Read more
In this autobiography, Elliott S. Barker gives a graphic insight into why he was often called "Mr. Conservation." Starting with his early boyhood days and ending with his thoughts on the future, the book covers throughout the influence he had on the wildlife scene. This impact while more strongly felt in New Mexico, also spread into national and international circles. He was friend and co-worker of many of the greats in conservation. He could call Aldo Leopold, Ding Darling, Seth Gordon, and Ira Gabrielson his friends. He took an active part in the early days of conservation and the movement is where it is today because of him and other strong-willed and dedicated men and women like him. Barker gives you an insight as to his thinking, details his early background years, and then takes us through his twenty-two years as Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Throughout the book are related incidents and anecdotes that show his strong character and dedicated interest in conservation in general and wildlife in particular. He lists the various programs that were initiated by him during his tenure such as providing wildlife for the public land, habitat restoration, the introduction of new exotic species, the biopolitical problems in fisheries management and probably the most widely known item, that of his involvement in the dedication of Smokey Bear as a national symbol for fire protection and wildlife preservation.
About the author
Elliott Speer Barker, recipient of an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the New Mexico State University, was born at Moran, Texas, December 25, 1886. He came, with the family, to New Mexico in covered wagons at the age of three. He grew up on a ranch in the rugged Sangre de Cristo Mountains. He finished schooling with a high school diploma, then was a professional guide and hunter for three years. Next he was a U.S. Forest Ranger Supervisor for ten years, working under Dr. Aldo Leopold. He ranched for eleven years. After that a year was spent in charge of game management and predator control on 360,000 acre Vermejo Park ranch-game preserve. His book WHEN THE DOGS BARK TREED tells the story. From 1931 to 1953 Elliott served as New Mexico's State Game Warden and Director of the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. He got the Department out of politics, and greatly increased game and fish. Barker helped organize the National Wildlife Federation, served on its first Board of Directors and nine years as its State Representative. He was three times President of the Western Association of State Game and Fish Commissioners and one term President of the International Association of Game, Fish and Conservation Commissioners. He helped get the Wilderness Preservation Bill passed and was the author of six books, including SMOKEY BEAR AND THE GREAT WILDERNESS, also available from Sunstone Press.
