When we were discussing acronyms last week, I remembered that there was a fairly comprehensive Forest Service glossary in the pages of the Rendezvous (Rocky Mountaineers Newsletter). It’s fairly complete, and even has photos of classic implements like the Data General (does that bring back memories!). Here’s a note from the editor:
“This is a “real” U.S. Forest Service Employee’s Glossary. The genesis of this little project was cocktails with Mike Da Luz in a bar overlooking Washington, D.C. a number of years ago. He believed this would be a way to transfer that “old-timer” knowledge to the youngsters in the outfit and shortcut their transition. Please take a peek and send suggestions to the Rendezvous about acronyms and jargon you used during your time in the outfit. We gladly accept edits, comments, corrections and even notes to us on a speed memo*.
* if you know what a speed memo is.. you probably don’t need the glossary. At least for the older terms.
The lovely and multi-talented Dave Steinke (R-2 retiree communicator extraordinaire) is the current editor.
Mike Da Luz died in 2013, but I happened to have some old yearbooks around (1976, Cal Forestry, we were in the same class) and found this classic photo of Mike.
While hunting around on the internet to check the spelling of his name, I ran across this Memorial Student Scholarship in his name at the Association for Fire Ecology.
“In his honor, Mike’s family partnered with AFE to create “The Mike da Luz Memorial Student Scholarship” to help fund students travel to attend conferences and other educational events.”
And here’s a photo of Mike more recently..
What a great opportunity to help students in developing relationships and knowledge to support their careers and the people and planet they serve! If you would like to donate, here’s the link.
Sharon…. Thanks for sharing the info on Mike!
He was amazing. When I came out as RF, one of the first folks that came to welcome me was Mike. I shared with him I’d wanted to visit Storm King…. we spent and incredible day sitting among the markers reflecting on the lives the markers will forever represent. We both shed tears as we sat on that slope. An amazing guy!! We lost an incredible friend… too soon!
Its so good to see Mike’s smile again, He was the Alsea District Ranger (District doesn’t exist anymore) on the Siuslaw NF in R6 in the 90’s. He always had a kind word and was willing to listen whenever you encountered him, and the ideas he had about our Forest’s issues were refreshing. He was an enlightened leader in many ways.