Erik Martinez

Erik Martinez is a recent graduate from the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His specialization is in conservation planning with a focus in strategic environmental communication. His research focused on developing a restoration plan for the Agassiz's Desert Tortoise in the Mojave Desert. Along with his colleagues, he developed a plan where restoration and conservation can be implemented side by side to increase desert tortoise populations. Erik's interests center on finding efficient and responsible methods for managing natural resources to avoid overuse and degradation. Erik previously worked for the Santa Ynez Chumash Environmental Office for Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. His projects involved working on pollution prevention initiatives for tribal facilities and education outreach programs for the community. Erik has also worked for the Forest Service at the Region 5 Regional Office and at the Eastern Forest Environmental Threat Assessment Center, where he worked on sustainable operations and climate change literature reviews. Before entering the environmental field, Erik spent his undergraduate years working in the academic community as a camp counselor, mentor and resident assistant for students of varying ages. Erik strives to always incorporate environmental education into projects to help foster the next generation of environmental stewards.