Our Partners

Dynamic conservation challenges on rangelands require dynamic research that draws from expertise across disciplines nested within different colleges. The Rangeland Center fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and builds on the many partnerships both within and outside of the University of Idaho.

We work in union with external partners to focus our research, education and outreach to produce solutions that are responsive and relevant to contemporary rangeland issues. Partner engagement is key to discovery of new knowledge and finding science-based solutions to rangeland management challenges.

• College of Natural Resources 
• College of Agricultural and Life Sciences 
• Idaho Rangeland Conservation Partnership
• Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission 
• The Rangeland Partnership 
• University of Idaho Extension

Partners Advisory Council

Central to the Rangeland Center mission is the Partners Advisory Council (PAC), a team of individuals who work together to promote partnerships with rangeland stakeholders. The PAC’s primary goals are to provide long-term and broad-scale vision to guide the Center’s research, education, and outreach efforts; products and services; and measures of success.

PAC members are from various parts of Idaho with diverse backgrounds, interests and expertise related to range.

Many viewpoints are represented within the PAC, including ranching, public policy, government, NGOs, elected officials, and community leadership. Members serve voluntary 3-year terms and may serve up to two consecutive terms.

Members include:

• Mike Coutney ─ BLM Twin Falls District Manager
• Mark Davidson ─ Blaine County Recreation Department Director
• Darcy Helmick ─ Simplot Land & Livestock Land Manager
• Susan Buxton ─ Director, Idaho Parks and Recreation
• Matt Lucia ─ Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust Director
• Daniel Bertram ─ Office of Species Conservation, Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Program
• Tim Murphy, ─ Idaho Fish and Game Commission; former BLM Idaho State Director (retired) 
• Anna Owsiak ─ IDFG Regional Habitat Manager
• James Hagenbarth ─ Rancher
• Caroline Nash ─Principal, CK Blueshift
• Jerald Raymond ─ Rancher; former Idaho Legislator
• Tina Ruffing ─ US Forest Service, Range & Invasives Lead
• Royce Schwenkfelder ─ Rancher