About Melissa's Work
Melissa was an ecologist working for the Department of Marine Resources on diadromous fish restoration. She served as the Conservation Planner for the Bureau of Sea Run Fisheries and Habitat. In this role she was responsible for leading river specific planning efforts, including a plan for the Penobscot River, the target of a large restoration project involving the removal of several large main stem dams. She also worked on ESA issues as they relate to the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Along with her interest in restoration, both of habitat and species from an ecosystem perspective, she was looking at ways to integrate human dimensions into natural resource decision making. In addition, she had an interest in applying the principles of Interpretation to help engage the public in environmental issues. She had also been working with Nova Southeastern University as an Adjunct faculty where she taught an on-line class in environmental interpretation.