Supervising State Park Ranger Bill Moffat was the main focus of an on campus Society of American Foresters dinner hosted by the Agriculture Department on Oct. 6.
The SAF dinner featured Moffat as the main speaker in an open discussion that brought awareness to students and faculty members about the Tule Elk State Reserve located near Stockdale highway.
Moffat introduced his expertise about the Tule Elk population and the opportunities available for the public to view and provided information for those interested in hunting the elk.
Professor Bill Kelley took a great interest in Moffat’s discussion and his enthusiasm for the park.
“Bill has been a state park ranger for almost 30 years and he really has a passion for the wildlife,” said Kelley.
“He has a lot of history to share about the different parks and the origin of the animals and their species.”
Moffat is currently a supervising ranger for Tejon and Allensworth State historical parks, along with Mojave Desert State Park and the Tule Elk Reserve.
“It’s very interesting to learn about the Tule Elk population we have here in town,” said Kelley.
“The elk originally have been around since the gold rush and have multiplied here after they were sent to the east coast.”
Sophomore Yesenia Lopez was one student that attended the dinner who seemed enlightened by the discussion and wanted to see and explore more of its subject.
“I came for the food and to earn some extra credit, but I think this is pretty cool and may be worth taking my daughter to,” said Lopez.
Moffat’s love for the elk has grown over many years of time spent working as a park ranger and has resided with his family at the on-site reserve location.
Moffat’s discussion also shared advice about different careers available for those interested in working in the same environment as a wildlife worker or park ranger.
The afternoon dinner was successful in providing information to the public about the Tule Elk State Reserve.
According to Kelley and the Agriculture department, a different event will be hosted on campus every semester for the community to “enjoy” and “seek” information from.