Wilderness in the Circumpolar North: Searching for Compatibility in Ecological, Traditional, and Ecotourism Values (original) (raw)

Watson became intimately involved in Circumpolar North wilderness research issues. Dr. Lilian Alessa recently received her Ph.D. degree from the University of British Columbia, Canada, and is an Assistant Professor of Biology (Anchorage) and cross-appointed with the School of Natural Resources (Fairbanks) at the University of Alaska. She is an Interdisciplinary Scientist with a combined background in biology, sociology, and cognition. Dr. Alessa's current research foci span three areas: (1) Integrated coastal zone management, specifically looking at the biological cost of small-scale human activities, such as recreation and tourism in the marine protected areas and their mitigation using education; (2) The role of uncertainty and culture in perceiving and managing natural environments; and (3) The effects of chlorinated fatty acids on cells of organisms living in cold environments. She sits on the Board of Directors for the Arctic Research Consortium (www.arcus.org) and is the cofounder (with Alan Watson) of the University of Alaska Center for Wild Lands and Waters. Dr. Alessa works internationally with resource managers, researchers, and industry. Janet Sproull is a Project Coordinator at the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute. Ms. Sproull co-coordinated technical symposia for the 6 th and 7 th World Wilderness Congresses (India and South Africa) and assisted with compilation of Congress Proceedings. As a dedicated conservationist, Ms. Sproull donates her time and expertise to several community organizations, including: local land trust, Save Open Space (SOS); the Missoula Parks, Recreation and Urban Forestry Board; and the Mount Jumbo Advisory Committee. Grant writing efforts by Ms. Sproull in 2001 have provided funding for improvements at City Wetlands Parks, and also for activation of an Integrated Pest Management Plan for two SOS conservation easements.