Embracing Disruption--The New Model for North American Conservation with John Conolly

On this week's show we'll contrast "preservation" with "conservation" with CFA member--John Conolly. John will discuss his perspective on conservation going forward, or "disruptive conservation." John Conolly has been a member of the Catskill Forest Association since 2019. John and his family have taken advantage of several CFA programs as they attempt to appropriately manage a 60+ acre parcel in the Catskills. John grew up in a classic late 70’s rust belt town about an hour north of Chicago. His father had been a 4H Champion in his youth and was raised on a small family farm in Illinois. His mother grew up spending time in the woods with her Grandfather on a family farm in Michigan. His parents were often pressed to recount these experiences at bedtime and in doing so instilled a strong desire to explore the natural world.  A graduate of the Art Institute of Chicago, John is also an accomplished sailor and an expert on all things commodities.  John is a hunter and gatherer, a fly fisherman, and a proud champion of an ethical approach to conservation. Chairman of the environmental committee for a local elementary school, John is keen on helping children observe the natural world that surrounds them. His many undertakings include chairing an annual earth week “Extravaganza!”, founding a wildlife photography exhibition, and hosting a gold star family retreat.  He co-chairs the stream committee for a historic Catskills fly fishing club and is a major supporter of the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin. John’s favorite role is being the father of two, the husband of one and the guy who feeds the puppy.