He observed the impact of the animals on the land. Native wildlife populations declined, soil erosion became a problem, and habitats shrank. But solid facts were lacking. Leopold knew formal science of the land was the key to proper management. He gained a reputation through his involvement with locals. He authored helpful articles for ranchers and hunters with his candid observations. In print and in person, he was honing his skills as an original thinker in game protection, administrative methods, and national forest policy.
In 1924, Leopold’ s next move was to assume the role of assistant director of the Forest Products Laboratory in Madison, Wis. The U. S. Forest Service, in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin, conducted basic investigations of the mechanical properties of native woods and tested new techniques in products regarding wood preservation, seasoning, and fireproofing.
In 1928, Leopold was approached by representatives of the Sporting Arms and Ammunitions Manufacturing Industry( SAMMI) with an offer to survey game populations in the Midwest. An eight-state tour took him to granges, farms, and universities, to talk about game species with professors, sportsmen, politicians, and wardens. He kept detailed notes on his travels, tabulations, charts, and maps—“ the objective to perceive trends, during, not after the completion of field work, and to end up the field work with the foundations of a report already completed”.
From this job, Leopold was able to compile massive amounts of technical information on the production, habitat needs, life histories and socioeconomic impact of hunting small game. His first text on the subject, Game Management, became the definitive work for the science of a new discipline. A map of his travels shows him coming through southern Indiana, and directly through Brown County. Although not mentioned in his journals, it was most likely he met with game managers at the newly established Brown County Game Farm to learn what efforts helped or hindered the reestablishment of game birds, a property mission.
Since those college days, I’ ve often thought of my first introduction to the study of nature, natural resources, plants, and wild animals. The facts were daunting— the amount of information almost too much. Intimidated at first, I wanted to know more.
The writings of Leopold, his textbooks and articles on a myriad of subjects, and his keen observations drove him to learn more and served as inspiration. For my colleagues and me, it became a lifelong pursuit. We know his works and claim we are all“ students of Leopold.” •
The Totem Post
78 S. Van Buren St. Nashville, IN 812-988-2511 TheTotemPost. com
~ Since 1952 ~
• Genuine Native American Jewelry
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Main Street Shoppes( Old School Way) 59 E. Main St. Suite G. • Nashville
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COFFEE BAR It’ s like a coffee shop in a living room( with things to amuse you)
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