David Crites

Private citizen

Today's Date: 12 January 2009

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

With an animal, I would have to say our first family pet "Lindbergh." He was a big Golden Retriever that lived with us for 14 years. Both my wife and I refer to him as our "first born."

In nature, it would be the area where I grew up. I was born and raised in Southern Illinois in the middle of the Shawnee National Forest. I spent every free moment of my time hiking, camping, climbing, canoeing, etc.

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

As mentioned above, Shawnee National Forest.

Now? Isle Royale National Park

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

The Wolf, and I am not sure why. I have spent a great deal of time studing them especially on Isle Royale.

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?

Loss of habitat. I think in the future lack of fresh water may become a huge problem.

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

Get out there and experience it. I think if we can get more people to experience everything nature has to offer, there will be plenty of people that will do anything to protect it.