Ippolito, John

Interview 290b: In this interview with Jonathan Gerland, former United States Forest Service archaeologist John Ippolito answers questions about his career working in the forests of East Texas. They discuss environmental laws and their influence of local forestry practices and archaeological efforts within the forests, particularly the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Forest Management Act. He talks about policy shifts in 1986, 1996, and 2006 and the lawsuits that influenced these policies, as well as some of the people involved in protests. He also discusses the pine beetle, Rainbow Gatherings, the Passport in Time program, the National Record of Historic Places, and various community groups and celebrations. Of particular interest are his mentions of Civilian Conservation Camps in East Texas and reunions of former workers in the 1990’s and 2000’s, working to register the site of the Aldridge Mill at Boykin Springs for federal protection, and working with local historians to celebration the tricentennial of Mission Tejas.