Society for Wilderness Stewardship – Chair’s Letter

Society for Wilderness Stewardship – Chair’s Letter
Don Hunger
April 5, 2011

The Society for Wilderness Stewardship (SWS) began as a vision for building a community of wilderness professionals working in management, stewardship, science and education. At the heart of our mission, we saw the need for true public-private partnership founded in caring for the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS). We were committed to melding the preeminent expertise, knowledge and resources among the private sector and federal agencies to ensure its life-sustaining benefits for future generations.

As a career wilderness professional with both USFS and non-profits, I knew neither community had all the resources or expertise, but together we’d develop a mission and core responsibilities for supporting wilderness, and benefiting the public. I was blessed with a community of like-minded and passionate colleagues who felt the same way.

During my six years as chair, we have researched and invested in wilderness stewardship, management and youth. SWS has developed and launched a wilderness friends program combating invasive weeds, restoring trails and educating visitors in the USFS Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness; started a wilderness education and stewardship program for disadvantaged youth called North Cascades Wild, in North Cascades NP; hosted wilderness trail and restoration skills workshops; and, most recently, undertaken a Forest Service wilderness character monitoring program in Colorado; participated in the launch of the Wilderness Explorer’s Program for youth in Missoula; and begun work on a wilderness ranger academy.

The Society would not exist without the contributions of past and current board members. This is working board, with members providing financial contribution, knowledge and significant time, while also holding full-time jobs. It’s been a privilege to serve with Dr. John Miles, faculty and former dean of Huxley College, WWU; Brad Tuininga, UW doctoral candidate; John Steffenson, ESRI; Craig Mackey, Outdoor Industry Association; Saul Weisberg, executive director North Cascades Institute; Connie Myers, director Arthur Carhart National Wilderness Training Center; Ralph Swain, USFS R2 wilderness coordinator: Greg Hansen, retired USFS wilderness; and others.

We know that wilderness needs a community. SWS is building one of like-minded individuals willing and able to envision an inter-disciplinary society that supports agency managers, wilderness scientists and researchers, non-profit wilderness educators working with school kids, volunteer organizations working on recreation and resource stewardship, and university faculty teaching wilderness-related studies. What the NWPS has lacked is the same professional commitment harnessed by the members of professional societies such as the Society of American Foresters, River Management Society and Society of Wetland Scientists. During the past few years, SWS has built a foundation for that community.

I leave the Society for Wilderness Stewardship under the excellent leadership and guidance of Roger Semler, chair, and Ben Lawhon, vice chair. Roger has served as SWS chair of the Professional Development Committee and on the Executive Committee. He recently retired from a NPS career in which he specialized in wilderness management. Ben is education director for Leave No Trace. He brings a passion and knowledge for connecting wilderness professionals with SWS and our mission.

The Society for Wilderness Stewardship is poised to establish its role in the wilderness community. It’s an honor to have served with this dynamic group of caring, inspiring, knowledgeable and committed professionals. The years ahead afford SWS an opportunity to boldly influence and support wilderness. I look forward to continued involvement with a great organization.

Don