Flying across Prince William Sound on a crystal clear day earlier this week, Robert Skorkowsky gazed down upon a sparkling blue sea and the nearly seven million acres of the Chugach National Forest that surrounds it.
It was Skorkowsky's first good look at his new home, including the approximately 2.3 million acres of the Chugach that comprise the Cordova Ranger District, for which he is now responsible as the new Cordova District Ranger.
"I was stunned by the magnitude of the forest," said Skorkowsky, of the view from the air. "It was a humbling experience and introduction to the Chugach."
Skorkowsky is a wildlife biologist with experience in migratory bird conservation efforts through U.S. Forest Service's International Programs. His work includes partnerships with birding programs in Argentina and Mexico as well as fieldwork with the International Crane Foundation in Mongolia. However, he considers himself a broad natural resource person and ecologist.
Tim Joyce, acting Cordova District Ranger who is retiring this spring, says that Skorkowsky's experience developing partnerships makes him particularly well suited to manage the Cordova Ranger District.
"The Chugach is a mostly recreational forest," said Joyce. "The priority programs are fish, wildlife, recreation and subsistence. As more and more people start to recreate in the Chugach, you have to stay ahead. How we maintain the forest in its current condition and also maintain access and recreation depends increasingly on partnerships. Robert's experience in developing and maintaining partnerships and his natural resource background fit really well with this forest."
In the Cordova area alone, the USFS maintains 15 hiking trails covering 35 miles and 15 recreation cabins from the tip of Montague Island to the eastern Copper River Delta. The Cordova Ranger District is also an active participant in international migratory bird conservation programs celebrated each May during the Copper River Shorebird Festival, in conjunction with the seasonal migration of more than 5 million shorebirds though the Copper River Delta. The festival draws researchers, experts and bird enthusiasts from around the globe. In another program area, working with partners up and down the Copper River, the forest service's natural resource programs are part of an effort to maintain subsistence resources and practices.
For Skorkowsky, the opportunity to work close to the land was part of the appeal in coming to Cordova.
"I like being closer to the forest and the land and I like being able to see directly the value of a project," said Skorkowsky. "Accomplishing a project and the long-term opportunity to see if we are right or wrong is an opportunity to learn how to manage the land. You have to be on the land, close to the land, to gain that deeper perspective."
After a brief introductory tour, Skorkowsky will head back to his current home in Oak Creek, Colo., for a few weeks while his children, ages 6 and 9, finish the school year. Then the Skorkowskys will drive the Alcan Highway north.
"My family and I are excited to be moving here," said Skorkowsky. "We wanted to learn more, and here we can gain different experiences through the ocean, a temperate coastal rainforest and tribal culture."
You can reach Jennifer Gibbins with comments and suggestions at editor(at)thecordovatimes.com.