This Week in RNR
LINK:
LSU Covid-19 Updates and Information
Science Thursday (via ZOOM)
All of the Science Thursday talks are recorded and will be posted on the School’s website. --Craig Gothreaux, President, LSU SRNR/FWF Alumni Association
We have one additional Science Thursday zoom meetings scheduled for this fall:
Click on this link to view the presentation, approximately 54 minutes. Dr. Nyman spoke about the importance of marsh elevation on constructed marshes. Science Thursday, 10 Sept 2020 with Dr. Andy Nyman
Click this link for Dr. Keim’s Science Thursday talk, approximately 50 minutes. It was interesting not only for forestry, but for wildlife, fisheries, and coastal restoration. Science Thursday, 8 Oct 2020 with Dr. Richard Keim
- --Class Make-up days:
Saturday, 17 October (Monday make-up)
Saturday, 7 November (Wednesday make-up) - -- 9 Nov 2020, Monday: Final date to request rescheduling a final examination when three examinations are scheduled in 24 hours
- -- 4 Dec 2020, Friday: Final date for dropping courses or for resigning from the University, 4:30 p.m., deadline
- -- 25 Nov 2020, Wednesday: Thanksgiving Holiday begins, 12:30 p.m
- -- 30 Nov 2020, Monday: Classes resume, 7:30 a.m. *The remainder of the fall semester, including final exams, will be conducted remotely via the web.*
- -- 7-12 Dec 2020, Monday - Saturday: Final Exams
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ACADEMIC CALENDER
Louisiana Coastal Forest Workshop:
Our Forests, Our Coasts, Our Future
Join Pontchartrain Conservancy, LSU’s School of Renewable Natural Resources, and partners for the 2020 virtual Coastal Forest Workshop.
Presentations for the virtual workshop will feature themes of (1) the current state of scientific understanding of coastal forest ecosystems (2) living and working in coastal forest landscapes, and (3) planning for the future sustainability of coastal forest ecosystems. This workshop will encompass the physical, biological, and social science perspectives recognizing that all three components are inherently linked in understanding the current and future state of coastal forests in Louisiana and the greater northern Gulf Coast region. The main objectives of the workshop will be to:
- Establish the current state of the ecologic, hydrologic, and geomorphic understanding of coastal forests and the two way relationship between coastal forests and communities to identify scientific gaps and future needs moving forward that can help inform policy makers and managers.
- Strengthen the community of advocates and expertise for coastal forest science, management, conservation, and policy.
HOW TO JOIN?
Join us on zoom to directly participate with speakers by asking questions and contributing to discussions or watch on Pontchartrain Conservancy’s Facebook live to watch presentations. Facebook is only for viewing! Use zoom to participate in discussions and ask questions. Email marygrace@scienceforourcoasts.org with any questions!
Zoom link:
https://lsu.zoom.us/j/94208441840?pwd=dUlRNFhRbTR2Ny9GVVo5cFJwNGI1UT09
Meeting ID: 942 0844 1840
Passcode: 251319
Toll-free numbers: 8778535247, 8887880099
Meeting schedule and additional information: https://scienceforourcoast.org/louisiana-coastal-forest-workshop/
Oct. 13th 1-4:20 PM; Oct. 14th 1-4:20 PM (CT)
Oct. 28th 1-4:20 PM; Oct. 29th 9-12:30 PM (CT)
Dr. Stouffer's Brazilian Bird Research Featured in UK
Interesting UK Daily Mail Online article outlines Dr. Phil Stouffer’s long-term Brazilian bird research: LINK: "Iconic sound of the Amazon rainforest is fading away: Musician Wren and other rare birds are dying out even in areas untouched by humans"
Few places on Earth are as rich in biodiversity and removed from human influence as the world's largest rainforest -- the Amazon. Scientists at Louisiana State University (LSU) have been conducting research within the pristine rainforest for decades. However, they began to notice that some of the animals, specifically birds that forage on and near the forest floor, had become very difficult to find.
"What we think is happening is an erosion of biodiversity, a loss of some of the richness in a place where we would hope biodiversity can be maintained," said LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources Professor Philip Stouffer, who is the lead author of a new study published on 26 Oct 2020 in Ecology Letters.
The Aquatic Chicken:
Pond Poultry
Tilapia genetics and their parallels with poultry
When considering ongoing genetic improvement efforts in tilapia culture, comparisons with the development of the modern chicken industry often present themselves, according to Dr. Greg Lutz, Professor and extension specialist at Louisiana State Univeristy Agricultural Center (and School of Renewable Natural Resources).
Interesting details here on The Fish Site.
Storm Prep and Recovery Guidelines for Crawfish & Finfish Producers
Aquaculture sites throughout the Gulf and South Atlantic regions are particularly vulnerable to storm related impacts, both in terms of physical damage and loss of livestock. Staff from the USDA Southeast Climate Hub enlisted Dr. Greg Lutz to collaborate with colleagues from Texas A&M and the University of Georgia to develop storm preparation and recovery guidelines for finfish aquaculture producers, including catfish farmers, baitfish producers and tropical fish operations throughout the region. When Lutz and Texas A&M's Dr. Todd Sink proposed a similar effort for crawfish producers, the idea was welcomed by USDA officials - a sign that Louisiana's $250 million crawfish industry is becoming more widely appreciated throughout the region.
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery –
USDA link: Crawfish Producers Guide – Dr. Greg Lutz] | [Permalink]
Hurricane Preparation and Recovery –
USDA link: Finfish Producers Guide – Dr. Greg Lutz | [Permalink]
"Preserving the Hunt" Continues
In today’s university-based wildlife conservation programs, it is increasingly common for enrolled students to lack prior exposure to or experience with hunting. In response to this trend, initiatives commonly referred to as “University Hunt Programs” are being developed (also see the article and videos reference below), whereby students are given an opportunity to learn about and participate in waterfowl hunting.
In video episodes, the program is introduced by 4 guests that have been active participants in them. This two-part podcast is a continuation of a paper (Successes and Challenges of University first Hunt Programs. ) Madelyn McFarland, a Graduate assitant at Mississippi State Univeristy, had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Mike Brasher, Dr. Kevin Ringelman, Dr. John Eadie, and Julie Huynh to discuss university hunt programs, as well as her and Julie’s personal experiences through Louisiana State University.
From Madelyn McFarland: "Coming from a non-traditional background, the university hunt program was my first introduction to hunting. Since my first hunt, I’ve gotten to chase ducks, geese, and doves in 5 different states! I am eternally grateful to the LSU hunt program and its sponsors for facilitating such a life changing experience."
LINKS:
-- Hunter Education for the Professionals: University Hunt Programs (1 of 2)
-- Mud on the Boots: University Hunt Programs (2 of 2)
Bret Collier named new
Wildlife Society Bulletin
Editor-in-Chief
Dr. Bret Collier, Associate Professor of Wildlife Ecology, started as the new editor in chief on July 1. No stranger to the journal, he has been a longtime associate editor for both WSB and the Journal of Wildlife Management. His first published paper was in WSB in 2005.
“The Bulletin has always had kind of a special place within our field,” Collier said. “It publishes everything from population biology and mathematics to controversial topics and opinions pieces, and it provides a really good opportunity for young scientists to get some of their information out in a very readable format that reaches managers fairly quickly.”
The full announcement is avaialbe from the The Wildlife Society. Congratulations, Bret!
Preserving the Hunt
In the School of Renewable Natural resources, we provide an opportunity for our wildlife students to learn to hunt. This is an important part of their education.
Our students gain an appreciation for the role of hunters in wildlife and habitat conservation, and this makes them better prepared for careers in wildlife management.
- The videos below will give you a glimpse of the program.
- Episode 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ3WQlOpQYk
- Episode 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=naOjb2jkouM
- Episode 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3jrvxzTriI
See the LSU story: Hunting for the Next Generation of Conservation Stewards
Supporting Excellence!
Renew Your SRNR/FWF Alumni Association Memebership for 2020 Now
and Stay Connected!
- Download and send it in!
LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources / Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries Alumni Association 2020 Membership Renewal Form (PDF) - OR, Pay by credit card: LSU Alumni - SRNR/FWF Chapter
**SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming Alumni Events**
- Science Thursday: 10 September. 8 October, and 5 November, 6:00 pm
- SRNR/FWF AA Annual Meeting and Hall of Fame induction: 2 October, 6:00 pm
**Pending COVID-19 status, minimally, these events will be open on Zoom. We will defer until start of the fall semester a decision as to whether we are able to also host alumni at our building. Watch for future emails with specifics.
Research Matters
Spring 2020
The Spring 2020 edition of Research Matters is now available for download. See what is happening with our students and faculty in the many diverse and interesting teaching, research, and extension projects that are ongoing. RNR also welcomes Dr. Kristin DeMarco to the Faculty as an instructor, specializing in coastal wetland ecology.
-- Quick News --
Tips and Advice for Standing Out as a Graduate Program Candidate
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Check out our videos that shows why the School of Renewable Natural Resources is the place to be!
Renewable Natural Resources
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