Jeff Raasch

Jeff Raasch was not born in Texas, but he got there as quick as he could and grew up in Sherman, Texas. Jeff received a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Wildlife Ecology and a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri – Columbia with an emphasis on Wetlands and Waterfowl ecology and management. Starting in 1995 he worked for almost 5 years at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission developing and implementing the Arkansas Wetland Strategy as Coordinator of the Multi-Agency Wetland Planning Team. In February 2000, he made the move to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) where he had responsibility for statewide wetland conservation issues. Over time his main job focus developed into a unique position that allows him to represent TPWD in many different conservation partnerships.

For over 15 years, Jeff was directly involved in the 5 Joint Ventures (JV) that overlap in Texas and had a direct role in helping get the 4 Landscape Conservation Cooperatives started that included Texas. He oversaw the successful creation and development of the Oaks and Prairie and Rio Grande JVs conservation partnerships. First as a TPWD supported entity and then as they made their transition to a recognized and fully funded federal supported JV that are hosted by American Bird Conservancy (ABC). Jeff worked closely with ABC for over 20 years and since 2010 ABC led JVs have seen significant growth in funding, staff, and conservation impact, with much of this growth being handled by ABC. In his current role as ABC’s Southeast Regional Director, Jeff has continued his strong connections with Joint Ventures in the Southeast by supervising staff in 4 JVs and staying active representing ABC on JV Management Boards. He currently serves as the Chair of the Lower Mississippi Valley Joint Venture Management Board. Jeff also oversees ABC’s Gulf Coast Program and our Southeast Sustainable Forest Partnership Program.

Jeff has a strong belief in tackling landscape conservation challenges through a collaborative process and believes a sustained pursuit of the unifying themes of conservation partnerships will result in its partner agencies and organizations becoming more interdependent. Jeff enjoys travel, mountain biking, hiking, fly-fishing and food and beverage related activities. He currently lives in Asheville, North Carolina.