Alan's education includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Forest Science from Humboldt State University and completion of the graduate level, Advanced Program in Forest Ecology and Silviculture at UC Berkley. Alan worked for the US Forest Service for over 36 years as a forester in a variety of positions. He served as an Inventory and Analysis Forester, District Silviculturist, Environmental (NEPA) Planner and Team Leader, and Geospatial Analysis (GIS), and Certified Silviculturist, and was qualified as an expert witness in GIS in Federal Court. Throughout this time, Alan also assisted with fire management on a call-when-needed basis. He was qualified as an Engine Boss, Dozer Boss, Strike Team Leader, Field Observer, Resource Unit Leader and Situation Unit Leader on an Incident Management Team. Prior to federal service, worked five seasons for the California Division of Forestry as a firefighter.