Barry Christenson Oral History Transcript

Barry was born in Minneapolis in 1951, most childhood in California.  Graduated with B.S. in Wildlife from Humboldt State U. in 1974.  Worked with the Peace Corps in Upper Volta (west Africa) 1974-1976.  Worked for Smithsonian Institution 1976-1978. Graduated from U. Maine with M.S. Wildlife 1980.  First position with the USFS was working on water quality projects at the Chesapeake Bay ESFO.  Worked as assistant refuge manager at Great Meadows NWR, Seedskadee NWR, and Montezuma NWR.   Became Refuge Manager at Union Slough NWR in Minnesota – authored first Comprehensive Management Plan and oversaw refuge expansion authorization documentation. Became Manager of Litchfield WMD where he acquired waterfowl production areas, constructed Refuge Headquarters Office. Worked in the Twin Cities Regional Office as a Refuge Supervisor overseeing refuges in four states. Became Refuge Manager of Midway NWR, assisted with the planning of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument, hosted VIPs including First Lady Laura Bush.  Worked briefly in Sacramento Regional Office and finished his career at Windom Wetland Management District in Minnesota in December 2011.