biologist

GRDA's New Superintendent of Ecosystems Development is Guest at GrandFishingReport.com's June 3rd "Just Grand Lake Fishing" Seminar
Attending the June 3, 2004 installment of GrandFishingReport.com's free "Just Grand Lake Fishing" seminar series as a surprise guest was Dr. Darrell Townsend, GRDA's new Superintendent of Ecosystems Development. Townsend discussed his new position and some of his plans with those attending the seminar. GRDA CEO Kevin Easley recently said, "GRDA has to do a better job on lake management issues and we are excited about Dr. Townsend’s ability to help manage the important natural resources we’ve been entrusted with.” Townsend earned both a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology (minor in Agronomy) and a master’s degree in Wildlife Ecology from OSU. He has previously served as an adjunct instructor at Tulsa Community College and as a teaching assistant in the OSU Department of Zoology. Townsend has also served as a research assistant with the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at OSU.
	(l-r) Seminar series moderator Lee Jeffery, Marine Biologist Dr. Darrell Townsend and Ivan Martin, of Martin Landing Resort & Guide Service at the June session of the free "Just Grand Lake Fishing" Seminars, sponsored by your very own GrandFishingReport.com.
Townsend, who has completed a doctorate in Rangeland and Wildlife Ecology from Oklahoma State University, began his duties with GRDA on May 6. "I’m very excited about the opportunity to serve within this newly-established department at GRDA,” said Townsend. “We plan to work cooperatively with many state and federal agencies to maximize bio-diversity in and around Grand Lake.” Townsend said the department will achieve its goals by implementing management techniques designed to improve habitat quality for a variety of fish and wildlife species. Various agencies with an interest in GRDA’s lake area, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, all recommended GRDA hire a wildlife ecologist. For more information visit the GRDA web site. (Ed. Note: Due to the July 4th holiday there is no seminar scheduled for July.)