As a program manager for the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute, Alison leads several initiatives spanning NRI’s programs including Private Lands & Trends and Military Land Sustainability & Policy. Her work focuses on the convergence of natural resources conservation, working lands and military training space, to promote the sustainability of key landscapes across the state and beyond. In addition to her programmatic efforts, Alison serves as a liaison for the newly redesigned Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management to ensure the next generation of land stewards have opportunities within the Institute to experience scientific research and Extension activities.
Before joining NRI in 2013, Alison earned a Bachelor of Science in renewable natural resources in 2010 and a master’s in natural resources development in 2013, along with certificates in leadership and military land sustainability, from Texas A&M University. While attending Texas A&M, she participated in the Corps of Cadets, the Texas A&M pistol team and Parsons Mounted Cavalry.
As a native Texan she was born and raised in Corpus Christi but now moves around the country with her husband who serves in the U.S. Army. In her free time, she enjoys horseback riding, leatherworking and spending time outdoors with her kids.
Map of the Month: Conservation Easements in Texas
Our latest Texas Land Trends report examines conservation easements, an important tool that can complement both landowner and public needs by supporting rural economies, creating recreational opportunities. and providing intrinsic benefits.
Map of the Month: Bright lights and big cities: urban growth in Texas
From scattered rural settlements to big cities, the density and distribution of people in Texas has changed dramatically over time. As "urban sprawl" continues to increase development in the outlying areas around cities, it will affect the resources, amenities, and job opportunities for the people who live there.
Map of the Month: Wind Energy in Texas
Texas is the largest wind energy producing state in the U.S. As the wind energy industry continues to expand, challenges of compatibility with other national priorities continue to be a consideration—including military training.
Map of the Month: A Day in the Life of a Northern Bobwhite
Many wildlife species have complex behaviors and utilize their habitat in ways we still do not fully understand. While the mysteries of the wild intrigue most any outdoors lover, they do pose challenges when it comes to the management of sensitive or declining species.
Map of the Month: Wildlife management land use acres
While ag tax evaluations traditionally involve practices such as haying, cropping, grazing and livestock, the state added a wildlife management use component in 1995. This non-traditional approach to preserving open space lands and their values has gained momentum in the past two decades, as the total number of acres enrolled has risen from 93K in 1997 to 3.2M in 2012. So how do you qualify and what is the process to switch from a traditional ag use property to wildlife management use?
