Ted Joanen, retired research leader at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' (LDWF) Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, was recognized at the Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) meeting May 26-31 in Lake Charles.
Joanen, a wildlife biologist for over 30 years, was honored with two outstanding research awards in sustainable use management. His bachelor's degree alma mater, Southeastern Louisiana University (SELU) in Hammond, presented an endowed professorship to further studies in sustainable marsh management and conservation of wetlands. Dr. Chris Beachy, head of the SELU's Biology Department presented the $100,000 award on behalf of the University and benefactors.
A proclamation from Louisiana State University (LSU), where Joanen completed his master's degree, established the "Ted Joanen Outstanding Research Award in Sustainable Marsh Management". LSU graduate students will be eligible for annual grants to further studies and research focused on marsh and sustainable use management. A founding fund of $30,000 was donated to the graduate studies program. Additional contributions can be made to the LSU Alumni Association through Jamie B. Bueche, Accountant, LSU Alumni Association, 3838 West Lakeshore Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70808. For more information, call 225-578-9259 or send email to jamie@lsualumni.org.
"This was extraordinary recognition by Louisiana and the trade of Ted Joanen's four decades of pioneer work to help protect Louisiana's wetlands through the sustainable use of the alligator and other renewable natural resources," said CSG Chair, Dr. Grahame Webb. "Ted was a CSG pioneer as well from the very beginning. He shared his Rockefeller research findings with all who knew him to encourage the concepts of sustained use management around the world and, as Ted always said, 'find ways to keep the marsh wet and wild'."
Joanen's legacy at LDWF included development of the Department's sustained use program for the American alligator, one of the world's most recognizable examples of a wildlife conservation success story. Louisiana's program has been used as a model for managing various crocodilian species throughout the world. Since the inception of the Department's program in 1972, over 810,000 wild alligators have been harvested and over 6.5 million alligator eggs have been collected. Additionally, over 3.5 million farm raised alligators have been sold bringing in millions of dollars of revenue to landowners, trappers and farmers.
Contributors to the Ted Joanen special recognition awards also helped create a CSG Conservation Education Fund (CEF). Contributions to the CEF are tax-deductible and can be made to IACS (International Association of Crocodile Specialists).
For more information, contact Ruth Elsey at 337-538-2276 or relsey@wlf.la.gov or Don Ashley at Jdalligator@aol.com.
