Jacquie joined the PPJV in March as the Science Integration Specialist, a new position that was made possible through a partnership with Montana NRCS. The goals of her position will be to support and work with the NRCS District Conservationists in Montana and enhance partnership building for migratory bird habitat conservation and agricultural producers across working landscapes.
Jacquie is originally from Arizona where she grew up recreating in every remote corner of the state. She obtained a BS in Applied Ecology from Arizona State University and an MS in Environmental Science from Florida Atlantic University, where she studied the breeding ecology of colonial-nesting wading birds in the context of the comprehensive Everglades restoration effort. Prior to joining the PPJV, she worked as a Farm Bill Biologist with Pheasants Forever collaborating with NRCS on the Eastern Plains of Colorado. In this position, she gained experience with several Farm Bill Programs (CRP, EQIP, CSP) and worked closely with agricultural producers to establish and improve habitat for wildlife.
When asked about her transition to the PPJV, Jacquie replied: “As a Farm Bill Biologist I was always in search of robust, reliable data to support the conservation decisions that we were making on the ground. Unfortunately, I rarely found these answers, either because the scientific research hadn’t been completed or, more often than not, because I didn’t have the time or resources to explore potential answers. I am excited to be in this position with the PPJV to bridge the gap between the latest science completed by our partners and what management decisions are made on the ground so that conservationists can be empowered to make the best decisions for wildlife and natural resources as well as their operations and local communities. To get to do this work in a region that supports an amazing diversity and abundance of birds and other wildlife is more than I could have asked for.”
Jacquie is based out of the Benton Lake NWR office in Great Falls, MT. She can be reached at 406-727-7400 x 212 or by email at jacquelyn_evans@fws.gov.