - Graduate Student), & Gardner, B. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2021). Understanding of Ecosystem Service Values by Conservation Professionals in the Northeastern US. Connect Extension. (pp. 3). (blog) https://connect.extension.org/blog/interest-in-understanding-ecosystem-service-values-by-conservation-professionals-in-the-northeastern-us

Kreye, J., Kreye, M. M. (Co-Author, 20%), Regmi, A. (Co-Author - Graduate Student), Seifert, J. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), Incollingo, T. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student), & Houston, E. (Student Author - Undergraduate Student) (2020). Prescribed Fire: Does It Have a Place on My Land? Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.   https://extension.psu.edu/prescribed-fire-does-it-have-a-place-on-my-land

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2020). Tips for Measuring Impact in Environmental Education and Outreach. Penn State Extension. https://extension.psu.edu/tips-for-measuring-impact-in-environmental-education-and-outreach

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2020) Impact calculator tool for environmental educators. Penn State Extension https://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/labs/forest-benefits-and-values-lab/extension-products/tools

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2020). Public Demand for Forest Conservation and Water Protection in PA. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/public-demand-for-forest-conservation-and-water-protection-in-pa

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2020). Benefit transfer tool for forest-water protection values. Penn State Extension https://ecosystems.psu.edu/research/labs/forest-benefits-and-values-lab/extension-products/tools

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2019). Strategic Messaging: A Guide for Leaders and Officials. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed. https://extension.psu.edu/strategic-messaging-a-guide-for-leaders-and-officials

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2019). Voter Behavior Towards Natural Areas Protection. Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.   https://extension.psu.edu/voter-behavior-towards-natural-areas-protection

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 100%) (2019). Why Do Unplanned or Poorly Planned Timber Harvests Occur? Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed.  https://extension.psu.edu/why-do-unplanned-or-poorly-planned-timber-harvests-occur

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 70%), Pienaar, E., Boughton, R., & Wiggins, L. (2016). Using the Ecosystem Services Approach to Advance Conservation Efforts on Private Lands, WEC369. University of Florida. Peer Reviewed.  

Kreye, M. M. (Author, 70%), Escobedo, F., Adams, D., Stein, T., & Borisova, T. (2013). Valuing the Ecosystem Services of Florida’s Forest Conservation Programs: The Economic Benefits of Protecting Water Quality: FOR309/FR377, 4/2013. University of Florida. Peer Reviewed.   https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fr377-2013

Extension Training Materials

Kreye M., (Author 75%), C. Norman, and K. Brooks (Eds.) (2023). Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education Educator Guidebook. Part 1: Carbon Incentives for Forest Owners (Pre-press version). The Forest Owner Carbon and Climate Education Program, Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA. Peer Reviewed. https://sites.psu.edu/focce/resources/resources-for-educators/

Kreye, M. M. (Author 100%) (2021). Strategies for Assessing Short-Term Impact in Environmental Education: A guide for outreach professionals. (32 pp). University Park, PA: Penn State Extension. Peer Reviewed. https://extension.psu.edu/strategies-for-conducting-a-short-term-impact-analysis-a-guide-for-environmental-education-and-outreach-programs

Kreye, M. M., (Author 75%) Adams, D., Ghimire, R., Morse, W., Stein, T., & Bowker, J.M. (2017). Forest Ecosystem Services and Cultural Values. (Gen. Tech. Rep. SRS-226.), (pp. 17). Asheville, NC: U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Peer-reviewed/refereed. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2737/SRS-GTR-226