People Make the Difference
During my tenure as Forest Biologist on the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) from 1986 through 2009, I had the opportunity to work on many exciting wildlife projects. Many of those projects have been described in articles written for the Centennial celebration. But it’s not always about the task at hand, but more often about the people you get to work with. For as Warren Buffet once said – If you want to be successful, surround yourself with smart, hard-working people. I was lucky enough to work with a team of exceptional wildlife biologists, who brought their talents to the table to meet the challenges facing the wildlife program.
Scott Reitz led the wildlife team on the Bradford District. One of the hardest workers I’ve ever known, he never said no to a request for help, and he developed incredible analytical skills, including using Geographical Information Systems (GIS). September Wilhelm directed much of the on-the-ground wildlife habitat work on the Bradford District, including construction and maintenance of wildlife openings and planting shrubs and trees for wildlife. One of her major accomplishments was the interpretation and renovation of the Hall Barn to create a sanctuary for thousands of bats that used it. Alan Wetzel handled much of the monitoring data and data base management for the District. As bald eagles expanded throughout the forest, Al kept detailed records.
Pam Thurston headed up the wildlife team on the Marienville that included Terry Steffan, John Weyant, Gary Kolesar, and Dan Tollini. Pam’s interest in amphibians and reptiles led her team to a major timber rattlesnake telemetry project in partnership with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. Timber projects, oil and gas developments, ATV trails, and a host of other projects presented many challenges to the Marienville wildlife staff. Buzzard Swamp was a major focus at Marienville and the team worked well with the PA Game Commission to manage the wetland habitats cooperatively.
Brent Pence was the first fisheries biologist on the ANF, building a comprehensive fisheries program that included stream inventory and habitat improvement projects in the Allegheny Reservoir. April Moore headed up the ANF botany program, with an emphasis on controlling non-native plants and searching for native plant species of special concern. April enjoyed working with the public, and I always tried to help with her annual garlic mustard pull and her native garden demonstrations.
I have many fond memories of working on the Allegheny, and the people I worked with have a special place in my heart.
Brad Nelson