Howdy,

Although campus may be slightly quieter during these summer months, we are as busy as ever at RWFM. We ended the spring semester with our annual Beast Feast and Awards Ceremony, which drew more than 250 attendees. In addition to enjoying over 20 different wild game dishes, event supporters helped our professional student organizations raise more than $3,000 to assist in their respective club activities. This is a true testament to our amazing network of friends and alumni. I extend my deepest appreciation to all who made this event possible.

Last month, I also had the honor of celebrating 45 students as they crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. Included in this graduating cohort were the first graduates of our rangeland management and aquaculture and fisheries management tracks. I have no doubt this passionate group of former students is on the path to achieving great things.

We have also been busy crafting and finalizing a strategic plan for the department. This new document will expand and elaborate on our foundational departmental “roadmap,” which was developed in the early stages of our departmental redesign. To ensure everyone has a voice in this process, we completed a department-wide survey to assess the perceived strengths and opportunities for growth across research, teaching and extension. The insightful feedback we received was extremely valuable and has greatly helped the committee distinguish key goals and essential action items that will be outlined in the strategic plan. Together, we are truly making strides to further establish RWFM as the preeminent leader in natural resource research, education and extension.

In closing, we began this journey to reimagine a department with relevancy and purpose. We have worked hard in realizing our vision of preparing the next generation of land stewards through our land-grant mission. It is a privilege to be a part of this process. Thank you for your continued efforts and support in conserving wild places and wild things.

I wish you all a safe and happy summer season.

RWFM graduates second cohort, first rangeland and fisheries track students

A total of 34 wildlife and fisheries sciences legacy students and 11 rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management students walked the stage during the spring 2024 graduation ceremony held at Reed Arena on May 10. 

Last December, the Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management graduated its first official cohort including wildlife and natural resources management and policy tracks. This spring, graduates included students of the aquaculture and fisheries management and rangeland management tracks.

Todd Sink appointed to the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee

Todd Sink, Ph.D., associate professor and AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, was appointed to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame selection committee. Sink will serve on the 12-member committee to select the annual inductee to the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Don Steinback named Friend of Conservation

Don Steinback, Ph.D., emeritus associate department head and Extension program leader, was honored as the 2024 Friend of Conservation by the Washington Soil & Water Conservation District #348.

New field course explores rangeland management in the Southwest

The Expand Your Range Field Course, RWFM 489, will be offered for the first time during Summer II. Through this two-hour course, students will explore natural resource management within the public/private land interface of the Gila Region of Southwest New Mexico.

Much like the keystone species that uphold the integrity of ecosystems, RWFM is comprised of faculty, staff and students who ensure the strength and health of our department.

David Matarrita-Cascante, Ph.D., associate professor, utilizes expertise in rural and natural resource sociology to seek solutions to natural resource concerns while promoting sustainable, local natural resource management.

“Most of my work focuses on the study of how changes in rural natural resource-dependent communities affect citizens and whether community development efforts minimize or mitigate such impacts,” Matarrita-Cascante said.

The Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management is committed to generating sound scientific research, training the next generation of natural resource stewards and realizing the land-grant mission as described through our three focus areas of teaching, research and extension.

We invite you to be a part of our mission to prepare the next generation of natural resource professionals and advance the sound stewardship of natural resources for present and future generations. Your support directly impacts our students by alleviating financial burdens, bolstering experiential learning opportunities and enhancing our living classrooms and labs.