NRM Issue 2014-Spring 2015

DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences

ANNUAL 2014-SPRING 2015 ISSUE

Year of Reflection by Dr. Michele Dudash

The NRM department has been in transition and adjustment since the sudden and unexpected loss of its exemplary leader, Dave Willis. Here we share the happenings of the department for 2014 and into the spring of 2015.

The NRM faculty worked collectively to revise our undergraduate curriculum and we now have four majors: Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Natural Resource Law Enforcement, Rangeland Ecology and Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

We hired a new instructor, Leslie Bilbrey, to lead our undergraduate recruitment efforts for all of our majors and now have new materials and banners to represent NRM. Leslie is also teaching some of the introductory NRM courses and advising.

We have also hired a new Assistant Professor, Josh Leffler, who is a plant physiological ecology interested in ecosystem processes.

I am writing to you as the new Head of the Natural Resource Management Department. I began in this post in late July 2015. My background is in evolutionary ecology and conservation genetics. I am excited and privileged to lead such an accomplished group of faculty, excellent staff, and such promising undergraduate and graduate students.

We will be in touch again soon!

Faculty Katie Bertrand, Associate Professor Leslie Bilbrey, Instructor Mike Brown, Distinguished Professor Mark Cochrane, Professor Chuck Dieter, Professor Michele Dudash, Head Brian Graeb, Associate Professor Troy Grovenburg, Assistant Professor Niall Hanan, Professor Geoffrey Henebry, Professor & GSCE Co-Director Jon Jenks, Distinguished Professor K.C. Jensen, Associate Professor Carter Johnson, Distinguished Professor Patricia Johnson, Professor Carol Johnston, Professor Josh Leffler, Assistant Professor Lora Perkins, Assistant Professor Sandy Smart, Professor Nels Troelstrup, Assistant Department Head Mike Wimberly, Professor Melissa Wuellner, Assistant Professor Lan Xu, Associate Professor USGS Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit Steve Chipps, Leader Larry Gigliotti, Assistant Leader Josh Stafford, Assistant Leader Emeritus Chuck Berry, Professor & Leader (USGS – CFWRU) Les Flake, Distinguished Professor Ken Higgins, Professor & Assistant Leader (USGS – CFWRU) Dan Hubbard, Professor Gary Larson, Professor Chuck Scalet, Professor and Head Extension Peter Bauman, Field Specialist Roger Gates, Professor Kathryn Reeves, Field Specialist Staff Di Drake, Accounting Assistant Kevin Olson, Oak Lake Field Station Grounds Keeper Terri Symens, Office Supervisor Richard Sweeney, NRM Farm and Wetlab Grounds Keeper Kathryn Tvedt, Secretary Dawn Van Ballegooyen, Secretary

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 2

Leslie Bilbrey – Instructor and Recruitment Coordinator Josh Leffler – Assistant Professor, Plant physiological ecology

Michele Dudash- Professor and Head

Annual Meeting Updates

American Fisheries Society – Quebec (August, 2014)

Unit students Laura Heironimus and Natalie Scheibel were awarded the J.F. Skinner Memorial Award at the 2014 annual meeting of the American Fisheries Society in Quebec, Canada. David Deslauriers received an Honorable Mention Skinner Award. Five faculty (Bertrand, Brown, Chipps, Graeb, & Wuellner) along with 12 graduate and 3 undergraduate students presented 24 papers and posters.

Laura Heironimus Natalie Scheibel

Society of Range Management – Sacramento

(Jan. 30-Feb.5, 2015)

The Range Judging team placed second overall and Tyler Swan placed second individually on the Undergraduate Range Management Exam. Twenty five teams from North America competed. This is the highest the team has ever placed in this competition. Team members include (back) Wyatt Johnson, Alex Mergen, Andrew Steffen, Sam Haigh, and Jacob Maca. (front) Kelsey Ducheneaux, Tyler Swan, Ella Woroniecki, and Cady Olson. Coached by M.S. Student Joe Bennett and Dr. Lora Perkins.

Joe Bennett Dr. Lora Perkins

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 3

The Volga Grasslands represent the latest addition to South Dakota State University’s off campus farms and field stations. Originally purchased as the site for the future cow-calf unit, the

site is now being developed as a grassland research facility focused on maximizing diversity. Natural Resources Management staff and faculty are in the midst of developing long term strategies for the site. It is anticipated that research at this site will focus on basic biological sciences as well as applied management. In a nutshell, the project will promote integration at all levels and will attract research projects focused on understanding complex systems interactions across several disciplines such as soils, plant ecology, livestock, and wildlife.

To make this happen, investigators working at the site will be encouraged to collaborate with colleagues within SDSU and across the region.

At over 600 acres, the site provides an excellent complement to field sites already managed within the Department and the College such as the Oak Lake Field Station in Deuel County, the Cottonwood Range and Livestock Field Station in Jackson County, and the Wildlife Farm near campus. The Volga Grasslands site offers a unique research and learning opportunity only minutes from campus in Brookings County, making it very accessible to all.

As the planning phase wraps up and the research projects begin, look for more updates on the progress of this project in future NRM newsletters and other publications.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2014 Buffalo Banquet & Department Awards Ceremony The 66th Annual Buffalo Banquet was held April 15, 2014 at the Old Sanctuary in Brookings, SD. The evening began with a social and excellent meal featuring buffalo roast of course! Our awards and scholarship presentations were inspiring. A great time was had by all, particularly the following award recipients! Undergraduate Awards: Wilbur Allen Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences –

Katie Lind, Katte Muza, Jordan Swart, Matthew Phayvanh, Ryan Dufour, Dalton Benage, Haley Thompson, Nicholas DeRuyck, Michael Sundall, Victor Tuschen, Drew Howing, Ryan Johnston, Josh Erwin, Joseph Lucas, Justin Hingst

South Dakota Walleyes Unlimited Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences – Alex Hughes, William Peyton, Nathan Kruger, Brianna McEntee, and Jordon Redmond

Robert L. Hanten Memorial Scholarship – Ryan Johnston Geneva Kettering Hogue and Jerome O. Hogue Scholarship –

Katie Lind James and Barbara Jessen Scholarship in Natural Resource

Management – Tyler Swan Brookings Wildlife Federation Scholarship – Jessica Ring

Brent Wilbur Wildlife Conservation Scholarship – Brandon White

Elvin and Eloys Bjorklund Memorial Scholarship – Katlynn Osowski

Ecology and Environmental Science Scholarship – Jennifer McLaughlin, Riley Larson, Jenna Haag

Mabel Adams Eberly Memorial Scholarship – Austin Hanson Ward Miller Scholarship – John Elverson McCook Lake Izaak Walton League Scholarship – Alexander

Mergen, Victor Tuschen, Jordan Heumiller, Garrett Rowles, Rachel Price, Brianna McEntee

South Dakota Conservation Officers’ Association Scholarship – Joseph Lucas

Gerald B. Spawn Memorial Scholarship in Wildlife – William Peyton

Streeter Memorial Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries – Garrett Rowles

Jerome Norgren Water and Wildlife Conservation Scholarship – Austin Patzer, Riley Novak and Mark Sandquist

Jennings Uppland Endowment in Range Science – Jacob Maca, Patrick Pesicka, Lance Wheeler, Jonathan Champion, and Cady Olson

Larry and Jo Kallemeyn Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences – Katte Muza

Rock Hills Ranch Scholarship – Samuel Haigh Stephen M. Zebarth Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries

Sciences – John Christensen

Volga Grasslands Project Offers New Opportunities for NRM Faculty and Students – Pete Bauman

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 4

Undergraduate Awards Continued: Claude V. Lamoureaux Memorial Scholarship – Ella

Woroniecki Paul and Jeanette Vohs Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries

Sciences – Paige Ellensohn Jeffery and Pamela Donahoe Scholarship in Wildlife and

Fisheries Sciences – Dylan Gravenhof David Bartling Scholarship in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences –

Megan Norman Sioux Falls Chapter Izaak Walton League Scholarship in

Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences – Nathan Kruger Lake Campbell Wildlife Club – Larissa Martinmaas David J. Holden Memorial Scholarship – Troy Lambert Tex Lewis Scholarship – Kelsey Ducheneaux Freshman Scholarship – Andrea Beck Oak Lake Field Station Undergraduate Research Grant –

Travis Pollreisz and Denise Olson Outstanding Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club Junior –

Jessica Ring Outstanding Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club Senior –

Katie Spicer Pictured below Nathan Kruger and Jessica Ring

Graduate Student Awards: Lloyd Fredrickson Memorial Scholarship in Wildlife Graduate Studies – David Deslauriers Outstanding Fisheries Ph.D. Graduate Student – Adam Janke Great Plains Fishery Workers Association Scholarship – Andrew Carlson Outstanding Wildlife M.S. Student – Will Inselman Gay Simpson Award – Anna Sidie-Slettedahl Robert A. Klumb HAMMS Award – Tobias Rapp Outstanding Biological Sciences Graduate Student – Diane Narem

David Deslauriers Adam Janke

Andrew Carlson Will Inselman

Diane Narem

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 5

Faculty Awards:

Outstanding NRM Teacher Award 2014 –Dr. Kent (KC) Jensen

David W. Willis Faculty Excellence Award 2014 – Dr. Katie Bertrand

Additional Awards Received this Year

Dr. W. Carter Johnson was honored with a science research award from the Environmental Law Institute. He is pictured with Sen. Tim Johnson. The

award ceremony was held at the National Botanic Garden next to the U. S. Capitol in May, 2014.

Dr. Brian Graeb from NRM (above) (and Dr. Donald Auger from Biology/Microbiology) were recognized for their outstanding efforts in teaching as recipients of the Teaching Award of Merit from the North America Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). They were guests at the ABS Scholarship and Awards banquet in Spring, 2014.

Malia Volke, Ph.D. Candidate under advisor Dr. Carter Johnson, was awarded the best student oral presentation during the 6th Annual Meeting of the Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, March 30, 2014 at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul. Her presentation was "The Emergence of Reservoir Deltas in the Regulated Missouri River: Opportunities for Cottonwood Forest Restoration." Malia is now a post-doc with Carter Johnson.

Kate Tvedt, Secretary for the Unit and Department, received SDSU’s Civil Service Employee of the Month award in May, 2014. The award was presented to Kate by University Provost, Dr. Laurie Nichols, in recognition of Kate’s hard work and dedication to SDSU and the Coop Unit.

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 6

Distinguished Alumni Award – a New Department Award!

The true measure of greatness of an academic program is measured by the achievements of its alumni. A number of the Department’s alumni have gained distinction through

professional and service successes. The Department of Natural Resource Management wishes to recognize these individuals and requests nominations for its new Distinguished Alumni Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize alumni who have made significant contributions to society, and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and their careers have honored the legacy of excellence of the Department. Nominees should be graduates of at least one of the Department’s programs, either undergraduate or graduate, and have maintained ties to the Department. The selected alumni will be invited to attend the annual Buffalo Banquet in Brookings, SD where they will receive the award. The Department Head will appoint four faculty and three former students to an anonymous selection committee who will determine the recipient. The following are the primary criteria upon which the selection will be based on:

Professional accomplishments

Support of the Department

Involvement and service to professional societies

Other contributions to the natural resource disciplines The individual submitting the nomination is responsible for obtaining all associated material and is encouraged to forward all information at one time. Each nomination should support selection criteria by including the following:

A description (up to 2 pages) of the contributions by which your nominee has distinguished her- or himself

A minimum of two letters of support

A recent resume, curriculum vitae or biographical sketch

Additional supporting materials (newspaper clippings, magazine articles, etc.)

If you wish to nominate one of our alums, please mail or email a nomination packet including all information. Also, include a cover sheet with your name, contact information, and affiliation with the Department along with the nominee’s name, contact information, current employment information, and graduation year, degree, and major if known. Deadlines to receive nominations this year will be March 1, 2016. Thank you for recognizing your colleague’s contributions and supporting the Department of Natural Resource Management. We look forward to receiving many nominations! Please mail or email application materials to: Terri Symens Department of Natural Resource Management Box 2140B, SNP 138 South Dakota State University Brookings, SD 57007 terri.symens@sdstate.edu

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

New Student Organization!

This past summer, students formed a new Pheasants Forever chapter at SDSU. We are officially known as the SDSU Pheasants Forever chapter, and are the first collegiate-based “PF” chapter in South Dakota. As a collegiate chapter, our mission reflects our academic roots, and our goals are to focus on education and research.

While we are still a young chapter, our vision is to help students from kindergarten through college develop a lasting commitment to the conservation of our natural resources. We plan to accomplish this through both classroom educational opportunities and hands-on activities, such as the Adopt-A-GPA Program. Additionally, we aim to aid in research by helping with research projects when possible and through promotion of the Pheasants Forever Upland Game Bird Research Endowment at SDSU.

While we are a student-led chapter, we both welcome and want alumni involvement. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for those who walked these halls before us.

For more information and updates on our chapter, follow us on Facebook at SDSU Pheasants Forever or email us at sdspheasantsforever@gmail.com. (Photo credits, Wyatt Mack and Mandy Orth)

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 7

Dr. Smart Named Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Coordinator for South Dakota

As of January 1, 2015 Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Smart became the Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Coordinator for South Dakota. SARE is a nationwide USDA sponsored program aimed at developing innovative agricultural practices to produce and distribute food, fuel and fiber sustainably. Sustainability is broadly defined by SARE as PROFIT over the long-term, STEWARDSHIP of our nation’s land, air, and water, and QUALITY OF LIFE for farmers, ranchers and their communities. Sandy’s role as the coordinator for SARE will be as a “connector” to provide training and educational opportunities for extension field staff, spread the word of SARE’s mission, and help faculty, extension staff, and producers apply for grants offered by SARE. Sandy’s goal over the next two years is to focus on five broad initiatives: Carbon-Energy-Climate, Livestock-Crop Integration, Local Foods, Beginning Farmers and Ranchers, and

Developing Learning Communities.

Several faculty, students and GFP staff (Drs. Chipps, Bertrand, Blackwell, Brown, Graeb, and M.S. graduate student Natalie Scheibel) provided a ½ day workshop at the annual Dakota Chapter AFS meeting entitled “Enhancing Scientific Communication”. Topics covered topics included scientific writing to grammar to oral presentations and was attended by over 50 members. The Coop Unit held a CPR training on December 4, 2014 for Unit Faculty and grad students. Participants (pictured from the left, sort of) were Neal Martorelli, David Deslauriers, Jeremy Kientz, Natalie Scheibel, Jamey Gouin, Laura Heironimus, Dr. Steve Chipps, Dr. Joshua Stafford, Jarrett Pfrimmer, Lily Sweikert, and Ryann Cressey. Not an award, but it certainly feels like one! Faculty were able to pull together and pool dollars to purchase a new electrofishing boat pictured here.

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 8

Alumni News

Dr. Jeff Gleason (B.S. 1992, M.S. 1997) (jeffrey_gleason@fws.gov) has been selected for a new position of Gulf Migratory Bird Coordinator that will support Service and partner interests in migratory bird conservation as part of the larger Gulf of Mexico restoration effort. As "Gulf Migratory Bird Coordinator," Jeff will play an intrumental role working with myriad stakeholders within and external to the Service to define and address priority needs related to migratory bird and habitat conservation across the Gulf. Chief among Jeff's responsibilities will be helping to ensure that Gulf restoration investments are leveraged in ways that best advance goals and considerations for bird population sustainability at landscape scales. Jay Boulanger (M.S. 2001). I hope this email finds you well. Just a quick note to inform you of employment change; I’m returning to the Great Plains! This August, I’m leaving Cornell to start a tenure-track, assistant professor of wildlife ecology and management position at the University of North Dakota. I’ll be teaching large mammal ecology and management, mammalogy, and human dimensions of wildlife, and pursuing research projects on same, along with wildlife disease and other human-wildlife conflicts. Tate Fischer (B.S. 1997, M.S. 1998). After five years as the National Fire Planner for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, ID, Tate recently accepted the position of Field Manager in the Four Rivers Field Office of the Boise District for the BLM. As the Field Manager, Fischer has responsibilities for all planning and management actions on the 1.2 million acres within the Field Office including: wildlife, energy, minerals, recreation, forestry, lands, and grazing. Fischer and his wife Stacie (Olson) Fischer ('95) have two children (Ellie, 16 and Carson, 13) all who love what Boise and the Eastern Great Basin have to offer. Alex Letvin (M.S. 2013). I am currently employed with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (formerly Fish and Game). Specifically, I work on the Ocean Salmon Project, which is based in Santa Rosa. Some of our main duties include analyzing all salmon coded-wire tag data for the entire state,

overseeing the sampling of the commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries, and playing an active role in the Pacific Fishery Management Council ocean salmon management process. I also married this August. My fiancee’s name is Kari Anderson-Hermann, and she used to work for Dr. Bertrand helping Erinn Ipsen build the artificial stream tanks.

A new book on waterfowl management and research in South Dakota has just been released. Former Assistant Unit leader Dr. Ken Higgins (ret.) was a co-editor with Dr. Kent Jensen and Spencer Vaa, retired Senior Waterfowl Biologist, on a recent book

titled “A History of Waterfowl Management, Research, and Hunting in South Dakota”. Contributing authors include SDSU Faculty, Coop Unit Faculty, GF&P staff, and US Fish & Wildlife Service biologists. The book provides an excellent overview of the history of waterfowl in the Dakotas along with a diverse assemblage of past and present pictures. Copies of the book can be ordered from South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, 502 E. Capitol Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 or ordered on-line at http://gfp.sd.gov/shop.aspx.

A new book by Dr. Les Flake (Distinguished Professor Emeritus) bird hunting and gun dogs (Brittanies of course!) is now available. Les was on the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences faculty from September 1972 until August 2003 when he retired and moved with

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 9

his wife Marcia to Springville Utah to be closer to family in the west. Les has written a new book (Finding Paradise in South Dakota-Gun Dogs, Pheasants, Prairie Grouse, and More) that is available as a paperback on Amazon.Com ($13.95 plus postage) or, if you want a signed copy, by contacting Les directly by phone 801-491-0854) or by e-mail (LDFlake@yahoo.com). The book is also available in an electronic version through Amazon.com. In the book, Les shares the beauty and spirit of South Dakota with memories of people, places, pointing dogs, and upland game birds. To be sure, upland bird hunters can learn much from the book but it is not just a hunting book. Unusual memories such as sinking duck boats, a scary campsite visit from a Charles Manson look alike, a boyhood attack by a nesting great horned owl, a pet mallard and a Brittany, and grandchildren tossing chickens into a swimming pool as a research experiment add diversity and humor to the book. The serious message quietly integrated in many of the stories is the importance of protecting wetlands from drainage and grasslands and fragile soils from further tillage if the South Dakota paradise is to be kept alive.

Les sends his greeting to his many friends and former students and loves to hear how you are doing!

Dr. Les Flake

Michael R. Broschart, age 65, of Roscoe, SD, died unexpectedly while hunting on October 31, 2014. He was rescuing his inseparable companion Josie (12 year old black lab), that was struggling to return to shore from the icy cold slough. Knowing Michael, he quickly headed out into the slough for the struggling best friend, Josie. We believe Michael got stuck in the mucky water bottom and anxiously was fighting to get to shore also. As a result, he suffered from extreme exhaustion (classified as a heart attack) in the water to ensure Josie made it to shore safely. Michael being an expert sportsman and well versed in the importance of safety and the laws of nature would only sacrifice himself to save another or his dog. So, those who knew Michael well, surmise that the only reason he would go into the freezing cold slough would be to save his dog at the expense of his own life. He was born in Gary, Indiana, February 22, 1949. Michael graduated from Andrean High School, Merrillville, IN and received a B.S. Degree in Wildlife Science from Purdue University, W. Lafayette, IN; and a M.S. in Wildlife & Fisheries Science (Wildlife Option) from South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Robert M. Broschart; mother, Elaine (Reisinger) Broschart. Michael is survived by his sisters and their spouses, Rene’e (Virgil) Tidwell, Byron, GA; Janet (John) Fink of Wheatfield, IN, Lauren Edelen and Carol Samuels of Portage, IN; an aunt and uncle, several nephews and nieces; and many special friends who will always remember his quiet demeanor.

NRM Issue 2014-Spring 2015

New Faces in Student Orgs

2015 Wildlife and Fisheries Conservation Club

Front Row: Savannah Allard – President, Mandy Orth – Co-Advisor, Alyse Homola-Secretary

Back Row: Josh Goeman-Vice President, Dr. KC Jensen-Advisor, Austin Wieseler-Treasurer

2015 Ecology Club officers and advisors:

Back row: Dr. Carol Johnston (Primary Advisor), Alex Hughes (events planner co-chair), Alex Boger (Vice President), Brenna Conley , Abby Flanders (Community Outreach Coordinator), Jake DeKraai (Events Planner)

Front row: Lindsey Meiers (Presidential co-chair), Alannah Vellacott (Media and Recruitment Chair), Dr. Lan Xu (Co-advisor), Kelly Sutko (Treasurer), Gabrielle Maltaverne (President), Kaylee Faultys (Research Coordinator co-chair), Kayla Guy (Secretary), Ming Stephens (Research Coordinator Co-Chair).

2015 American Fisheries Society Student Subunit Officers Will Radigan (Vice President), Chad Kaiser(President) , Matt Wagner(Treasurer), Jenna Haag (Secretary) (left to right).

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 11

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 12

Donations to the Department in 2014 A huge thanks to our private donors who graciously provided gifts this year! These generous gifts provide critical support for scholarships and programs. Thank you!! Richard Anderson Thomas Bacula Ball Corporation Michael S. and Jennifer L. Barber Robert Bartling Peter J. and Bridget K. Bauman David A. Benfield Pete and Lisa Bergmann Kristine Bergstrand Charles R. and Mary Lou Berry Katie N. Bertrand Best Choice Real Estate Mark R. and Teresa L. Binkley Brian G. and Lorie A. Blackwell Bruce H. Bleakley Todd R. and Kim S. Bogenschutz Steven Chipps & Michelle Bouchard Marvin L. and Jean Bouska Brookings Figure Skating Club Brookings Wildlife Federation Mike and Elaine Brown Carrol O. and Janice M. Calkins Brent W. Cantalope Andrew M. Carter Sue W. Chandler Christopher and Mary Chase Valerie Cheesbrough Bradley D. Hennings and Jane Christopher-Hennings David D. Cook Bradley J. and Christine A. Cordts Dakota Chapter AFS Russell F. and Angela B. Daly Timothy J. DeBates Kalee J. Dennert Rufus C. and Patricia S. DeZeeuw Carol A. Doyle David and Diane Drake Barry H. and Jane K. Dunn Randolph M. Edgar Mark J. and Jacquie R. Ermer Steve W. and Michelle A. Erpenbach Rebecca R. Ewing Lester D. and Marcia Flake Stephen A. Flickinger Michael E. and Elizabeth A. Forgy

Kurt J. and Lucia B. Forman Beverly French Don W. and Diane E. Gabelhouse, Jr. Roger N. and Vonda L. Gates Ronald D. Glover John C. Grant Great Plains Fishery Workers Association Carolyn Griswold Michael R. Grode Troy W. Grovenburg Kenneth J. Grymala Thomas R. Gustad Carroll Hanten Robert F. Hartmann Sheila M. Heiberger Henderson Chiropractic Clinic, PLLC Geoffrey Henebry Al and Sue Heuton Kenneth F. Higgins David C. and Julie V. Hilderbrand Geneva M. Hogue Richard Holland James J. and Marjorie J. Hubert IBM - New York Martha B. Iken Jeffrey and Sarah J. Jackson James A. and Emily H. Jennings Grant K. Jense Kent C. and Sandra A. Jensen Shirley R. Jensen Coral L. Joffer Brett and Mari Johnson Samuel A. Johnson Larry W. and Jo M. Kallemeyn Joanita M. Kant Barbara A. Knuth Dennis D. and MaryAnn Knutson Jerry D. Kobriger Tara Krause Alex J. Kunkel Xu Lan Gary E. and Pamela J. Larson Scott V. Larson Kayla Lerew Robert and Lori Lighthizer

Robert L. Limbird Rachel Lindvall Donald C. and Cleo A. Lockwood Kent A. Luttschwager John M. Madden Peter C. and Cynthia D. Maffei Doug and Mary Malo Matt T. Mangan and Karen E. Arnold James W. and Geraldine Matthews Robert J. Mauk William L. McKibbin Charles R. and Marcia K. McMullen Steven W. Mero Blair A. Metzger Nila J. Meyer Midwest Lake Management, Inc. Lonell L. and Mary R. Moeller Gail S. Moller David D. Musil Danna Nall Nebraska Chapter of American Fisheries Society Nebraska Game & Parks Comm. - Fisheries Div. Pamela J. Weiland and Nancy K. Neiber Jerry and Julie Nelson Tim and Laurie Nichols Ryan D. Norman Meredith R. Novak Matthew N. and Molly M. Oedekoven Craig A. Olson Sondra and Dan Patrick Craig P. Paukert Lyle V. and Garnet Perman Dr. Carol J. Peterson Stephen H. and Kathy M. Pohl John and Patsy T. Popowski Frank and Diana Quick Morris L. and Marcene J. Radack Kevin Richards Robert W. and Madeleine S. Rose Clinton P. and Madeleine M. Rusk Stacy L. Salvevold Sanofi Foundation for North America

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 13

Steve J. and Janice Satra Charles G. and Dorcas S. Scalet Sarah D. Scalet Diahann M. Schaefer Jim H. and Karen L. Schramm Thomas R. Scott SDSU Department of Natural Resource Management SDSU Wildlife Conservation Club Sioux Falls Chapter of Izaak Walton League Brian J. and Mary E. Smith South Dakota Grasslands Coalition SD Walleyes Unlimited Rollin D. Sparrowe Ronald J. and Barbara A. Stangeland Keith R. Steffenson Richard D. Sweeney

Daryl E. Tasler Wayne A. and Lynda Tasler Daniel J. Thompson Richard G. and Janice M. Thompson William C. Thorn Jack and Phyllis Thurman Teresa Thurman Karla J. Trautman Dale C. and Ann E. Tribby Nels H. Troelstrup, Jr. Jayme P. and Rebecca Trygstad David H. and Deborah L. Tunink Daniel R. and Kathryn Tvedt Dennis G. and Jeanne C. Unkenholz Spencer J. Vaa Terri C. and James Van Erem Gary C. and Sharon R. Van Riper

Raymond G. and Marlys K. Vander Wal Paul A. and Jeanette K. Vohs Mark T. and Rosemary A. Wagner Chunyang Wang Randy J. and Claudia M. Ward Gary L. and Iris M. Weihemuller JoAnn A. Willgohs Daniel R. Willis and Max A. Nall Susan E. Willis Don and Tammy Willis Matthew D. and Pamela L. Willis Roe E. and Helene Willis Cody L. and Stephanie J. Wright David L. and Geniece A. Wright Patricia Wright Melissa R. Wuellner

Opportunities to support the NRM Department:

1) Student Education Enhancements, Scholarships, and Endowments:

Your impact: Expanding undergraduate scholarship dollars available to support students enrolled

in Ecology and Environmental Science, Natural Resource Law Enforcement, Rangeland Ecology and

Management and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. Expanding competitive graduate student

research awards.

The Natural Resource Management Department. Funds that enable strategic initiatives in academic and research programs through implementation of the department strategic plan.

Clifford H. Fiscus Endowment that helps supports our NRM Departmental seminar series. Clifford H. Fiscus (B.S. 1950) was a long-time friend of the department. In 2004, he provided an endowment to the department that is used to bring guest speakers to campus. This is an important aspect of our graduate student training and pursuit of scholarly excellence.

NRM Education Fund. This fund enables talented undergraduate students to present their research at local and national meetings.

Program Targeted Scholarships. Gifts of less than $1000 can be targeted toward undergraduate scholarships funds in (1) Ecology and Environmental Science, (2) Natural Resource Law Enforcement, (3) Rangeland Ecology and Management, (4) Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.

-If you are interested in donating at the $1000 level or above, we can work with you to develop a named scholarship. A list of our current named scholarships can be found at: https://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/academics/scholarships/upload/Undergrad-Scholarships.pdf-

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 14

Dave Willis Fisheries Research Award Endowment This Endowment was established to honor Dr. Willis' life work and to sustain his legacy through promoting excellence in fisheries education and research. We encourage and appreciate your support of Dave's legacy through a donation to support the growth of this endowment. Gift pledges can be made over multiple years or as single donations. Proceeds will be used to provide competitive research awards to graduate and undergraduate fisheries students who have demonstrated scholarly excellence in fisheries science and best personify Dave's exceptional career and service to our nation's natural resources.

Kenneth F. Higgins Waterfowl Legacy Research Endowment This Endowment honors the life and the distinguished career of Dr. Ken Higgins, a former wildlife research biologist with the U.S. Department of the Interior and the South Dakota Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, and a professor emeritus in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at South Dakota State University.

Clifford H. Fiscus Waterfowl Research Endowment The Fiscus Waterfowl Research Endowment fund honors the life of of Mr.

Fiscus, who earned a degree in Wildlife Management at South Dakota State College. This endowment provides support for waterfowl research activities which may enhance future management or welfare of waterfowl or other wetland dependent avian species and/or their habitats.

Pheasants Forever Upland Game Bird Research

Endowment This Endowment honors the efforts of the Brookings County Pheasant Restoration Association and the Brookings County chapter of Pheasants Forever. An initial donation of $25,000 established the principal for this endowment.

Kevin Honness Memorial Scholarship Announcement The Honness Scholarship is awarded each year (31 March) to student members of the Great Plains Natural Science Society. Two awards ($500 each) are currently available, one for graduate and one for undergraduate researchers; preference will be given to students conducting research in the Great Plains. Applications will be accepted each year from 1 November until 28 February. Interested students can find additional details and application form at http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/organizations/gpnss/kevin-honness-memorial-scholarship.cfm.

Curtis M. Twedt Upland Game Research Endowment Curtis M. Twedt, a native of Volga, SD, graduated in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences in 1959. Dr. Twedt enjoyed a 31-year career with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as an upland game and research biologist. The recipient of the Twedt research grant shall be selected by the Department of Natural Resource Management at SDSU. The long-term vision of the Department is to eventually be able to provide a graduate research assistantship from this endowment.

Jesse W. West Research Endowment This Endowment is intimately tied to the Pond Boss magazine and forum. It honors the life of Jesse W. West, a Mississippian and professor of geology. While teaching geology “summer camp” in the west, including Colorado, California, and the Black Hills (one of his favorite geologic places), he developed a love of the area and its people, which he shared with his family. His strong belief in helping others along their journey in applied science is the cornerstone of Jesse's endowment.

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 15

2) Off Campus Research Facilities - Oak Lake Field Station or Wildlife and

Fisheries Research Unit (existing resources to which you could contribute are

identified below).

Your impact: Expanding endowed undergraduate research opportunities grants for our Oak Lake

Field Station and Wildlife and Fisheries Research Unit; Funding to support construction of off-

campus teaching and research facilities and/or purchase large research equipment.

Charles and Marcia McMullen Undergraduate Research Award. An Endowment recently established in honor of Dr. Charles and Marcia McMullen who have been long-time supporters of the Oak Lake Field Station. Chuck served as the first director of the Oak Lake Field Station and was instrumental in working with President Robert Wagner to establish the field station as a resource to students interested in the natural sciences. This endowment provides support for NRM undergraduate students interested in conducting undergraduate research at the station.

Oak Lake John Haertel Memorial Research Award An Endowment established in honor of Dr. Jon Haertel, vertebrate biologist in Biology & Microbiology. Jon’s love of vertebrate animals and long-time contributions to the study of vertebrates resulted in establishment of this endowment to support undergraduate research on vertebrates at the Oak Lake Field Station.

Rogen-Trooien Oak Lake Endowment An Endowment established in honor of Alvera Rogen and the Trooien Family who had a long-time family connection and interest in the Oak Lake Field Station. This fund was established to support long-term maintenance and development of facilities at the Oak Lake Field Station toward the education and development of students interested in South Dakota natural resources.

Oak Lake Field Station Fund

A flexible field station account developed using unrestricted gifts to the Oak Lake Field Station and utilized for newsletters, web site, hospitality expenses and meeting attendance in relation to field station operations and programs.

3) Endowed research faculty positions in Ecology or Environmental Science, Range

Ecology or Range Management, Wildlife Biology and Fisheries Biology.

Your impact: Faculty endowments provide funding for perpetuity that will allow the Department to

recruit exceptional faculty members and provide them with the resources that are essential to their

ability to do their critical work.

(Targeted gifts would also be appreciated to support the purchase of research equipment and enhancement of

research lab facilities in each of the areas identified above.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 16

Please return this form or contact our Foundation partners, Mike Barber (605.321.6468) or Abbie

Cribbs (605.216.8617), to learn more about how you can make a difference in the Department of

NRM.

NRM | Issue 2014-SPRING 2015 17

CONTACT US with news, comments or questions: PLEASE contact us with Alumni Updates. We get more positive feedback from people who appreciate these updates than anything else in the newsletter!

Also, please send email address updates, corrections, and share the newsletter with friends and alumni so we can grow that email address list. Thanks for any help!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Department of Natural Resource Management South Dakota State University SNP 138, Box 2140B Brookings, SD 57007 605.688.6122 Web pages: http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm https://www.facebook.com/sdstateNaturalResourceManagement https://www.facebook.com/pages/SDSU-Natural-Resource-Job-Announcements/699103456779362?sk=timeline _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Calling All NRM B.S. Alums!

The Assessment Committee of the NRM Department will soon be piloting a survey of those who graduated with their Bachelor’s in Ecology and Environmental Science, Rangeland Ecology and Management, and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences. We will be randomly selecting alums and emailing invitations to complete the online survey. The survey contains 10 questions and should take 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Your responses will provide valuable feedback to the department on how we can continuously improve our undergraduate educational experience. All responses will be anonymous, and we’ll be seeking feedback from alumni of all ages!

So, please be on the lookout for an invitation to complete our online pilot survey. Also, you can ensure that your e-mail address is up to date with the SDSU Alumni Association by visiting http://www.statealum.com/s/1108/start.aspx and clicking on the “Update Info” link.

Thank you in advance for your consideration and participation! We hope to provide a summary of the results in a future newsletter. If you have any particular questions about the alumni survey, please contact Dr. Melissa Wuellner by e-mail at melissa.wuellner@sdtate.edu or by phone at 605-688-5963.

Dr. Melissa Wuellner