NMSU Range Scientist named "Rangeman of the Year"

Date:  March 10, 1997
Editor: D'Lyn Ford  (505) 646-6528, dlford@nmsu.edu

LAS CRUCES -- Kris Havstad, adjunct professor in range science at New Mexico State University, was named the 1996 "Rangeman of the Year" by the New Mexico section of the Society for Range Management.

The annual award recognizes people who value range resources in the state and see the need for management.

Havstad is supervisory range scientist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Jornada Experimental Range. He studies plant and animal relationships. Havstad has made an effort to ensure that research on the Jornada reflects the needs of the desert resource and its users.

"He has taken great strides in moving in the right direction in the research of arid lands," said Jim McCormick, the acting president of the society. "He and his team are the leaders in Chihuahuan Desert research."

Havstad was cited for making great efforts to educate and communicate with the public regarding environmental concerns on rangelands. He has an ability to relate to and communicate with diverse groups, which can help resolve conflicts involving rangeland issues. Havstad formed the Jornada Advisory Committee, which allows the public to offer their thoughts, opinions and comments on desert rangeland research.

Havstad is active in the New Mexico Society for Range Management, which devotes attention to range resources and management needs. "He promotes good science in a progressive and innovative way," McCormick said.

The Montana section of the Society for Range Management named Havstad the recipient of the same award in 1988.