Collette Renee Johnson

Office Automation Clerk/ Department of the Interior/ US Fish and Wildlife Service/ Ouray NAational Wildlife Refuge

Today's Date: April 17, 2007

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Visiting National Parks has had the biggest impact on me (especially Great Smoky Mountains National Park)

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Now? Great Smoky Mountains National Park, New River Gorge National River

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My dog Nikka (I consider her like a daughter however, so that may be a bad example)
Black Bears and Cattle are my favorite animals. I have lived around cows my entire life.
They are both handsome animals, but I couldn't really tell you why I like them so much.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

I think the biggest environmental challenge is urban and suburban sprawl. Natural land area is decreasing rapidly. Animal habitats are being destroyed, farming is being affected. I believe this problem will continue and be the greatest challenge in the future as well.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

Enjoy it while it lasts.