Choosing A Conservation Vocation or a Bureaucratic Career: Personal Choices and the Environmental Consequences Book by Richard (Dick) Kroger 609 North Road 11, Worland, WY 82401 307-347-3047 E-mail: krogers@rtconnect.net Home Excerpts About the Author Purchase the Book Your Input

"Kroger's book exposes the political corruption that continues to frustrate those charged with the custodial care of America's natural resources. In Kroger's work we are treated to the tragedies and triumphs of an individual whose conservation ethic could not be compromised to political expediency. The sense of tragedy is compounded with the realization that fish, wildlife, and the environment pay the ultimate price. Former political icon Sam Rayburn is credited with advising those wishing to prosper in government life that 'to get along - go along.' Kroger documents, in detail and straight-forward prose, the price being extracted from people that believe in a higher standard of public service and gives us an honest accounting of the price a precious handful of dedicated souls are paying every day for our unique American relationship with fish, wildlife, and the landscape essential to their survival.. This book is another 911-call to the people in this democracy who have structured a system of laws designed to protect what we value. It is an alarm telling us that our natural resource management systems are infected with political corruption and bureaucratic expedience. Read this book, but more importantly, let it inspire you to take action in defense of the American conservation ethic and those hardy souls still out there working in the people's interest."

Jim Posewitz, Orion The Hunters' Institute; Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Retired); and author of "Beyond Fair Chase," "Inherit the Hunt," and "Rifle in Hand; How Wildlife in America was Saved," 219 Vawter Street, Helena, MT 59601

"I have covered state and federal natural resource agencies in the Upper Midwest for more than three decades and agree with Kroger's assessment that there are two types of biologists -- conservation vocationists, or as my friend Ted Williams calls them, 'sticklebacks,' and bureaucratic careerists. I have little trouble fitting most I know into one of the two categories. Unfortunately, most fall into the bureaucratic group. Without the conservation vocationists, much more natural resource damage would occur as the bureaucratic careerists forge ahead without rocking the political boat in their quest for more personal money, power, and prestige at the expense of our environment. Kroger's book pulls no punches and is a good read for anyone who cares about the outdoors and the proper management of our natural resources."

Tony Dean, Executive Producer of "Tony Dean Outdoors" TV series and "Dakota Backroads" radio shows, 1013 North Grand, Pierre, SD 57501

"Dick Kroger is really on to something with his book. He presents an insider look at the bureaucratic in-fighting at play when it comes to managing this country's natural resources. As a 'combat biologist' and a 'conservation vocationist' who was in the trenches during some of this nation's toughest environmental battles he brings a perspective to the discourse that few can. I first met him in the early 1990s while we were trying to form the Teddy Roosevelt Group of the Sierra Club in North Dakota. Dick became the vice-chair and even gave the group its name. We quickly learned that when a campaign became bogged down we could turn to Dick and he would cut through all the whining and tell us what needed to be done; whether we wanted to hear it or not. And that's what comes through with this book. At key points throughout his career Dick would cut through the bureaucracy and have a huge impact for the resource. What also comes through in the book is the mischievous delight he experienced when he 'got' a bureaucrat or a politician. It's obvious that Dick was paying attention as he went through life and I'm better at what I do because I had the privilege of tapping into that wisdom while working on environmental campaigns with him. This book offers the reader an opportunity to also tap into that wisdom."

Wayde Schafer, Regional Representative, Sierra Club, 311 East Thayer #113, Bismarck, ND 58501

"Powerful.... Credible.... Inspirational.... This book should be required reading and discussion material for all those in and entering the natural resource conservation fields.

Chuck Neal, Ecologist; SCS, USFS, BLM (Retired), and author of "Grizzlies In The Mist", 1526 Alger Avenue, Cody, WY 82414

"Let Kroger's impeccable ethics and courage during his lifelong commitment to responsible conservation of our incredibly rich and under appreciated natural resources inspire you and serve as a gauge for assessing your own dedication. Even in times as dark as these, there are opportunities for dedicated conservationists to prevent creation of wastelands by multinational conglomerates pursuing personal enrichment at the expense of our natural resources. Kroger's book is not only a must read/re-read for students to contemplate and formulate individual and personal dedication to their chosen vocation but also for all natural resource professionals to help them reevaluate and reinvigorate their original zeal (to continuously do the "right thing") that is constantly eroded and threatened over time by the minefields and daily diversions of the bureaucracy. It also lets dedicated individuals know they are not alone in their frustrations, the world is a better place because of their noble choices, and how to find the courage for perseverance."

Jeff Denton, BLM Wildlife Biologist, 10101 Eshamy Bay Drive, Anchorage, AK 99515

"Dick Kroger served as a dedicated "combat biologist" for me from 1974 - 79. He was an effective point person and had a passion to do what was necessary to protect and conserve fish and wildlife habitat and resources under very difficult political situations in California. His book should be a must read for all those contemplating or studying for a career in conservation and for current natural resource professionals working in and outside of government agencies. It gives an honest glimpse into his entire life, his career choices, and his life-long passion for fish and wildlife and pursuit of ecosystem sustainability during over 40 years as a science based fish and wildlife biologist in many regions of the country. Kroger coined the term "Conservation Vocationists" to identify those professionals dedicated to proper natural resource management on a 24/7 life-long basis versus "Bureaucratic Careerists" who work 8-hour days in the field of conservation but are motivated mostly by their own selfish personal goals of achieving more money, power, and prestige. He explains the primary reasons why government conservation and environmental agencies do such a poor job managing and protecting our natural resources and postulates that the general lack of ethics by Bureaucratic Careerists in state and federal agencies has caused more needless environmental and resource degradation than any other single factor. His book makes the truth known to those in political power and those who actually own our natural resources, and it tells Conservation Vocationists in and outside of government how to effectively combat bad agency decisions."

Felix Smith, FWS (Retired), 4720 Talus Way, Carmichael, CA 95608

"I strongly encourage everyone who is considering a career in natural resource management to read this book. The book also provides an excellent opportunity to those of us mid-way through our professional careers to renew our commitment to an environmental ethic. There may be some biases based on my past association with Kroger, but I could not wait to turn the pages to read what he would say next. Kroger's perspective provides an inextricable linkage between the decisions made while on the job to the long-term consequences on the landscape. This book will probably scare the hell out of some of the most ardent government bureaucrats hiding out in the halls of our most trusted natural resource agencies. At least, I hope it does."

Mike Olson, Missouri River Coordinator, USFWS, 3425 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501
701-250-4481 (O) 471-1344 (C), 355-8550 (F)

"Dick Kroger and I applied for the same conservation biologist position in 1988. I had worked on the project for 8 years. He had no first hand experience or understanding of the complex project. He was selected. Little did I realize what an opportunity this was for I was given the chance to work with one of the most dedicated, thoughtful biologists I've known during three decades of work on natural resource issues. His dedication to all things wild, willingness to take risks, and work ethic are truly inspirational. I am blessed to say I had the privilege to work with Dick Kroger.

Dick's book should be required reading for all aspiring conservation students and natural resource professionals. His writings provide an essential understanding, based on the scars gained from conservation battles throughout the nation, of the path that leads to a rewarding career. He presents important insights about the workings of government agencies, what makes their employees tick, and highlights productive ways to address bureaucratic pitfalls that often stymie the completion of beneficial projects. Throughout the book, Dick provides readers unique opportunities to gain the wisdom from his life-long commitment to protect this nation's cherished natural resources."

Bill Bicknell, Fish and Wildlife Biologist, USFWS, 3425 Miriam Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501

Reviewed by Jim Guthrie

"Before Kroger arrived on the scene, we lowly Fishery Technicians were never included as co-authors for articles about the published research findings we worked on with our biologist and Ph.D. supervisors. Kroger broke this elitist tradition (and took criticism as a result of his convictions) and gave me co-authorship credit on every mutually researched scientific study and findings published in peer reviewed journals. This new recognition changed my life and I subsequently coined the phrase, 'Before Kroger and After Kroger', to describe periods in my career. I had finally come across a research biologist who was not afraid to tell the truth and who stood up for what was right. Some of the more elitist researchers will disagree with what he has written. Unfortunately, there is too much truth in his book about the NMFS's Beaufort, NC Fisheries Laboratory, and at times I even try to block some it out of my mind. From the personal history presented in his book, it is obvious that Kroger went on being Kroger wherever he went."

Jim Guthrie, NMFS (Retired), 120 Pelican Lane, Harkers Island, NC 28531

Reviewed by Richard Morat

"From someone who was a co-worker, hunting buddy, and personal friend with Dick back in the mid and late 1970s during his Sacramento FWS experience, the reading of this book was, even after 35 years as a fish and wildlife biologist, a life-changing experience for me. While reading the book, I went from an attitude of 'this is pretty radical' to 'this makes perfect sense.' I was left with a compelling case-for-action that every individual needs an understanding of personal mission to keep 'first things first.' Dick, back in the 1970s and obviously still today has his life in order * family, spiritual beliefs, and then work. Natural resource work, or better yet a conservation vocation, even at rank three, is or should be dead serious business for us all. Anyone, regardless of age, who is interested in balancing life with a conservation vocation, or simply working in a federal/state or local government bureaucracy, will benefit from reading this book. It contains some of the most balanced and level-headed advice I have received. Reading this clearly written and simply stated book will draw the reader into an introspective evaluation of his/her life with an emphasis on the future. We owe Dick for sharing his experiences with us."

Richard Morat, USFWS Fish and Wildlife Biologist, 2821 Berkshire Way, Sacramento, CA 95864

Reviewed by Tory Taylor

"Dick Kroger's "Choosing a Conservation Career..." is a message that needs to be told over and over again. The lessons in this book are invaluable for conservationists, young and old, to learn how to negotiate the maze of obstacles and achieve one's life goals in natural resource conservation."

Tory Taylor, former President Wyoming Wildlife Federation and Budweiser "Outdoorsman of the Year 2000". 6360 Higway 26, Dubois, WY 82513.

Reviewed by Meredith Taylor

"I first met Dick Kroger in the mid-1980s during his BLM job in Worland. He made an impression on me then as a committed conservationist and continues to impress me as someone trying to make a difference. In his book, he gives great insight into how he not only survived, but succeeded in his career as a conservation vocationist. Even in retirement, his mission to restore his 160 acre Sandberg Farm to native tall grass prairie demonstrates his commitment and dedication to conservation. Kroger is an inspiration to us all."

Meredith Taylor, Greater Yellowstone Coalition 20th Anniversary Award winner and Wyoming Outdoor Council Wildlife Program Director. 6360 Highway 26, Dubois, WY 82513

"Member Dick Kroger, whom I have known since 1967, has written what is both a professional biography and a challenge to those in natural resource professions. By detailing his experiences in the highly political, highly emotional arenas of natural resource management in the western United States he distinguishes two groups of government employees (at all levels): 1. those who are so openly and vociferously dedicated to preservation of a healthy environment that they are willing to suffer numerous indignities and career setbacks; and 2. functionaries who are willing to compromise or surrender natural resource values to achieve favor within the bureaucracy, career advancement and financial gain. Kroger clearly has naught but disdain for the latter class of individuals and even more clearly would encourage young biologists to strive for entry into the first group. My first thought on examining this work was that it would make a useful companion to the American Fisheries Society Careers in Fisheries Handbook, but a quick second thought was certainly not. Most young professionals will become disillusioned quickly enough without a manual on how to become so.

Dick put a lot of work into this document, and it is clear that his goal is to encourage readers to become members of the white-hatted, good guy (and gal) team. I hope his plan works. On the other hand I'm not sure that I have ever personally known anyone who became a better, more caring person just because they read the Bible. It just seems to me that the World has it allotments of jerks and of heroes and the camp in which you pitch your tent depends on genes, on whether your mommy changed your diaper in a timely fashion, or on whether you have a chronic case of swollen hemorrhoids, etc.

I have not read every word in Dick's book yet (I keep fearing that I will find myself in there somewhere) but it appears that his treatment does not include and is not particularly applicable to many in the AIFRB membership. Many of us are not, as was Kroger, on the front line of negotiation and resource protection (his term was "combat biologist"). Instead a large fraction of AIFRB members provide the research necessary for that protection. Thus it may not be necessary and it might even be counter productive, for research oriented members to be advocates. I always believed that the stock assessments in which I was involved were their own best spokemen. When, because repeated analyses over many species kept indicating overfishing, some management council members hinted that I might have a conservation agenda, I always pointed out that I got paid the same amount whether the numbers that I ground out made their lives easy or hard.

The book is just like Kroger himself: unambiguously honest, refreshingly sincere, earthily plain-spoken. Kroger is no Hemingway but the book reads better than a popular but lurid biography of Nancy Reagan that once befell me, and it beats the socks off the average Sue Grafton (B is for Banal) novel. If I had students I would have copy or two around to introduce them to the real gritty world of life on the frontlines of resource protection."

Dr. Gene Huntsman, Editor of "Briefs - Newsletter of American Institute of Fishery Research Biologists", 205 Blades Road, Havelock, NC 28532