Cole Rankin

As we progress into the digital age, technology can overwhelm our lives. We tend to forget the about things that give us inspiration for all that we do. We forget about wild places and the critters that inhabit them. We forget about the naturally occurring biological, chemical and physical processes that make our daily lives possible. Though some environmental activists and outdoor enthusiasts , including myself, may see technology as a hindrance to our connection and appreciation of the outdoors, I also see its potential for invaluable scientific research and discovery. This information can provide us with the tools and data to attack some of the most pressing environmental, and ultimately social, issues we face today. As a Biological Science Technician I am working hard to learn all that can about traditional ecological theory and application, while continuing to brainstorm contemporary approaches to what can be considered "wicked problems". I am fascinated with the advancement in GIS mapping, surveying techniques such geolocators and drones, and other computer software to help us better understand movement patterns of different flora and fauna, especially in a rapidly changing climate. Going forward, I believe in order to make the the necessary changes required for the restoration and conservation of our ecosystems systems is a holistic approach. We achieve this by making cooperative decisions within interdisciplinary teams, applying adaptive management strategies, being active in the political arena, and effectively communicating facts with the public and the younger generations who will one day receive this world. During my free time I enjoy watching birds, backpacking, snowboarding/skiing, mtn biking, trail running, fly fishing (a.k.a river standing), and getting my hands dirty with whatever I can get them on--metal, wood, clay, paint, etc. "There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot" - Aldo Leopold.