INTRODUCTION

General Contact Information

Natural Resources Branch
Division of Natural and Cultural Resources
Shenandoah National Park
3655 US Highway 211E
Luray , Virginia 22835

540-999-3500 (General Business Line for the park)
540-999-3493 (Division’s Administrative Assistant)
540-999-3693 (Division’s General FAX Line)

NATURAL RESOURCES BRANCH

Åkerson, James Supervisory Forest Ecologist
Bachelor of Science – Forest Management – Oregon State University

Mr. Akerson has worked at Shenandoah National Park since December 1995 where he specializes in forest health issues. He directs the Exotic Plant Management Team at Shenandoah and eleven other national parks in Virginia , Pennsylvania , and Maryland . During the years 1995 – 2002, Mr. Akerson led Parkwide programs of forest insect and disease control, exotic vegetation control, integrated pest management, and environmental protection review (NEPA). Prior to coming to Shenandoah National Park , Mr. Akerson worked eighteen years (1978-1995) with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Forestry. He specialized in silviculture, superior tree development, forest pest management, and resource management planning. During the last nine years with the Bureau he was the lead western Silviculturist and national Forest Pest Management program coordinator. Prior to Indian Affairs, he worked two years (1975-1977) in Liberia , West Africa , with the U.S. Peace Corps where he coordinated regional forest management activities with the Liberian Forest Development Authority.

Atkinson, James B. - Wildlife and Fisheries Biologist
Associate in Applied Science – Forest Management – Dabney S. Lancaster Comm. Coll. Associate in Applied Science – Wildlife Management – Dabney S. Lancaster Comm. Coll. Bachelor of Science – Environmental Science – Ferrum College

Mr. Atkinson has a member of the natural resource management staff at Shenandoah National Park for 12 years. Prior to joining the National Park Service, he was a Wildlife Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge in western Washington . Most of his professional experience has been associated with fish and wildlife inventory and monitoring activities. Currently he leads the park’s fisheries monitoring program, assists other parks within the Mid Atlantic Network with fish species inventories, serves as the park practitioner for the capture and relocation of nuisance wildlife and, is actively engaged with a number of wildlife and fish research projects within the park. Areas of expertise include freshwater fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals and bats.

Cass, Wendy B. - Botanist
Bachelor of Science – Biology – Oberlin College
Master of Science – Botany – University of Vermont

Ms. Cass has been the Botanist at Shenandoah National Park since 1997. She manages the Park's long-term forest monitoring program, and works to monitor and protect rare plant species and communities throughout the Park. Her prior work experience includes studying the nutrient storage capacity of streamside vegetation, the bio-control of purple loosestrife, and the effects of catastrophic wind disturbance on forest regeneration. Her additional duties include assisting outside scientists and NPS education staff, performing environmental compliance field work, and managing a team of summer field technicians.

Demarest, David - Biological Science Technician
Bachelor of Science – Environmental Science – Ferrum College

Mr. Demarest has worked for the Natural Resources Branch of Shenandoah National Park for 13 years. His duties include assisting the monitoring of flora and fauna as a lead technician and upkeep of monitoring equipment for those tasks. Special focus is on aquatic communities with specialized skills in electroshocking and fish identification and leading the yearly aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring. Special projects include monitoring hourly stream water temperatures at selected sites in the Rapidan and North Fork Moormans Rivers and bi-yearly pictures from permanent points in the Staunton , Rapidan, and North Fork Moormans Rivers . Both of these projects are a result of monitoring efforts since the catastrophic June 1995 floods in Madison , Greene, and Albemarle Counties . Mr. Demarest also is lead assistant for capture and immobilization of nuisance/beggar wildlife within the park.

Garcia, Elizabeth - Air Quality Monitoring Technician
Bachelor of Arts – Environmental Studies – Green Mountain College Masters of Professional Studies – Recreation and Resource Management – SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Ms. Garcia has worked with the National Park Service at Shenandoah for five seasons. Her first season was as a Student Conservation Associate (SCA). She has held many Seasonal Biological Technician positions in various fields including Backcountry and Wilderness Management, Fire Monitoring, Resource Management and Forest Health. In late summer, 2004, she was hired to operate the parks air quality monitoring site.  

Gubler, Rolf M. - Biologist and Forest Pest Manager
Bachelors of Science – Wildlife Science - Pennsylvania State University
Forest Science - Pennsylvania State University

Mr. Gubler has worked with the National Park Service for over 16 years. Previous assignments at Shenandoah National Park included Biological Technician, Air Quality Monitoring Technician, Environmental Protection Specialist, and Resource Management Specialist. Most of his professional experience has been focused on natural resource management. Currently he manages/supervises the Forest Insect and Disease program, Birds, Terrestrial Insects, Small Mammals and White-tailed Deer at Shenandoah.

Nemes, Ronald A. - Lead Biological Science Technician
Bachelor’s Degree: Accounting Major – Cleveland State University
Botany Major – University of Hawaii
Master’s Degree: Business Administration – Cleveland State University

Mr. Nemes worked at the U.S. National Arboretum—Native Plant Unit (DC) for about two years, and held SCA intern positions at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area (CA) and Antietam National Battlefield (MD). For the past five years he has led the Exotic Vegetation Crew at Shenandoah National Park (VA). His primary responsibilities include creating an exotic vegetation map of the Park, and supervising several crews that inventory, monitor, and control exotic plant species.

Olson, Gordon C. - Natural Resource Branch Chief
Bachelor of Science – Environmental Interpretation – Colorado State University
Master of Science – Natural Resource Management – Slippery Rock State University

Mr. Olson has worked with the National Park Service for over 25 years. Assignments prior to Shenandoah National Park included Denali National Park and Preserve and Assateague National Seashore among others. Most of his professional experience has been focused on natural and cultural resource management. Currently he supervises all natural resource management activities at Shenandoah, serves as the park’s air resource specialist, environmental compliance officer, and research coordinator.

Spitzer, Shane H. - Physical Scientist
Bachelor of Science – Wildlife/Fisheries Resources – West Virginia University

Mr. Spitzer has worked with the National Park Service for over 10 years. His entire career has been spent at Shenandoah National Park . Most of his professional experience has been focused on physical resource monitoring and research, specifically in the fields of air and water quality. Currently he oversees physical resource programs including water, geology, soils, and meteorology.

Willeford Bair, Mary - Forest Health Biological Science Technician
Associate of Applied Science – Natural Resource Management and Security - Lord Fairfax Community College
Master of Science – Environmental Biology – Antioch New England Graduate School

Ms. Willeford Bair first came to Shenandoah National Park in 1982 to work for the Shenandoah Natural History Association. As a seasonal Park Ranger, she alternated between Shenandoah and Everglades National Parks eventually rising to Supervisory Park Ranger (Interpretation) and joined Shenandoah’s Natural Resources Division as a Biological Science Technician. After a departure to the Smithsonian Conservation and Research Center to work with animals in a captive breeding program for endangered species, she returned to Shenandoah to work in Forest Health. Most of her professional experience has been focused on the natural history of plants, animals, and fungi in the Blue Ridge Mountains . Currently she leads the Forest Insect and Disease program.  

Williams, Alan - Ecologist / Data Manager
Bachelor of Science – Biology - Earlham College
Master of Science – Forest Resources - University of Georgia

Mr. Williams started as Ecologist/Data Manager for the Natural and Cultural Resources Division at Shenandoah National Park in July 2000. He works with the resource specialists to manage their data for immediate and future use. Projects he helps with include; water quality, aquatic invertebrate monitoring, native trout monitoring, non-native plant monitoring, forest health, rare plant monitoring, and Peregrine Falcon restoration. Alan regularly collaborates with the park GIS coordinator on a variety of mapping projects. He also is a member of the parks technical rescue team and wildfire fighting crew.

AFFILIATED PARK STAFF

Henry, Sharon L. - Administrative Services Assistant
Bachelor of Science – Psychology – James Madison University

Mrs. Henry has worked with the National Park Service for over 16 years all at Shenandoah. The first four years were spent in the Administration division as the Park’s Time and Leave Clerk. The past 12 years have been spent as the administrative assistant in the Natural and Cultural Resources Division.

Sanders, Debra A. - Publications and Graphics Specialist

Ms. Sanders has worked with the National Park Service for over 20 years. Assignments prior to Shenandoah National Park included 8 years with the Department of Defense, The Pentagon. Most of her professional experience has been focused on natural and cultural resource management. Currently she is responsible for the integration of spatial databases into various GIS programs to produce high quality cartographic and presentation materials representing complex analytical models. She performs tasks involving the development of cartographic products and graphics design as well as publications and presentations.

Biller, Allen - Fire Management Officer
Bachelor of Science - Forestry and Wildlife Management - Virginia Tech

Mr. Biller has been a full time wildland firefighter his entire career with the federal government. Prior to coming to Shenandoah, he worked for BLM Alaska Fire Service: 9 years as a smokejumper and 10 years as an assistant zone fire management officer in western Alaska . He worked as a seasonal firefighter in Montana , Oregon , and Alaska before accepting permanent employment in Alaska . Currently, he is fire management officer for Shenandoah National Park and 10 other satellite parks in the area fire management group in Virginia and Maryland . He is also the aircraft coordinator for Shenandoah National Park .

Forder, Melissa - Lead Fire Effects Monitor
Bachelor of Science – Environmental and Forest Biology – State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Mrs. Forder has worked as the Lead Fire Effects Monitor at Shenandoah since August of 2000. Previously, she worked at Shenandoah as a Biological Science Technician on the vegetation monitoring crew. Prior work experience includes working as an Assistant Research Botanist for The Nature Conservancy and as an Urban Forester. Currently she leads a crew of seasonal technicians in the collection of pre burn and post burn vegetation data throughout parks in the Mountains-to-the-Sea Park Group and the Northeast Region.

Gorman, KellyAnn - Northeast Region Fire Ecologist
Bachelor of Arts – Castilian Literature – University of Massachusetts Lowell
Master of Science – Forest Resources Fire Ecology – University of Idaho

Ms. Gorman has worked with the National Park Service since 1992, first for 10 years and 16 seasons in 12 different park units across the country as a seasonal and then for three years as a permanent at Voyageurs and Shenandoah National Parks. Most of her professional experience has been in fire suppression and prescribed fire. Currently she provides fire ecology services to park units in the Northeast and National Capital Regions that have or are developing prescribed fire programs, with emphasis on the Mountains-to-the-Sea Park Group, and supervises the Northeast Region Fire Effects Monitoring Crew.

Imler, Sue - Fire Program Management Assistant
Bachelor of Science - Forest Science - Pennsylvania State University

Ms. Imler has worked for the Federal government on and off since 1985. Starting in 1985 she worked as a seasonal firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service in Montana . In 1987, she worked as a seasonal employee for the Army Corps of Engineers in Pennsylvania . In 1989 she arrived at Shenandoah and started work as a seasonal employee and held a variety of positions in fee collection, fire management, and dispatch. In May 1992, she was hired as the permanent Fire Program Management Assistant for Shenandoah and ten other satellite parks in Virginia and Maryland . She also functions as the fire training specialist and the fire qualifications account manager for this group and is the fire weather coordinator for Shenandoah.

Hurlbert, Dan - Geographic Information System Specialist (GIS), Fire-GIS Coordinator (acting) – Northeast and National Capital Regions
Bachelor of Science – Geological Oceanography – University of Washington

Mr. Hurlbert has twenty-four years work experience with various agencies in the Federal Government, applying GIS technology to his work since 1992. Prior to his assignment with the National Park Service, he worked with the United States Geological Survey ( Palo Alto , CA ) and the Minerals Management Service ( Anchorage , AK ). His GIS interests support the interdisciplinary nature of the National Park Service and the National Fire Program with emphasis on wildland fire incident support, Burn Area Emergency Rehabilitation team support, Wildland Hazard Assessment Methodology and community education.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team

Åkerson, James - Supervisory Forest Ecologist
Bachelor of Science – Forest Management – Oregon State University

James has worked at Shenandoah National Park since December 1995 where he specializes in forest health issues. He directs the Exotic Plant Management Team at Shenandoah and eleven other national parks in Virginia , Pennsylvania , and Maryland . During the years 1995 – 2002, James led Parkwide programs of forest insect and disease control, exotic vegetation control, integrated pest management, and environmental protection review (NEPA). Prior to coming to Shenandoah National Park , James worked eighteen years (1978-1995) with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Branch of Forestry. He specialized in silviculture, superior tree development, forest pest management, and resource management planning. During the last nine years with the Bureau he was the lead western Silviculturist and national Forest Pest Management program coordinator. Prior to Indian Affairs, James worked two years (1975-1977) in Liberia , West Africa , with the U.S. Peace Corps where he coordinated regional forest management activities with the Liberian Forest Development Authority.

Forder, Norm - Crew Leader Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team
Bachelor of Science - Environmental Science - Unity College .

Mr. Forder has worked with the National Park Service for 10 years. Prior to Shenandoah National Park , he worked at Mount Rainier National Park , Acadia National Park , and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. His work experience has focused on native plant restoration and revegetation, and exotic plant control. He currently leads the traveling Mid-Atlantic Exotic Plant Management Team which assists other National Park units within the region with exotic plant control.

Mid-Atlantic Inventory and Monitoring Network

Comiskey, James A. - Mid-Atlantic Network Coordinator
Bachelor of Science – Ecology – University of London
Doctor of Philosophy – Biology – University of London

Dr. Comiskey has worked with the National Park Service’s Inventory and Monitoring Program since May 2004. He coordinates the vital signs monitoring program for the Mid-Atlantic network, composed of 10 parks in Virginia and Pennsylvania , including Shenandoah National Park . Prior to the Park Service, Dr. Comiskey worked for twelve years (1992 – 2004) at the Smithsonian Institution where he conducted research and monitoring in Latin America , the Caribbean , and West Africa . His research interests included tropical forest dynamics and he established a network of monitoring sites providing long-term data on natural and anthropogenic impacts on forest composition. During that time, he conducted numerous training courses on biodiversity assessment and monitoring in the U.S. as well as regional courses in more than 15 countries . During the last five years at the Smithsonian, Dr. Comiskey managed the NIH funded International Biodiversity Cooperative Group focusing on drug development and conservation of biodiversity in West and Central Africa . Prior to the Smithsonian, he worked for three years (1988 – 1992) conducting water quality monitoring in London , UK.

COOPERATORS AND PARTNERS

Because park staff members are relatively few in number and their skill sets are stretched to the limit, staff members rely heavily on the scientific expertise that is available through a wide variety of academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and government agencies in the region. The following list highlights those cooperators and partners with whom staff members work most frequently.

The University of Virginia , Department of Environmental Sciences has sustained a long-standing watershed study program in Shenandoah National Park completing numerous research projects and monitoring efforts leading to advanced degrees.

The Departments of Forestry and Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences as well as the Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech have completed projects related to wildlife investigations, forest insects and disease, natural resource data management, and aquatic macroinvertebrate monitoring. Like the University of Virginia , many of these projects have lead to advanced degrees.

Partnership relationships exist between the National Park Service and the College of Integrated Science and Technology at James Madison University . Primary areas of engagement have been on the development and support of the SYNTHESIS computer system (an information storage and retrieval system) and in the development of fuel cell systems in the interest of reducing electrical consumption and associated air pollution emissions.

Periodically scientists from the Penn State school system have conducted research in the park. One recent project described the biodiversity associated with hemlock stands and compared that with a typical hardwood stand in the park. In some cases, staff members in the school system provide ongoing coordination and support for park activities such as the development and maintenance of an automated bibliography of scientific literature.

Biologists at Shenandoah have worked cooperatively with biologists at the Center for Conservation Biology within the College of William & Mary in an effort to restore peregrine falcons to the Blue Ridge.

Between 1992 and 2003, the National Park Service worked cooperatively with The Institute in the operation of bird monitoring stations in the park.

Park staff members have extensive experience working with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Current projects include reciprocal assistance in monitoring freshwater fisheries, coordination of bear management activities, and involvement in State Comprehensive Wildlife planning.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides leadership and direction on multiple environmental issues within the state. Most contacts between the Natural Resource Branch and DEQ deal with air and water quality issues. Branch members work closely with DEQ staff on reviews of air pollution emissions permits, air quality planning, and various water resource designations and planning.

Foresters within the Virginia Department of Forestry have worked with park staff members on a variety of forest health issues. Gypsy moth monitoring information is shared by the two agencies, cross training occurs, and park staff members often rely on Department employees for assistance in identification of forest insects. Recent collaboration has been underway regarding monitoring for Sudden Oak Death.

A close working relationship exists between the Natural Heritage Program, within the Department of Conservation and Recreation and staff members at Shenandoah National Park. Natural Heritage Program staff members have surveyed park lands for rare species occurrences, provided advice on rare species management, and worked closely on the development of a revised vegetation map for the park. Natural Heritage Program staff members also routinely consult with the park regarding potential impacts to rare, threatened, and endangered species that may result from park projects.

Cooperative undertakings with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have focused almost exclusively on air quality and closely related issues. Park staff members have coordinated air resources planning and permit review efforts with staff in the local region of EPA. EPA has also funded a variety of research projects in the park.

Staff members at Shenandoah have a long history of working cooperatively with scientists in all disciplines within the U.S. Geological Survey. Often these cooperators have come out of field offices and laboratories located in the mid-Atlantic area but because of the park’s close proximity to the headquarters of the Survey in Reston , Virginia , a number of scientists who work in the park are based there. Projects that have been worked on by Survey employees include groundwater investigations, vegetation mapping, predictive modeling, geologic mapping, and amphibian studies, among many others.

A longstanding relationship exists between Shenandoah National Park and the U.S. Forest Service. In part, this is due to the close proximity of the George Washington National Forest to the park. It is also a result of the similarity in natural resource issues faced by both agencies, particularly air quality issues and the forest science expertise that is found within the Forest Service. Park staff members regularly consult foresters on issues like forest insects and disease, hazard tree management, and pest management related to wooden structures.

Contacts with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) are somewhat limited but nevertheless, important to Shenandoah. FWS staff members routinely consult with the park regarding potential impacts to rare, threatened, and endangered species that may result from park projects.

Contacts with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also somewhat limited. They play a vital part in reviewing projects that involve wetlands and waterbodies within the park..

Park staff members consult with personnel from the Natural Resources Conservation Service on topics such as soils mapping and identification, erosion control, and best management practices associated with construction and maintenance of park facilities like trails and roads.

The National Park Service makes extensive use of Resource Assistants, provided by the Student Conservation Association, to supplement the regular agency workforce of permanent and temporary employees. The Natural Resource Branch generally hires three or four Resource Assistants each summer. More recently the Branch has started to may use of Association Teams. To date these teams have consisted of up to four employees and their efforts have been directed at exotic plant control.

The National Park Service traditionally uses students who enroll in the Youth Conservation Corps during summer months to augment park staff. The Natural Resource Branch has used enrollees on a variety of tasks including vegetation management and restoration projects.