Conservationist Carl R. Dion was born in Minnesota in 1914. He became interested in forest conservation at the age of 10. Participation in a Boy Scout tree- planting project in 1929 prompted him to contact conservationist Willard Van Name of the American Museum of Natural History. Their friendship lasted until Van Name's death in 1959. Van Name took Dion with him on two expeditions to photograph old growth forest in Yosemite National Park (1931) and what would become Olympic National Park (1932). Dion returned to Yosemite many years later as a professional surveyor (Tuolumne Grove, 1966).
Carl Dion graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1938 with a B.S. in Forestry and a minor in Civil Engineering. In his early career he worked on engineering projects closely linked to forestry and conservation. These included work as as senior foreman with the Civilian Conservation Corps (1938-1940), and as a junior forester (1940-1941), both in Minnesota.
His later work took him farther from forestry. In 1948 he moved to North Richland, Washington, to work as a surveyor for General Electric. After 15 years of civil engineering work in the Tri-Cities and Spokane areas, Dion took a job with the Boeing Aerospace Company in approximately 1963. He was layed off in 1970.
In 1971 Dion became the arborist for the City of Seattle, a position he held until his retirement in 1980. He died in a traffic accident in May 1993.
Arranged by type of document.
Dion's papers reflect his interest and activities in forest conservation, primarily during the period 1930-1945. The papers include correspondence, reports, speeches and writings, pamphlets, memos, and news releases.
Throughout his career, Dion remained in touch with Willard Van Name, who sent him copies of his correspondence and articles produced in connection with campaigns to preserve forest lands. Much of the correspondence represents Van Name's efforts to establish or enlarge several national parks. These included tracts in Yosemite, Olympic National Park, Kings Canyon, Calaveras Grove (California), and Admiralty Island (Alaska). This material may be found in "General Correspondence - of Willard Van Name." Also included is material from Dion's work as a junior forester on the Grand Portage Indian Reservation. Names represented in the papers include the U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps, Willard Van Name, and the U.S. Indian Affairs Office, Consolidated Chippewa Agency.
The papers are open to all users.
The creator's literary rights have been transferred to the University of Washington Libraries.
Carl R. Dion Papers. Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries, Seattle, Washington.
Carl Dion donated these papers in several installments during 1992.
Processing of the papers was completed in May 1993.
Carl Dion greatly valued his experience with the Civilian Conservation Corp and was a persistent advocate of revival of the program, which ceased in 1942. He was a founding member of the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni, formed in 1979. His papers relating to that organization were given to the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Deception Pass Museum, 7150 Cleanwater Drive S.W., P.O. Box 42650, Olympia, WA 98504-2650.
Includes Irving Brant and Save-the-Redwoods League.
Regarding Junior Ranger position at Grand Portage Reservation, Minnesota.