Natural Resource Ecology and Management

You are interested in studying ways to manage our natural resources and protect wildlife and their habitats.

About Natural Resource Ecology & Management

This curriculum is diverse with opportunities to study forest management of hardwood and pine forests, wetlands, wildlife, conservation biology, fisheries, aquaculture, habitat management, or prepare for a career as a wildlife-oriented veterinarian. Curricula emphasizes field instruction. Unique facilities available through this curriculum include the School of Renewable Natural Resources' Lee Memorial Forest, an actively managed forest, which has accommodations and teaching facilities so that you can get hands-on experience in the field.

Concentrations Available:

• Conservation Biology - Students in this specialization are interested in conserving rare, uncommon, threatened, or endangered species - like the whooping crane or our state bird, the brown pelican! Students learn about habitats and genetics to enhance these species.
• Ecological Restoration - Students in this specialization are interested in using the principles of forestry and natural resource management to conserve and restore impacted landscapes. 
• Fisheries and Aquaculture - Prepare for managing, conserving, and enhancing populations of aquatic organisms in the wild or through the use of aquaculture. Students also explore the commercial aspects of fisheries and aquaculture. 
• Forest Resource Management - Students are prepared for the diverse challenges of managing forested landscapes for various sustainable uses. This area of concentration is specifically designed to assist the student in becoming a Certified Forester. 
• Pre-Veterinary Medicine - Wildlife and Fisheries - Students are preparing for a career as a wildlife or zoo veterinarian. These veterinarians work for state or federal agencies, non-governmental environmental organizations, wildlife rehabilitation facilities, or zoos and aquariums. This option includes all of the courses required for application to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. 
• Watershed Science -Watersheds are increasingly becoming the primary unit for resource management. There is an increasing trend that employment opportunities in agriculture, forestry, environmental science, and other related areas are often preferably given to those graduates who earned training and hands-on experience in watersheds, water quality, and aquatic science.
• Wetland Sciences - This concentration is designed for students who wish to study our wetlands, which provide wildlife and fish habitat, help maintain water quality, and benefit our economy.
• Wildlife Ecology - Study the varied kinds of wildlife that make Louisiana the "Sportsman's Paradise", this includes game animals such as deer and ducks. Students also learn about the ecologically important non-game species.
• Wildlife Habitat Conservation and Management - Students manage forests, wetlands, and other habitats to promote wildlife. Take one of two paths - one focuses on wetland wildlife habitat or another centered on forest management. This concentration includes eight weeks of study at Lee Memorial Forest. 

• Aquaculture specialist 
• Conservation biologist 
• Forester
• Forestry consultant
• Wildlife and fisheries ecologist 
• Wildlife and fisheries veterinarian 
• Wildlife law enforcement officer