Dr. Stephen McCool was instrumental in the creation of PUP, dating back to PUP's earliest days as part of RARE Center for Tropical Conservation when he, along with Sam Ham, reviewed the PUP manual in 2000 to his co-signing PUP's articles of incorporation, sitting on the inaugural board, and then becoming an advisor. Steve has actually been retired in theory if not in practice from his academic career at the University of Montana where he has become a world renown name in protected areas management and planning. Since then he has been trying to channel more and more of his time to family and personal efforts. As such he has stepped down as advisor to PUP and has agreed to become PUP's first Advisor Emeritus.

Attached you will find our letter to him that lists many of his contributions to PUP over the years and the invitation to become Advisor Emeritus to which he has heartily agreed. As such he remains within the PUP family without the frequent calls to duty characteristic of advisors and directors. Please see the enclosed letter.

Letter of Recognition to Steve McCool.pdf