Natural Resources Gives Professional Achievement Awards

The College of Natural Resources at Utah State University awarded two professional achievement awards this month.


"Douglas Johnson was recognized for outstanding accomplishments in the management of our natural resources," said Dean Fee Busby. Johnson is a plant physiologist with the Forage and Range Research Unit in Logan, Utah.

"Johnson provides technical leadership in developing and guiding plant physiology and ecology research," said Busby. "He determines which factors are of critical importance in pastures and rangelands and works to improve key forage species."

"In addition to being one of the college's most prominent alumni, Johnson is an adjunct professor in forest, range and wildlife sciences, and has served six years on the college alumni association board in leadership capacities," said Busby.

The Career Mentoring Program was instituted under Johnson's direction. The program generates a significant amount of money to provide scholarships for natural resource students.

"Johnson has consistently been active in numerous professional societies and organizations, often taking on leadership positions," said Busby. "He has influenced others in his profession by disseminating his knowledge and understanding of plant physiology and has received many national and international honors for his outstanding research in plant physiology and ecology."

Gregory Bevenger was also recognized for his professional achievements and his dedicated stewardship of watershed lands.

"Throughout his career, Bevenger has worked in watershed management as a professional hydrologist in our national forests," said Busby. "He is recognized as a leader in the field of watershed management."

In addition to his work with national forests, Greg is the proprietor of Watershed Management Services.

"Bevenger influences others in his profession by disseminating his knowledge and understanding of watershed management as author and co-author of a number of publications," said Busby. "His expertise and friendly manner are greatly valued by his colleagues."

Throughout his career he has earned numerous honors and stewardship awards for his commitment to watershed management.

"When he isn't working, he spends time in the national forests backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and hunting," said Busby.