Gary Roloff

Professor Gary Roloff is a faculty member in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University (MSU) since 2005. He holds a Ph.D. and previously worked for 11 years as a Wildlife Management Specialist at Boise Cascade Corporation, focusing on integrating wildlife conservation into corporate strategic planning. His current research emphasizes applied conservation solutions, particularly in forest ecosystems, with direct industry and governmental partnerships. Roloff collaborates closely with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and maintains ties to the forest products industry to balance biodiversity conservation with economic sustainability.

Research interests include wildlife habitat management, endangered species planning, forest stewardship certification, and the ecological impacts of human activities. He leads a lab prioritizing student professionalism and collaborative work, supporting engagement with organizations like The Wildlife Society. Key achievements include receiving the 2023 Legacy Award from the Michigan Chapter of The Wildlife Society and establishing partnerships with tribal communities to expand natural resources career opportunities.

Roloff’s grants focus on forest landscape resilience, wildlife telemetry studies, and mitigating ecological trail impacts. Notable projects include the Northern Hardwoods Study and collaborations with USGS on climate adaptation science.