05 Nov Intern Introduction: Eddy Kapp

Hi, my name is Eddy, and I am working as a Timber Marker in the Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana, as part of the Resource Assistant Program (RAP). I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, loving to learn about and explore the beaches and parks near my home. 

Here I am at a beach near my hometown.

I became interested in conservation and resource management because of the changes I saw in my favorite nature areas within my lifetime. This led me to study natural resource conservation at the University of British Columbia. I focused on the science and management practices behind wildlife management, fisheries and forestry. 

I am using a clinometer to measure heights of trees.

I am excited for this position because as part of RAP I have the chance to work with the U.S. Forest Service and Environment for the Americas, getting to see how resource management can be completed with partnerships of government and nonprofit groups. I am also excited to be learning about the ecology of the region and gaining experience as a timber marker. 

I hope from this position to get a better idea of what I would be interested in studying at graduate school and to gain experience working for the government. Already in my first month here, I have worked with the wildlife department on woodpecker surveys, identified hurricane damage with the timber crew and of course measuring and marking trees for future timber sales.