Welcome

Howdy,

The Department of Ecosystem Science and Management (ESSM) was formed in March 2007 by combining the Departments of Rangeland Ecology and Management and Forest Science. This new academic Department reflects an expanded emphasis on ecosystem science and natural resource management in it's education, research, and extension programs. The Department is in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and it is comprised of 50 faculty, 57 staff, and 100 graduate and 230 undergraduate students.

These changes increase the profile, quality, and efficiency of our academic programs by reorganizing our scientists and educators to create additional synergies. Expanded collaboration among research, teaching, and extension programs enhances our collective ability to conduct discovery research and to translate that information into solutions for contemporary natural resource management problems.

This reorganization enriches our research programs by expanding our spatial and disciplinary scope and engaging a more diverse group of faculty. Research strength in ESSM includes ecosystem issues spanning all ruralurban gradients, genetics, and genomics research within an ecosystem framework, ecological restoration within a broader range of ecosystems, human dimensions within an ecosystem management perspective, and a more comprehensive spatial sciences program focused on ecological and natural resource issues.

The primary mission of the Department is to 'solve real world problems with research-based solutions'.

Vision

The Department aspires to be a premier ecosystem science and management program that significantly impacts the science, education, and management affecting ecosystems.

Mission

Advance knowledge of ecosystem structure, function, services, and stewardship through a combination of discovery and translational research that develops and adapts cutting-edge science to anticipate and address real-world problems.

Create stimulating and adaptive learning environments, accessible to diverse populations, that prepare students for leadership in the science and stewardship of rangeland, forest and wetland ecosystems across the rural-urban gradient.

Deliver outreach and continuing education programs that provide pragmatic solutions for diverse stakeholders while increasing economic vitality and societal appreciation for the value of healthy, functional ecosystems.