US Biosphere Network Selects New Leadership

On June 7, 2023, the US Biosphere Network (USBN) selected seven leaders to guide the network for the next three years. The new USBN Steering Committee members assuming office in September are Jon W. Allan, Chair (University of Michigan, School for Environment and Sustainability; Obtawaing Biosphere Region), Kelly Cerialo, Vice-Chair for Operations (Paul Smith College; Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Network), Melissa Bade, Vice Chair for Planning (CDR Associates), Samuel Cuthell, founder of the USBN Youth Board of Directors (Golden Gate Biosphere Network), and Deb Davidson (Center for Large Landscape Conservation). Brian Houseal (Chair Emeritus) and Cliff McCreedy (National Park Service – Federal Liaison) will continue serving on the committee.

The Steering Committee provides leadership and guidance to help achieve the goals of the USBN and World Network of Biosphere Reserves. The USBN’s mission is to foster national and international connections among US Biosphere Regions, facilitate their sharing of best practices, and support their work of connecting people and nature. The Steering Committee guides the Network’s Biosphere Working Group, the informal, representative body made up of representatives from the 28 US biosphere regions. The Steering Committee has been remarkably led by Brian Houseal, Sarah Gaines, and Lee Anne Bledsoe since 2020.

The US Biosphere Network is made up of 28 internationally recognized areas across the continental United States, U.S. Caribbean, Alaska, and Hawai’i. Their beauty and value stand out in national parks, state parks, national forests, and national marine sanctuaries as well as private lands where people live and work, from deserts to forests, grasslands to rivers, and mountains to coasts. Communities and partners within them work together voluntarily to advance positive relationships between people and nature at local and regional scales.