Faculty and staff highlights Dr. Hans Williams elected president of the Texas Forestry Association Dr. Hans Williams, dean of ATCOFA, was elected president of the Texas Forestry Association during the organization’s virtual meeting in October 2020. “Dr. Williams brings a unique set of qualifications to his role as president at TFA,” said Rob Hughes, TFA executive director. “He has 27 years of experience in leading discovery and understanding about trees and silviculture as an educator. This expertise will help guide the TFA and its members during an unprecedented time.”
Texas’ forest resources.
The association serves as the voice for the forest industry, promoting an economic, social and political climate that advances forestry in Texas through education, political action and public relations. It also serves the broad needs of forest landowners, producers and consumers with the goal of enhancing and perpetuating
Williams holds a doctoral degree from Auburn University with an emphasis in forest ecophysiology and seedling quality. His achievements and awards include the Kenneth Watterson Teaching Excellence Award and Kenneth Nelson Distinguished Professorship.
Professor’s research featured in Stormwater magazine Dr. Christopher Schalk was interviewed by Stormwater magazine regarding his research investigating snake entanglement in erosion control blankets commonly used on construction sites. The magazine’s cover story focused on the growing trend of transportation departments switching to biodegradable erosion control blankets to prevent snake mortality and plastic waste in waterways. Schalk’s research has found that natural fiber blankets are the best option for preventing snake entanglement. “Because natural fiber blankets are loose-weave without joints, snakes are able to move through them,” Schalk said. “The big problem is the fused corners in plastic, which makes the netting less flexible.” Stormwater specializes in surface water quality and is considered a premier resource for professionals involved in the design, control and management of stormwater runoff and erosion control.
8| Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture
