Bern Shanks - Always Advocating

“… Professionals Are Advocates, Even When They Remain Silent.”

Bern Shanks has gotten around more than most conservationists. 

In addition to a Ph.D. in natural resources development from Michigan State University, Shanks has worked for two governors, four universities, and federal, state, and municipal governments. He has been a gubernatorial advisor, a university professor, and the chief executive officer of local and state government agencies. 

He has held jobs in eight of the western states and several national parks. His responsibilities have included land, water, fish, wildlife, and environmental management. 

Shanks has authored three books and over fifty articles on environmental policy and natural resource management. Reflecting on 30+ years of experience as both professor and practitioner, Shanks describes advocacy as inherent in the work of natural resource professionals.