Sustainability Leadership Fellowship Cohort: 2014-2015

Ph.D. Student, Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Research Summary: The U.S. is rapidly developing domestic energy, but at what cost? Colorado’s Piceance Basin provides critical habitat for the largest migratory mule deer herd in the U.S. – and is experiencing an unprecedented level of energy development. Impacts to mule deer from energy development have led managers to clear pinyon-juniper forest to increase plant species considered quality food for this economically important species. Although large-scale forest clearing is occurring throughout the western U.S., we know little about the potential impacts to non-target wildlife in the area. Travis is seeking to answer this question by studying how management actions intended to benefit mule deer may impact other wildlife species, specifically songbirds and non-target mammals.