Gloria is a former Forest Supervisor of the largest national forest in the continental U.S. and of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in Montana, where, among other accomplishments, she gained national attention with her popular decision to withhold the Rocky Mountain Front (RMF) from oil and gas leasing.
She co-developed the concept of human dimensions, co-equal with the biological and physical, as an integral part of ecosystem management within the Forest Service.
Gloria founded and directs Sustainable Obtainable Solutions (SOS) with a mission to ensure the sustainability of public lands and the communities that depend on them. Her continued work through SOS on the RMF has resulted in permanent protection of 350,000 acres and elimination of 80 oil and gas leases.
With the Center for Climate Strategies, Gloria has led state and regional governments’ multi-stakeholder driven climate change actions plans in the U.S. and Mexico. She founded the U.S. Biochar Initiative to promote the sustainable production and use of biochar for soil health and carbon sequestration.
Gloria is a prolific writer, keynote presenter and lecturer. She and her husband created and steward TerraFlora Permaculture Learning Center in Colville, WA where she is involved in many civic organizations. Gloria joined Earthworks’ Board in 2005.