Stakeholder Advisory Committee
Woody Lipps, Federal Landowner/Law Enforcement
As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed the outdoors: hunting, hiking, fishing, backpacking and canoeing. I majored in Forestry and Wildlife at Virginia Tech and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. I have been employed by the U.S. Forest Service for 26 years. During this time I worked in timber management, recreation, and as a firefighter before joining the law enforcement program in 1988. I served as a District Law Enforcement Officer for eight years. For the past eleven years, I have been the Patrol Captain providing leadership for the law enforcement program on the George Washington and Jefferson NFs.
My family and I live on a small farm that adjoins National Forest land. We keep horses and enjoy trail riding. We have several dogs including a rabbit beagle that has become more of a house pet than a hunting dog. I have in the past been an avid hunter of grouse, squirrel, and rabbits. For many years my favorite pastime was deer hunting. My current job keeps me busy during the hunting season so I now enjoy surf fishing. My family and I also enjoy travel and RV camping.
As a landowner living next to public land, I understand the location has benefits and also generates concerns and aggravations. My interest in hound hunting issues and my participation on this committee is tied to my interest in protecting National Forest land and facilities from damage. In addition, my job often involves the management of conflicting uses on the National Forest. Frequently I have to address conflicts between the users of National Forest land and adjacent landowners. Thirty years ago, I could visit the National Forest and believe I was the only person out there. I hiked, hunted, and camped, and rarely saw anyone else. It isn't like that anymore. For the sake of the resource, and our enjoyment of it, we have to find a way to share.