John Young recently retired from the Federal Government after having served for 36 years in the environmental mapping field working for the USGS, US Forest Service, and US Army Corps of Engineers.  His specialty was developing and using Geographic Information Systems to map wildlife habitat and to help understand land use and other impacts on rare, threatened, and endangered species. Since retirement, he serves as a USGS Scientist Emeritus and as an Adjunct Instructor at Shepherd University. He also volunteers for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and for the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. He enjoys hiking, biking, fishing, travel, and spending time with family and friends. John and his family reside in Jefferson County, WV.