Linda (Mowry) Wise

Year: 
1996

I was a re-entry student who went back to school at the age of thirty believing that the health of our fisheries is dependent on sound science, good water quality and responsible land management. The Humboldt Fisheries Program gave me my first academic exposure to those topics and after receiving my Baccalaureate from Humboldt, I furthered my education by obtaining a Master's of Science Degree in Wastewater Utilization, within the Natural Resources in Sciences College, also at Humboldt.

I currently manage the safety and environmental compliance programs for a local solid waste hauler. Before that, I spent four years as the manager of the Yuba/Sutter Local Solid Waste Enforcement Agency (LEA) requiring that I monitor the environmental compliance of solid waste operations within my jurisdiction. At the same time, I taught an evening Biology course at a community college. Also, I have completed a yearlong extensive training program in environmental health that resulted in becoming registered with the California Department of Health Services, a highly sought after certification.

In addition to my professional life, I have been active in many local community activities. I have organized clean-up events and have served on committees designed to address special community solid waste and water issues. In 2003, I chaired the Yuba County Fish & Game Commission and initiated a partnership with the California Coastal Commission to remove 21 tons of illegally dumped material from the Yuba River, the location of the last native steelhead fishery in the world. Before leaving Yuba County, Governor Gray Davis offered me an appointment to serve on one of his commissions based on my community service.

The true fisheries conservationist recognizes that the study of fishes go beyond that of catching and measuring of fish. Fishery students need not be limited in seeking employment with governmental agencies. I believe that it is important that we also seek employment with industries that have impacts on fisheries, because without fish there are no jobs for fishery graduates.

Receiving the Michael G. Scott Award was the highlight of my undergraduate experience at Cal Poly Humboldt (Humboldt). I worked hard for that and have done well since. I wish all the luck to future Fisheries Students.