Howdy,

I hope this newsletter finds you all in good health and great spirits as we continue to blaze a path in the new year. We closed out 2023 with a monumental moment in our department’s history — graduating the first official cohort of RWFM students. As I shook the hands of each student walking the stage, I couldn’t help but recollect on the many hours of research, collaboration and strategic planning that took place during the formation of the department. This graduation was not only a celebration of our students, but a testimony to the collective efforts of our dedicated faculty, staff and external advisory committee members who are committed to ensuring academic rigor and student success in our new department. I encourage you to learn more about each student and their future plans in the story featured below.

Although only two months into 2024, RWFM students and faculty have been on the move, representing Texas A&M at national and state conferences including the Society for Range Management, the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society and the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.

During the Society for Range Management conference held in Nevada, the TAMU Range Club faced universities across North America in the Plant ID, Undergraduate Range Management Exam and Range Cup competitions. Further, our graduate students presented their impactful research through poster sessions held throughout the meeting. Finally, Dr. Jeff Goodwin, RWFM research assistant professor and director of the Texas A&M Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management was installed as the Society’s first vice president, solidifying our faculty’s reputations as leaders in their respective fields.

During the Texas Chapter of The Wildlife Society meeting, the collective strength of our department was on full display through student research presentations and participation in the various contests, culminating during the award ceremony. I am extremely proud of the recognition our faculty and students received, and we have included a full list of awards in this newsletter.

The same can also be said for our students and faculty who attended the Texas Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. During this meeting, undergraduate fisheries student Hannah Evans presented her outstanding research on blue suckers to professionals from across the state.

I also want to note the ongoing statewide impact of our Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service specialists and program specialists. Across each of our department’s disciplines, these individuals are tirelessly working to provide all Texans — whether they be new landowners or seasoned industry professionals — with the research and knowledge required for responsible and timely resource management. Be sure to learn about the recent Overcoming Barriers to Expanding Aquaculture in Texas workshop in the newsletter’s Good Bull Section. Dr. Todd Sink, associate professor and AgriLife Extension aquaculture specialist, and Brittany Chesser, AgriLife Extension aquatic vegetation management program specialist, as well as others, brought together more than 160 individuals from across 10 states to develop a roadmap for the sustainable expansion of aquaculture in Texas. 

I’ll sign off for now with great anticipation to continue our ongoing impacts throughout the coming year. Thanks for all you do in support of RWFM and in the conservation of wild things and wild places.

Bob Lusk to be inducted into Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame

Bob Lusk, Texas A&M University alumnus and member of the Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management External Advisory Committee, will be inducted into the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Hall of Fame in 2024.

Overcoming Barriers to Expanding Aquaculture in Texas workshop

More than 160 individuals from across 10 states, nine universities and 12 state and federal agencies converged on Corpus Christi for the Overcoming Barriers to Expanding Aquaculture in Texas workshop held Jan. 22-24.

Doctoral student Hailey Schmidt takes third-place honors

Doctoral student Hailey Schmidt received third-place honors in the Graduate Student Oral Presentation portion of the Texas Conservation Symposium. Her presentation, Checks and Balances: Assessing the Cost-Utility Tradeoff of Remote Sensors for Monitoring Woody Encroachment in Central Texas, addresses the rapid decline of North America’s grasslands and the wildlife species that depend on them. 

Study abroad in natural resources

Earlier this year, 20 Aggies from across the university traveled Down Under to explore the natural resources of Australia and New Zealand through RWFM's study abroad program. Through once-in-a-lifetime educational field trips, lecture presentations, seminars and coursework exercises, students explored themes related to sustainability, biodiversity, land management, agriculture and climate.  

RWFM Stewardship Webinar Series

RWFM is excited to announce a new year of our Stewardship Series. Held on the first Thursday of every month at noon, experts from Texas A&M AgriLife and beyond cover relevant topics surrounding diverse rangeland, wildlife and fisheries management topics. 

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.

While many try to avoid conflict, John Tomeček, Ph.D., RWFM associate professor, has made it much of his life’s work. 

“One of the reasons I work in this field is that I find wildlife damage and conflict to be one of the most needful areas in wildlife management,” Tomeček said. “In order to maintain society’s tolerance for wildlife, we have to work through the conflicts when they arise.”

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.