DU hires longtime LDWF biologist to oversee conservation programs in Louisiana

Mike Carloss will work out of Lafayette’s DU field office starting Jan. 6, 2014

Ducks Unlimited selected Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Mike Carloss as the new manager of conservation programs for Louisiana, according to a press release.

Carloss, who served more than 20 years with LDWF, two years with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and five years as an adjunct instructor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, has a long history of conservation engagement in the state.

“Ive spent my life and career in the Sportsman’s Paradise, which gives me keen insight in the challenges and blessings of this area,” Carloss said in a release. “I’m eager to start this new chapter in my conservation career working for the world leader in wetlands conservation to protect and restore the continent’s most important and imperiled waterfowl wintering habitat.”

Carloss, who holds a M.S. in biology with an emphasis in ecology and a Bachelor of Science in wildlife management, will head up DU’s diverse habitat conservation work in the state.

“Mike Carloss will continue the tremendous collaborative conservation efforts Ducks Unlimited is known for and take them to the next level,” said Jerry Holden, DU director of conservation programs. “He has worked for or with many of our strongest partners, including LDWF, NRCS, NOAA, the Gulf Coast Joint Venture, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Gulf Coast Prairie Landscape Conservation Cooperative and the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority.”

He will work out of Lafayette’s DU field office starting Jan. 6, 2014 and will replace Bob Dew, who is now DU’s director of development for Louisiana, the release states.