Stephen F. Austin State University faculty awarded $1 Million TxDOT grant for conservation research

NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Drs. Jessica Glasscock and Cord Eversole, assistant professors of forest wildlife management at Stephen F. Austin State University, have been awarded a grant of over $1 million from the Texas Department of Transportation. This funding will support their research project focused on the conservation and ecology of the alligator snapping turtle, a vital yet at-risk species in East Texas.

The five-year project, set to begin in spring 2025, will evaluate the effects of road construction and maintenance on the habitats of alligator snapping turtles. The research aims to understand how these activities influence turtle populations and to develop conservation strategies that can mitigate negative impacts on the species.

“Studies like ours enhance scientific knowledge and lay the groundwork for targeted management and conservation actions,” Eversole said. “For example, our project's results will improve the currently limited understanding of alligator snapping turtle nesting habitats and behaviors, as well as enhance our ability to manage anthropogenic disturbances and their effects on the species' life history characteristics and movement patterns.”

The alligator snapping turtle is considered an at-risk species due to perceived population declines across much of its North American range. In East Texas, the alligator snapping turtle is a vital component of freshwater ecosystems and contributes significantly to the region's ecological identity.

Glasscock and Eversole’s research will focus on studying how the turtles use bank habitats near culverts and bridges, as well as assessing in-stream environments. A key objective of the project is to design and implement a barrier fence that will prevent the turtles from entering construction zones, reducing the risk of harm to the species.

The project’s findings will be presented at scientific conferences, including TxDOT’s Environmental Conference and the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society meeting, providing valuable insights for both the scientific community and transportation authorities. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2029.

The pair will collaborate with Chris Schalk, U.S. Forest Service, and Matt Buckingham U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, on this project.

For more information about SFA’s forestry and wildlife management program, visit sfasu.edu/forestry.