Gary Klee

Biography

Gary recently finished a book manuscript on California Coastal Wetlands, and is seeking a publisher at this time. Simultaneously, he is working on a new book and field course for the department related to California Protected Lands.  Both book and course will focus on the less known and less travelled protected areas in California (e.g., National Wildlife Refuges; Nature Conservancy Preserves; the UC Natural Reserve System’s lands; Wilderness Areas; Wild and Scenic Rivers; National Estuarine Research Reserves, State Wildlife Areas, etc.).  Emphasis will be on identifying the types of protected open space, their management agencies and policies, and their environmental concerns.  Previous to Gary’s latest book challenge, he published The Coastal Environment: Toward Integrated Coastal and Marine Sanctuary Management (Prentice Hall, 1999); Conservation of Natural Resources (Prentice Hall 1991); and World Systems of Traditional Resource Management (Edward Arnold 1980).  He has also published numerous journal articles, book reviews, and photographs during his academic career.

Gary especially enjoys working with graduate students that share his interest in researching and photographing California’s protected lands and coastal heritage.  Being a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) himself, he is also very supportive of graduate students that are interested in human (cultural) ecology and international development.  Gary has chaired or served on graduate thesis committees dealing with California coastal topics, as well as subjects on traditional island fisheries (Palau and Panama), Panda Bear conservation (Nepal), Sea Lion protection (Monterey Bay, California), and native plant landscaping (San José, California).  Since nature photography is not only a hobby but a course that he teaches, Gary has served on thesis committees dealing with photography (e.g., the transition from film to digital photography and its impacts on water and energy use).

Courses Taught

• ENVS/ANTH 117: Human Ecology
• ENVS 118: Sustainable Home Gardens
• ENVS 144: California Wetland Controversies
• ENVS 161: California Wildlands
• ENVS 166: Nature and Conservation Photography
• ENVS 189: Coastal Field Studies
• ENVS 194: Environmental Internship