Dr. Richard Frank Miller
Dr. Richard F. Miller is one of the most prominent authorities on juniper woodland and sagebrush ecology with an emphasis on fire. He is well known and in constant demand for his expertise in juniper
Woodland ecology, sagebrush ecology, the historical role of fire, and the impacts of prescribed and wildland fires. Besides being frequently contacted via phone and email for information he is in constant demand to give invited presentations at national meetings, symposia, guest lectures, and as an instructor in workshops, short courses, and field tours for researchers, managers, private landowners, and students.
Rick has published over 80 refereed articles and 9 book chapters (40 within the past 10 years) including BioScience, Oecologia, Ecological Applications, International Journal of Wildland Fire, Forest Ecology and Management, Forest Science, Journal of Arid Environments, Studies in Avian Biology, Journal of Wildlife Management, Western North American Naturalist, and of course the Journal of Range Ecology and Management. He is one of the most frequently cited authors in papers related to the ecology and expansion of pinon and juniper woodlands and fire history in the sagebrush biome.
The Publication: “Spatial and Temporal Changes of Sage Grouse Habitat in the Sagebrush Biome” was one of the first papers to present a range perspective related to sage-grouse guidelines, addressing the complexity and natural variation in sagebrush habitats that occur in both time and space.
Rick was the senior author for the publication “Biology, Ecology, and Management of Western Juniper”. The first printing of 2,000 copies was gone in less than 6 months and it is now in its third printing. BLM managers relate that a copy will be found on all range managers’ desks as it is the first reference used when working on management plans and writing NEPA documents.
A testimony to the quality and applicability of Rick’s research is that he has 105 invited presentations to his credit. These include scientific symposia, management workshops at the BLM district level, university extension workshops, conservation group meetings, and ranchers’ workshops. Technology transfer has always been a high priority for Rick.
Rick has conducted research that has advanced science and been readily transferable to managers. He has the ability to discuss his research with peers on a “science” level and then just as easily talk with land managers, and ranchers on a practical level. Rick exemplifies what an outstanding scientist should be. He full deserves our highest recognition.
It is with great honor that we present Dr. Richard Frank Miller with the 2011 W. R. Chapline Research Award.