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

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

CEMML internship leads to full-time wildlife job in Alaska

Before finding CEMML, Corey Clements had no idea that a career as a biologist on a military base was possible. Following a string of short-term jobs after graduating from South Dakota State University, an opportunity in CEMML’s early-career development program brought him to Alaska, evolving into a full-time position.

April 24, 2023

CEMML principal investigator and natural resource expert joins executive committee

Bill Sprouse, a long-time CEMML natural resource expert and principal investigator, recently joined its executive committee as an assistant director. After nearly three decades of experience with the organization, he hopes to hit the ground running and continue to support one of CEMML’s most crucial resources: Its people.

April 3, 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

A life-long love of plants: CEMML botanist retires after three decades at CSU

Nancy Hastings’ love for plants and spending time in the outdoors led her to Colorado State University in 1989 to pursue a graduate degree in Range Science. After graduating, she would spend the next 34 years as a botanist with the university’s Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML), helping military installations across the U.S. and overseas manage their natural resources.

February 22, 2023

Air Force-CEMML partnership seeks to reduce aviation risks associated with wildlife

A partnership between the Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) is developing an application to help Air Force installations understand wildlife population densities and behavior patterns. The effort aims to prevent wildlife associated aircraft incidents—collectively known as Bird/Wildlife Aircraft Strike Hazard, or BASH.

February 16, 2023