Conservation Biologist David Graber (BA ’71 Political Science, PhD ’76 Wildland Resource Science) passed away this week from natural causes. While earning his PhD at UC Berkeley, Graber studied black bears in Yosemite National Park. He worked as a scientist for the National Park Service for more than 30 years, retiring as Chief Scientist of the Pacific West Region. The Institute for Parks, People, and Biodiversity is thankful for Graber’s service on the Institute’s advisory board. Here, Chair of the Board Jon Jarvis remembers Graber, his career, and his service.
David Graber
David Graber was a student and protégé of Professor Starker Leopold who went on to a highly influential career with the National Park Service (NPS). Under the guidance of Starker Leopold, Graber changed bear management at Yosemite National Parks and across the entire NPS based on good science and a keen ability to see that the problem was not really about bears, but about people and their behavior.
Dave and I began our NPS careers about the same time, in the mid 1970’s, and crossed paths many times, mostly at gatherings of scientists and managers at the periodic George Wright Society Conferences. I remember Dave grilling me early on, challenging my assumptions and encouraging me to take risks and think outside of the NPS “box.” Over the ensuing years, he became at first an informal advisor and then, when I became the Regional Director of the Pacific West, I asked him to serve as the Chief Scientist and my science advisor. I knew he would give me unfiltered advice honed by years of experience and a keen scientific mind.
Based at Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California, Dave had responsibilities for NPS units on the West Coast and Pacific Islands. When a complex issue involving science, policy and practice arose, Dave would often be right in the middle, offering sage advice. Over the many years, he contributed to the conservation of bears, spotted owls, Devil’s Hole pupfish, bighorn sheep, and the Channel Island fox. He was a major influence on the NPS approach to ecosystem management and wilderness stewardship. He was a crucial member of many interdisciplinary teams, including the group that drafted NPS Director’s Order 100, the policy framework derived from the Revisiting Leopold report.
In many ways, Dave carried the science and policy mantle of Starker Leopold for a new generation. In retirement, he continued to serve on panels and boards, including the advisory board for the Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity at UC Berkeley. He will be sorely missed.
Jon Jarvis
18th Director of the National Park Service (retired)