CEMML archaeological survey explores early 20th century history of Fort McCoy

An archaeological survey conducted by CEMML personnel in the summer of 2022 was initially meant to investigate the creation of several hundred concrete tent pads at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Research into the tent pads, dating from around the early 20th century, also unearthed additional information about other possible known archaeological features and sites around what is referred to as “Old Camp McCoy.”

February 21, 2024

Canine detectives help locate long-forgotten burials at a Virginia military base

Mulberry Island, Virginia, the location of Joint Base Langley-Eustis, has a long history of human habitation, dating back 10,000 years. The area has more than 230 archaeological sites, including cemeteries with unmarked graves. CEMML, in partnership with the Fort Eustis Cultural Resources Program, is using human remains detection dogs to help identify unmarked burial sites to better understand, honor, and preserve the area’s rich history.

February 7, 2024

CEMML partnership helps ensure Native American voices are heard in military planning

Much of the roughly 26 million acres that the Department of Defense oversees nationwide was once occupied by Native American tribes. Military installations are legally required to consult with interested tribes when carrying out projects that affect natural and cultural resources. A tool developed by CEMML and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center helps determine which tribes may have an interest in an installation’s land or airspace.

January 4, 2024

CEMML interim director assumes executive director role

Barker Fariss has been selected as CEMML’s new executive director. He has led CEMML as interim director since July, 2023. Fariss brings an extensive background in environmental regulatory compliance, making him uniquely suited for overseeing CEMML and its land management support to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

December 6, 2023

CEMML archaeologists uncover grinding stone artifact in Wisconsin

While investigating an archeological site at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin, CEMML archaeologists uncovered a mano, a type of grinding stone used to process both wild and cultivated plant foods. Ground stone tools are not commonly found at Fort McCoy. Of 162 archaeological sites at Fort McCoy, only 24 have unearthed ground stone tools. These 24 sites yielded 64 ground stone tools, of which only eight were assumed to be grinding tools associated with food processing.

November 20, 2023

Ecology expert joins CEMML Executive Committee

After 7 years as a principal investigator, Dr. Mindy Clarke joins CEMML’s executive committee as an assistant director. Clarke brings 25 years of environmental management experience to CEMML’s leadership team and a passion for bridging the gap between science and management.

November 2, 2023

CEMML accounts for nearly a quarter of record-breaking CSU sponsored program expenditure

Colorado State University continues to see record-breaking numbers in sponsored project expenditures, edging close to a half-billion dollars with a total of $498.1 million in fiscal year 2023. CEMML contributed nearly a quarter of that total (21%) by bringing in $104.3 million as a key provider of environmental management services to the Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

October 3, 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

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

CEMML Early-career Development Program offers experience in managing military lands

The CEMML Early-career Development Program gives college students and recent graduates opportunities to work at military installations on natural and cultural resource projects. As seasonal technicians, participants learn new skills, receive mentorship, make career-aiding connections, all while getting paid doing it.

March 23, 2023