Howard with his Mitchell Award for his 20 years of contributions to the stewardship of the Poudre River.

Howard R. Alden, Ph.D.
The National Association lost a wonderful friend when Howard R. Alden, professor emeritus, passed away after a brief illness on Oct. 1, 2006. Howard grew up knowing he wanted to pursue a career in natural resources. He completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan then began his career as a professor.

After 22 years of teaching at Colorado State University and working eight years with the U. S. Forest Service, Howard formed the Arapaho, Roosevelt, Pawnee Foundation (ARP Foundation). His vision was to channel the deep attachment people feel for the land to build a strong, active community of forest and grassland stewards. Steve Deitemeyer, president of the ARP Foundation summed up Howard’s dedication, “I will personally remember Howard for his dedication to natural resources and desire to teach others about their stewardship needs. His great humor and sensitivity for people provided a leadership style that united communities and left a legacy of commitment.”

Howard was passionate about connecting community to the land and mentoring young people. I arrived on campus at CSU as a first-year grad student only to discover that my assigned advisor was on sabbatical. Howard sought out each of the students who was in a similar predicament and acted as surrogate advisor, adding a dozen or so orphans to his already full load of advisees. He volunteered as part of the NAI national workshop committee in 1991, encouraged his natural resources students to join professional organizations such as NAI and was a friend to NAI since its consolidation in 1988 when our humble office was located across the hall from Howard’s. He last stopped by the NAI office for a quick hello just prior to his death. NAI has lost a true supporter and the natural resources world has lost an ally whose strong voice and incredible vision will be deeply missed.

— Deb Tewell