Gary A. Klee
Professor of Environmental Studies
Ph.D., Geography, University of Oregon
kleegary@comcast.net
Research Interests: Coastal and Marine Sanctuary Management; Human Ecology (Emphasis Traditional Systems of Natural Resource Management); International Development (e.g., Peace Corps); Gardens, Culture and the Environment; Nature and Conservation Photography.
Courses Taught: Coastal Field Studies; California Environmental Controversies (Theme: California Coastal Wetlands); Human Ecology; Gardens, Culture, and Environment; Nature and Conservation Photography.
Biography: Gary is currently working on a new book project tentatively titled California Coastal Wetlands, which if all goes as planned, will be a lavishly illustrated trade book highlighting his photographic skills and love of the California coast. Previous to this book project, he published The Coastal Environment: Toward Integrated Coastal and Marine Sanctuary Management (Prentice Hall, 1999); Conservation of Natural Resources (Prentice Hall 1991); and World Systems of Traditional Resource Management (Edward Arnold 1980).
He especially enjoys working with graduate students that share his interest in preserving America's (and other country's) coastal heritage. Gary has chaired graduate thesis committees dealing with coastal topics, as well as topics dealing with traditional island fisheries (Panama), Panda Bear conservation (Nepal), Sea Lion protection (Monterey Bay, California), and native plant landscaping (San José, California) . . . just to name a few. He also hopes to have students apply someday to the graduate program that want to work on high level photographic book projects under Plan B of the graduate program. Being a RPCV (Returned Peace Corps Volunteer) himself, Gary also enjoys sponsoring such graduate students that are interested in human (cultural) ecology and international development type research.
One of Gary's favorite activities is taking his graduate students sailing for what he calls "Adviso-Sails" (i.e., sailing, having lunch, and discussing thesis projects aboard his Ranger 23 on Monterey Bay). When not sailing with his students, his most dependable Second and Third Mates are his two "puppies" Asia and Sophie. Gary's other favorite activities include traveling for photo shoots (particularly black and white landscape photography); working in his home darkroom; taking photography workshops across the country; landscape gardening around his home in Soquel, and especially spending lots of time with his wife, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandkids.