Women in Landscape-Scale Conservation: Alison Forrestel

Women's History Month

Conservation at landscape scales takes cooperation, patience, and people! In honor of Women's History Month in March, we want to highlight the work of influential women who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our cultural, recreational, and natural resources. 

How did you get started working in landscape-scale conservation?

I started working on landscape-scale collaboration back in 2013 when the CA State Parks' budget crisis led to innovative collaboration between Muir Woods National Monument and Mt Tam State Park. NPS and State Parks staff were able to collect an additional fee at the entrance to Muir Woods to support State Parks and use those funds across NPS-State Parks jurisdictional boundaries to work on wildlife, invasive plant, and trails issues that don't stop at our boundaries.

What does the term connected conservation mean to you?

To me, the term connected conservation means working across boundaries and partnering with a wide range of neighbors and stakeholders. By thinking big we can stay connected, leverage each other's strengths, and move the needle on issues that are bigger than our park boundaries.

Alison Forrestel is the Chief of Natural Resources and Science at Golden Gate National Recreation Area.

Tell us about a project that you have worked on that you are especially proud of.

For the last several years, I've been working as co-lead of the Golden Gate Biosphere Network. It has been very exciting to see the Golden Gate Biosphere Network gain momentum through a series of retreat workshops, fundraise for backbone capacity, and kick off a region-wide climate change vulnerability analysis and adaptation plan.

If you could collaborate with anyone or any organization who would it be?
The California Landscape Stewardship Network - they are such an amazing group doing groundbreaking work in landscape conservation.

Any advice for women wanting to get into the field?

Join in! There is so much work to be done - all voices are welcome and needed.

Women in Landscape Conservation