For Dave Erickson, conservation isn’t an abstract concept—it’s a responsibility. He has seen what happens when landscapes go unmanaged, whether through overdevelopment or neglect. That’s why he’s a dedicated conservationist, not only through his career in land management but also by supporting efforts that ensure working landscapes thrive for generations to come.
Growing up in Southern California, Dave witnessed firsthand the consequences of unchecked development. Entire landscapes he once knew “were flattened”, replaced by asphalt and subdivisions. But instead of just lamenting the loss of open space, Dave committed himself to safeguarding the future of open lands.
His journey began with a degree in geography and film from UC Santa Barbara, but it wasn’t long before his passion for the land led him into the field. He started as a field biologist in Santa Barbara, studying trout, before heading to Hawaii, where he worked as a restoration ecologist. But California always called him home.
Back on the mainland, Dave took a position as a ranger at Wind Wolves Preserve near Bakersfield, owned and managed by the Wildlands Conservancy—a portion of the property is also conserved in partnership with the Rangeland Trust. There, he saw the impact of responsible land management firsthand. Wanting to deepen his knowledge, he pursued a master’s degree at the University of Idaho in Natural Resources and Restoration Ecology. It was here that he truly came to understand the value of grazing management in conservation.
With this expertise, Dave applied his skills across the state. In Humboldt County, he managed agricultural wetlands, using dairy cattle as a tool to maintain the health of the landscape. He also worked in the region’s oak woodlands, partnering with a cow-calf operation to promote healthy rangelands.
His journey then took him to Orange County, where he managed preserves and collaborated with the fire department to enhance wildfire resilience. Today, as a forester for a state agency, Dave plays a critical role in pre-fire management, prescribed burns, and helping landowners safeguard their properties against the ever-growing threat of wildfires.
Through it all, Dave has remained steadfast in his belief that land should not simply be left to its own devices. “Letting lands just be is negligent,” he says. “I appreciate the ranchers who manage them.”
That belief has led him to support rangeland conservation beyond his professional work—by giving back. Dave and his wife have committed to supporting rangeland conservation by becoming monthly donors to the Rangeland Trust. As monthly donors, they are helping provide steady, reliable support for California’s rangelands and its stewards all year long.
Because of supporters like Dave, the legacy of California’s open spaces will endure. His story is a testament to the power of stewardship, dedication, and the belief that the land must be cared for—not just today, but for generations to come.
Thank you, Dave, for being a champion of conservation and setting a powerful example for us all.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Privacy Policy & Terms of Use.
© 2020 California Rangeland Trust. All Rights Reserved.
Developed by Go West Marketing.
