Description
This collection contains papers which document the career of conservation biologist Raymond
F. Dasmann, covering his career as a professor of Environmental Studies at the University of
California, his field research and publications, and his professional activities for a
number of environmental organizations. The collection includes drafts and manuscripts and
reprints of his numerous books, journal articles, and reports; correspondence with editors,
publishers, and colleagues; field notes and maps from his research; teaching materials such
as lecture notes, syllabi, and course readers; materials from his participation in numerous
conferences and symposia; biographical material including resumes and obituaries;
manuscripts of his writings and research during graduate school; personal materials
including his calendars and planners; and research materials that informed his own work. The
forms of materials in this collection include journals, notebooks, newspaper clippings,
magazine and journal articles, correspondence, photographs, and manuscripts.
Background
Raymond F. Dasmann was a distinguished biologist whose innovations in the field of
conservation biology influenced the environmental movement of the 1960's and 70's. His early
research focused on California deer populations and wild game in Africa, however his work
also dealt with natural resource management and the way human populations interact with
their surrounding ecosystems. He held senior positions in international organizations such
as the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and UNESCO, where he inaugurated
the Man and the Biosphere Programme in 1971. In addition to his work with environmental
organizations, Dasmann was also committed to teaching younger generations about the
importance of ecological sustainability. He held teaching positions at the University of
Minnesota and Humboldt State University, and was professor of Environmental Studies at the
University of California Santa Cruz until his retirement in 1989. Dasmann's textbook,
Environmental Conservation, first published in 1959, has become a
fundamental text in undergraduate courses and is now in its fifth edition. His other
publications include The Last Horizon (1963), The Destruction of
California (1964), Planet in Peril (1971), and The
Conservation Alternative (1973).
Extent
45.58 Linear Feet
72 half cartons, 2 flat boxes
Restrictions
Copyright for the items in this collection is owned by the creators and their heirs.
Reproduction or distribution of any work protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair
use requires permission from the copyright owner. It is the responsibility of the user to
determine whether a use is fair use, and to obtain any necessary permissions. For more
information see UCSC Special Collections and Archives policy on Reproduction and Use.
Availability
Collection is open for research.