Requests to permit everything from elopements to 100 mile trail races have been flooding in and I get to work on a large number of them. This has been taking me out into the field more and more so that I can see the places that people want to use and monitor their activities. But that’s not all! This has also given me the opportunity to work on a look book of locations that can be utilized for filming.

Being in the field this time of year has not only provided me with beautiful views and photographs of the Los Padres National Forest but has given me a great deal of insight into how others are recreating on the forest, particularly in the areas that are proposed for filming. I feel that this insight is invaluable to my role as a coordinator of film and photography permits as well as a collaborator on permits for recreation events or outfitter and guide groups. We all want to enjoy the nature in our backyard and share it with others, but each of us also plays a role in its preservation.

This project has required me to consider new points of view and backgrounds when it comes to allowing for certain types of activities on the forest. In order to complete the look book, I will need to collaborate with specialists that have a greater understanding of the complexities each developed site contains. Archaeology or heritage may find that an area contains significant resources that cannot be disturbed. Or the wildlife biologist may find that a threatened species would be impacted by certain activities. The public may also have opposition to certain filming activities that interfere with their ability to freely enjoy the forest. All these things and more have provided me with material that I had not previously thought to include in this look book and the permitting process.

I am excited to bring my background in film and my position with the Forest Service together in the creation of this look book while learning more from those I collaborate with. I like to think this is just the beginning of me doing my part to protect and preserve the forest for others.