SPARKS, NEVADA – Dr. Karen Launchbaugh, a 45-year member and leader in the Society for Range Management (SRM) and a Professor of Rangeland Ecology at the University of Idaho received the Frederic G. Renner Award at the Society for Range Management’s 77th Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nevada last week. The Renner Award is the most prestigious award bestowed by the SRM and was made possible by a generous contribution from Frederic G. Renner, a Charter and Life member, and SRM’s second President (1949). The award is presented with the belief that such recognition will foster better use of rangeland resources and a broader understanding of the contributions that these resources make to the welfare of all people.
Dr. Launchbaugh’s extensive contributions in teaching, research, and service to the profession and SRM demonstrate continued and enduring commitments to rangeland management and education.
One of her greatest contributions has been teaching students and advancing rangeland education. She has influenced and inspired thousands of students in the U.S. and internationally and has developed websites, teaching modules, and videos used in classes and workshops worldwide.
Her seminal contribution to rangeland research is her pioneering effort to define and set the foundation for targeted grazing. Dr. Launchbaugh is dedicated to researching the intricacies of livestock grazing behavior, vegetation management, and ecological dynamics.
She has been a committed member and leader in SRM for 45 years, serving at section and international levels on committees, Board of Directors, co-chair of SRM’s first virtual meeting, and, most recently, President of SRM. Her contributions have been recognized through a multitude of awards, including U.S. Professor of the Year (Idaho); RSEC Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher; SRM Outstanding Achievement in Research/Academia; and Utah State University’s Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award.
For her tremendous contributions to the science and management of rangeland ecosystems, it is with great honor the Society of Range Management recognized Dr. Karen Launchbaugh with the Renner Award.