About Us

LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources

The LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources (RNR) is a leader in natural resource conservation and management, with a particular focus on wetland landscapes, wildlife populations and habitats, coastal and freshwater fisheries, and forest resources and ecology. The programs of research, teaching, and outreach offered by the School of Renewable Natural Resources provide a unique opportunity for individuals interested in making a difference in these critical areas.

The School of Renewable Natural Resources places great emphasis on basic and applied research that is both relevant to the citizens of Louisiana and the broader scientific and global communities. The School of Renewable Natural Resources actively seeks out exceptional scientists to join their team and enhance their leadership positions. Collaboration with experts from a variety of fields is strongly encouraged.

The School of Renewable Natural Resources offers comprehensive undergraduate education in renewable resource ecology and management, with areas of concentration such as Conservation Biology, Ecological Restoration, Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forest Resources Management, Natural Resource Conservation, Pre-veterinary Medicine, Wetland Science, Wildlife Ecology, and Wildlife Law Enforcement.

For graduate students, the School of Renewable Natural Resources offers both Masters and Ph.D. degrees in Renewable Natural Resources, with areas of concentration in Fisheries and Aquaculture, Forestry, Forest Products, Watershed Science, and Wildlife. This provides a unique opportunity to pursue advanced studies in their area of interest and contribute to sustainable natural resource management.

The School of Renewable Natural Resources is committed to disseminating the results of service-oriented research and transferring innovative technologies for the benefit of natural resource stakeholders in Louisiana. Faculty members have the opportunity to contribute to the School's mission of sustainable natural resource management and make a real difference in the world.

Read about the School's History

Vision

The School of Renewable Natural Resources is committed to excellence in research, teaching, and outreach. We strive to provide leadership in natural resource conservation and management, and to define and address emerging natural resource issues through basic and applied science.

Mission

The mission of the School of Renewable Natural Resources is to advance and disseminate knowledge in conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of forest, wetland, and aquatic resources. We pursue our mission through programs of research, teaching, and outreach, accentuating the unique forest, wetland, wildlife and fisheries resources of the Gulf Coast region, including the Coastal Plain and Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley.

Goals

  • Achieve national and international recognition for leadership and science within RNR Programs of Excellence.
  • Actively engage RNR students, faculty, staff, the RNR Advisory Council, the LSU AgCenter, and the LSU College of Agriculture in the refinement, planning, and execution of Programs of Excellence within the School.
  • Encourage multidisciplinary and inter-institutional research through the pursuit of competitive grants to enhance Programs of Excellence.
  • Increase undergraduate enrollment, diversity, graduation rate and placement though cooperative programs with Louisiana community colleges and natural resource employers.
  • Improve the Ph.D. program through increased student enrollment, improved student diversity, and integrated academic training.
  • Enhance the effectiveness of RNR extension efforts through evaluation of stakeholder needs, resource allocation, communication technology, and impact assessment.
  • Quantify and prioritize fundraising needs for graduate student and faculty positions, technology, and infrastructure to support Programs of Excellence.

  • Identify opportunities, obstacles, and changes necessary to successfully develop multidisciplinary and inter-institutional research programs
  • Develop specific strategies to support, and promote the four programs of excellence within the School
  • Facilitate communication and collaboration between extension and research faculty
  • Increase student and faculty participation in scientific meetings, presentations, and publications

  • Update the strategies and priorities of the RNR Extension program
  • Re-evaluate the number and distribution of RNR Extension positions based on current stakeholder needs
  • Evaluate and prioritize needs for continuing education programs

  • Study and modify Areas of Concentration (AOCs) and related student-faculty ratios to reflect current needs of students and potential employers
  • Establish “2 + 2” programs with Louisiana community colleges for targeted AOCs
  • Increase enrollment in the undergraduate forestry program

  • Increase funding for and enrollment of Ph.D. students
  • Broaden Ph.D. student training to include teaching, outreach, and participation in the RNR graduate student organization
  • Increase graduate course offerings
  • Revitalize the RNR graduate student organization

  • Publish an annual summary of research and extension projects and distribute widely to stakeholders
  • Develop an informational campaign(s) targeting potential students, other College of Ag faculty, and administrators
  • Develop a regular schedule of briefings and meetings with the AgCenter and College of Agriculture directed at mutual support of strategic initiatives
  • Develop a program for input and update of research and outreach programs into the CMS system

  • Identify a RNR staff position to support fundraising
  • Develop an annual grassroots campaign in cooperation with the LSU College of Agriculture
  • Develop funding for endowed positions to support Programs of Excellence
  • Develop additional funding to support Ph.D. student enrollment
  • Obtain funding for infrastructure improvements

  • Renovate classrooms (starting with 1st floor)
  • Correct safety needs in the RNR building
  • Reorganize office space to encourage interaction of graduate students
  • Obtain space for storage of boats, trailers and other field equipment
  • Plan building space addition
  • Evaluate infrastructure needs at Lee Memorial Forest
woodin-hall 

Learn more about the opportunities and degree programs offered by the LSU College of Agriculture.

LSU College of Agriculture

 

LSU COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

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Contact

School of Renewable Natural Resources
Room 227 Renewable Natural Resources Building
South Tower at Highland Rd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
phone: 225-578-4131
fax: 225-578-4227

 

Undergraduate Program

Dr. Mike Kaller
Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs
105 Renewable Natural Resources Bldg
[email protected]

 

Graduate Program

Dr. William Kelso
Coordinator of Graduate Studies and Research
118 Renewable Natural Resources Bldg
[email protected]

 

Interdepartmental Studies in Wetland Ecology and Restoration

Dr. Andy Nyman
Coordinator of Interdepartmental Studies in Wetland Ecology and Restoration
327 Renewable Natural Resources Bldg
phone: 225-578-4220
[email protected]

 

Director

Dr. Allen Rutherford
Director
227 Renewable Natural Resources Bldg
[email protected]

Facilities

USGS Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit

What is the Coop Unit? The USGS Louisiana Fish and Wildlife Cooperative Research Unit is one of 44 Cooperative Research Units in 40 states. The Cooperative Research Units are cooperative endeavors between the U.S. Geological Survey, state game and fish agencies, Wildlife Management Institute, and in several cases, including Louisiana, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Program was the vision of J. N. Ding Darling. As Director of the Bureau of Biological Survey (the future U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) Darling pushed for the cooperative endeavor in an effort to facilitate the training of wildlife biologists and to address applied wildlife and fisheries issues at the state and regional levels. The first units were established under his direction in 1935.

How does it work? As part of the cooperative agreement, the U.S. Geological Survey pays the salary of up to 4 scientists (one position is currently vacant due to a lack of available funds).  The University provides office space, a secretary and other administrative support, and graduate faculty privileges. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries provides base funds to assist the research efforts of the research unit. The scientists teach graduate courses, employ graduate students to conduct graduate research projects, serve on other graduate committees, and assist in basic administrative duties/committees of the School.

Aquaculture Research Station

The Aquaculture Research Station is located on 178 acres south of Baton Rouge and includes 146 experimental ponds totaling 100 surface acres. Scientists conduct research on catfish, oysters, alligators, baitfish, turtles, a variety of freshwater game fish and crawfish.

Complementing the crawfish research is another facility with experimental ponds at the Rice Research Station in southwest Louisiana, the heart of the crawfish-growing region. The goal is to make the aquaculture industry more competitive in the global economy. Research on coastal plants, bred to grow quickly and help Louisiana's receding coastline, is conducted at this facility.

Louisiana Forest Products Development Center (LFPDC)

In the State of Louisiana, the forest industry contributes over 50% of the total value of all agricultural, animal and fish/wildlife commodities. In addition to lumber, plywood, OSB and the production of other primary products, valuable secondary products are also produced such as furniture and kitchen cabinets. In 1994 the LSU Agricultural Center established the Louisiana Forest Products Laboratory (LFPL). In 2003, we changed our name to the Louisiana Forest Products Development Center (LFPDC) to better reflect the breadth of our expertise and client base.

The Center, now an integral part of the School of Renewable Natural Resources, provides technical assistance to the primary and value-added processing wood products industries in Louisiana. Since its inception, the LFPDC has made great strides and is currently firmly positioned as one of the most recognized and productive forest products research and outreach centers in the United States.

Lee Memorial Forest

Lee Memorial Forest with more than 1,200 acres of managed timberland is an important research and teaching resource for the LSU AgCenter. Located between Franklinton and Bogalusa in Washington Parish, the Lee forest began with a 1,000-acre donation from the Great Southern Lumber Company in 1926 and was augmented with a gift of 210 acres from the William A. Knight estate in 1991. The forest provides its own operating budget with income generated from timber sales.

Alumni Association

RNR/FWF Alumni Association Information

Stay connected with fellow alumni and learn about upcoming events and opportunities in the field of natural resources.

Learn more about the Renewable Natural Resources Alumni Association