News and Events
One of North America’s rarest snakes gets a boost from military conservation efforts
CEMML biologists at Fort Johnson, located in west-central Louisiana, are working to change the negative perception that people have about snakes. Education and outreach to both soldiers and the broader community is a key effort in helping to ensure the survival of one of North America’s rarest snake species, the Louisiana pinesnake.
September 7, 2023
CEMML biologist’s “cool job” featured in regional magazine
In June, CEMML biologist Chris Melder was featured in Thrive Magazine. The “cool jobs” article highlighted Melder’s work involving the conservation of endangered species including the Red-cockaded Woodpecker and the Louisiana Pine Snake. Based at Fort Johnson (formerly Fort Polk) in west-central Louisiana, part of Melder’s role entails education and outreach in the community, including local schools.
August 30, 2023
On a Hawaiian military base, CEMML staffers help residents safeguard water quality
Teaching local residents and children how to take care of their Oʻahu home is the specialty of CEMML’s Angie Arroyo and Kristy Morris. As water programs support staff, they help Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, an Air Force and Navy base, implement its stormwater program. As part of their role, they provide educational programs at local libraries and schools and work with adult volunteer groups.
August 15, 2023
Three decades of impact: CEMML associate director brings career to a close
Military lands management wasn’t on Calvin Bagley’s radar as a possible career path when he graduated with a master’s in range science from Utah State University in 1987. But an initial role with the Army Corps of Engineers’ Construction Engineering Research Laboratory would eventually lead him to Colorado State University and a thirty-year career with CEMML helping the DoD manage its natural and cultural resources.
July 26, 2023
From geography to financial management — a CEMML principal investigator changes careers at CSU
As part of CEMML, Shannon Voggesser spent the last 18 years working with maps. Most recently as principal investigator and head of its GIS team. During her career with CEMML, she discovered an interest in the finance and budgeting side of her work. In June, she transferred those skills over to CSU’s Office of Engagement and Extension where she now supports project managers as the grant and special funds manager.
July 21, 2023
A career-changing student finds success through CEMML
With the help of CEMML’s Early-career Development Program, James Fujioka is making a transition from managing kitchens to managing natural resources. After beginning his career in the culinary arts, the added stress of working in the restaurant industry during the pandemic, combined with his love for the outdoors, made him rethink his career trajectory.
July 6, 2023
CEMML herpetologist slithers off into the sunset
CEMML principal investigator Tom Mathies retired in June after six years with the Center. An expert in herpetology and invasive species, Mathies was captivated by the natural world from a young age and has spent a lengthy career studying snakes, lizards and bugs of all kinds. During his time with CEMML, Mathies developed a biosecurity program in Guam, helping the military control invasive species across the Marianas.
July 5, 2023
Environmental compliance expert appointed as CEMML interim director
Dr. Barker Fariss has been appointed CEMML interim director following the departure of Tony Chapa at the end of June. Dr. Fariss brings an extensive background in environmental regulatory compliance, overseeing projects at both the state and federal level. He will take over director duties starting July 1, 2023.
June 8, 2023
Reymundo “Tony” Chapa to step down as CEMML executive director
At the end of June, Reymundo “Tony” Chapa will leave his post as executive director of Colorado State University’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML). After a five-year tenure, marked by transition, Chapa is hopeful new leadership can pickup where he left off and continue to expand upon it.
June 1, 2023
From pizza delivery to natural resources planning
Amber Bumgardner Mense always knew she wanted a career in the outdoors. After earning multiple associates degrees and certifications, volunteering every chance she got, and navigating a slow job market during the COVID pandemic, she came across an opening in CEMML’s Early-career Development Program. That experience led to a full-time position with CEMML as a Natural Resources Planning Specialist.
June 1, 2023
CEMML program helps military installations plan for climate change
CEMML’s Climate Adaptation and Management Planning Program (CAMPP) provides a multi-disciplinary analysis of the threats that Department of Defense installations face from climate change. Program manager Dr. Mindy Clarke shares her perspective on the origins of the CAMPP program, its current work, and its vision for the future.
June 1, 2023
Newscast highlights CEMML’s environmental support to U.S. Army in Hawaii
During an open house event in April, CEMML staff based at the U.S. Army’s Pōhakuloa Training Area (PTA) in Hawaii, shared information about the recycling program and provided interactive displays and other activities to highlight natural and cultural resource management efforts.
April 28, 2023