Student Organizations

Councils and Clubs

In the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources there are many student organizations that enhance your university experience.  By becoming involved, you will have opportunities to learn new things, meet people, have fun, participate in leadership roles, and prepare for your career in natural resources. Every students should plan to become involved in at least one club during their undergraduate career. To get involved with the club of your choice, send an email to the club or club president listed below. Also, weekly club activities will be announced on the QCNR announcements list serve.

Fire Club (Student chapter of the Association for Fire Ecology)
Founded in spring of 2018, the USU Fire Club strives to bring opportunities to students who are interested in a variety of aspects of wildfire from fire suppression to research. We seek to learn more about fire ecology and dynamics, as well as provide career boosting workshops, potential for certification, and opportunities to get hands-on experience in the field.

Faculty advisor: Dr. Larissa Yocom
Club email: usufireclub@gmail.com
President:  
Vice-President:  
Treasurer/ Graduate Student Liaison:  
Public Relations: 

Range Club (Society for Range Management)
The USU Range Club, is a group of students interested in range science and related fields. The chapter works to promote teh development of future range science professionals, continuing education of members and the public, and sustainable rangeland ecosystems. 

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Eric LaMalfa
Club email: usurangeclub@gmail.com
Club President: Hadley Knudson
Vice President: Madeline Whitaker
Secretary: Logan Ballard
Treasurer: Ian Spratling
Social Media: Ashley Betony

SOSNR (Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources)
The Student Organization for Society and Natural Resources works to bridge the gap between humans and the natural environment through service opportunities.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sarah Klain
Club email: utahstate.sosnr@gmail.com
Co-President: Christian Stewart
Co- President: 
Vice President: 
Outdoor Engagement: 
Treasurer: 

The Wildlife Society
Faculty advisors: Dr. Dan MacNulty, Dr. Frank Howe, Dr. David Dahlgren
Club email: usuwildlife@gmail.com
Club President: Lily Martindale
Vice President/Social Media: Kayla Hancey and James Dye
Secretary: Lucas Forsberg
Historian: Logan Jones
Treasurer: Kodie Jenkins and Lydia Conger

The American Water Resource Association (AWRA)
Faculty advisors: Dr. Sarah Null
Club email: awra.utahstate@gmail.com
Club President: 
Vice President: 
Public Relations: 
Secretary:  

Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA)
Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is a public lands advocacy group focused on creating or protecting access and opportunity to our Federal public lands for all responsible recreational use.

Faculty advisors: 
Graduate Student Advisor: 
Club email: utahstatebha@backcountryhunters.org
Club President: Tyler Coleman
Vice President: 
Secretary: 
Treasurer: 

The USU Student Association for the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER-USU)
Faculty advisors: Dr. Mark Brunson
Club email: utahstateser@gmail.com 
Club President: Chloe Francis
Secretary: Mackenzie Bingham
Treasurer: Kaden Peterson
Publicist: Laura Patterson
Events Coordinator: Eleni Christley

Gamma Theta Upsilon
Gamma Theta Upsilon is the geography honor society of USU.

Faculty advisor: Dr. Claudia Radel
Email: claudia.radel@usu.ed

Faculty advisor: Dr. Peter Howe
Email: peter.howe@usu.edu 

Backcountry Squatters

Email: usu@backcountrysquatters.org
Co-President: Abigail MacKay
Co-President: Naomi Orchard
Secretary: Emily Lane
Outreach Coordinator: Anais Barrientos
Stoke Specialist: Keslee Green

 

 

Xi Sigma Pi National Forest Management Honor Society

Xi Sigma Pi was founded in 1908 at the University of Washington (Alpha Chapter) as an honor society meant to recognize excellence among students of traditional forest management. The Lambda Chapter of Utah State University, formed in 1939, has expanded its view of forest management to recognize fields such as fisheries, wildlife, policy, and outdoor recreation as integral parts of forest management. In keeping with the stated national goals of the society, the Lambda Chapter seeks both to recognize and encourage academic excellence among students of the College of Natural Resources.

All undergraduates with senior standing (90 credits or more) in the top 20% of the S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources are invited to join Xi Sigma Pi in the spring semester. Graduate students in good standing may also apply. Members may participate in any of Xi Sigma Pi's activities, most of which provide services to the College. Members participate in and represent the College of Natural Resources at college and University sponsored functions.

Xi Sigma Pi
Department of Natural Resources
Utah State University
5200 Old Main Hill
Logan, UT 84322-5200

Advisor

Dr. Jim Lutz
NR 214
james.lutz@usu.edu

Wood Tree Examples

Nominees must either construct a tree in the shape of a conifer from wood, or prepare a wood cookie, and have ten current members of Xi Sigma Pi sign it in order to be initiated. Conifers symbolize vigorous life and the study of natural resources.

Qualifications of a Professional Natural Resources Manager

Certain, well-defined attributes, no one of which are regarded more important than the others have been recognized as requisite of every true member of Xi Sigma Pi. Each member of Lambda Chapter understands their importance to true professional practice and their meaning. These points are:

  1. In technical training individuals should measure up to the standard set by the best professionals in the field.  
  2. Members must have that peculiar type of honesty that demands a full measure of service even when out of touch with a supervisor.
  3. Members must be loyal to the profession, to fellows, to those who give orders, and to those that fall under their direction.
  4. Members must have initiative, as work frequently places individuals in situations that require decision making and formulating plans.
  5. Members must school themselves in teamwork, for only through wholehearted cooperation can be of the greatest service to the profession.
  6. Members must have vision and with vision faith, for the real fruits of labor may not mature until years after the exit from the stage of life has been made.
  7. Members should unselfishly strive for the betterment of the profession.
  8. Criticism should be constructive and judgments withheld until one has full possession of the facts.
  9. Members should recognize an obligation to the school that made this training possible.
  10. Members should be true to their ideals.

Wood Tree Examples

Nominees must either construct a tree in the shape of a conifer from wood, or prepare a wood cookie, and have ten current members of Xi Sigma Pi sign it in order to be initiated.  Conifers symbolize vigorous life and the study of natural resources.

Xi Sigma Pi Membership List

Current QCNR Faculty Other USU Members Graduate Students
Mark Brunson Jan Anderson Kendall Becker
Joanna Endter-Wada Steve Daniels Ryan Choi
Mike Kuhns Justin DeRose Tucker Furniss
Judy Kurtzman Jim Kennedy Sara J. Germain
Jim Long Terry Sharik Erika M. Blomdahl
Jim Lutz John Shaw David N.B. Soderberg
Chris McGinty Neil West Casey D. Snider
Karen Mock Mike Wolfe  
Patsy Palacios    
Robert Schmidt    
Helga Van Miegroet