Mortensen Ranch: Restoring the pre-settlement landscape in Stanley County, South Dakota

Dr. W. Carter Johnson, a Distinguished Professor of Ecology at South Dakota State University, has had a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. He holds a Biology degree from Augustana College and a Ph.D. in Botany from North Dakota State University. Beginning as a Research Associate at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, he later joined Virginia Tech's Department of Biology. From 1989 to 1995, he served as Head of the Department of Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape, and Parks at South Dakota State University. Dr. Johnson's research covers various ecological areas, including river regulation, riparian forest ecology, climate change's impact on prairie wetlands, seed dispersal in fragmented landscapes, paleoecology, and multifunctional agriculture. His work has led to approximately 100 peer-reviewed publications. Notably, his research on riparian wetlands in the Platte, Missouri, and Snake rivers has influenced wetland conservation and restoration efforts, earning him recognition from scientific societies. His expertise in climate change's effects on prairie pothole wetlands has informed policy decisions. Recently, he founded EcoSun Prairie Farms, a non-profit organization showcasing the environmental and economic benefits of restored prairie wetlands. As a distinguished professor emeritus, Dr. Johnson's legacy endures through his continued contributions to research, teaching, and leadership in ecological conservation.

His research interests include river regulation and riparian forest ecology, climate change and prairie wetlands, seed dispersal in fragmented landscapes, paleoecology (climate reconstruction using tree rings; Holocene seed dispersal and plant migration) and multifunctional agriculture and agroecological restoration. His research program is strongly multi-disciplinary and inter-institutional. Dr. Johnson has published approximately 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, books and book chapters.