Interview with Richard R. Hannan, June 26, 1989

Interview Summary

Hannan describes his education and interests leading to his education in biology and ecology, and his professional career. He discusses his childhood and parents in trying to identify the reason for his interest in environmental conservation. He provides a history of the Nature Preserves Commission and describes its mission in the 1980s. He discusses his work as a plant ecologist working in coalfields in Eastern and Western Kentucky. Hannan discusses the unique way in which land is owned in Kentucky, including the difficulty of attempting to buy Bad Branch Falls State Nature Preserve. Hannan explores how Kentucky can diversify its economy to create opportunities for conservation and preservation.

Interview Keyword

Coal mines and mining--Environmental aspects Wildlife conservation. Pollution. Environmental education.

Interview LC Subject

Conservation of natural resources Environmental protection Environmental protection--Kentucky Environmentalism Hannan, Richard R. Hannan, Richard R.--Interviews Natural areas Nature Conservancy (U.S.)

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.