Daniel Cassidy

Boundless opportunity. We are facing so many challenges to understand ecosystem services, cellulosic ethanol, bioenergy, the "green economy", and social impacts from natural resource management. The future is bright for new thinking and approaches to traditional measures. I am excited to see what might come around the corner.

I developed a strong land ethic from an early age. There is so much our society can gain, utilize, and enhance sustainably if we work together to meet our diverse needs and desires. Helping move ourselves towards this future is a challenge that draws me in every day.

Change happens slowly and the process can be painful sometimes. One person can not solve an issue in a vacuum so taking the time to build support and collaboration is essential in natural resource management. However, there is often a large amount of work that goes into building these coalitions and many stumbling blocks can be in the way. Learning to work in this manner can be a very challenging but rewarding opportunity.

It is dynamic and ever changing. Natural resource management touches so many aspects of our daily lives and a good deal of the time that goes unnoticed. Resource managers are examining how to improve our physical and spiritual health; trying to assist in improving national security and economy by producing cellulosic ethanol; determining how to successfully produce the needed paper and wood products while maintaining healthy wildlife populations and providing recreational opportunities. There is never a boring moment if you just take the time to look around.