Harley Greiman is remembered for his knowledge of natural resources, commitment to conserving biodiversity, and skill as a U.S. Forest Service liaison with the California Legislature, Governor's office, state agencies, and special interest groups. He was active in California Biodiversity Council pursuits promoting cooperative working relationships among all levels of government and the communities they serve.
Greiman, the regional forester's Sacramento representative since 1989, died of accidental electrocution at his home in Nevada City June 23 while using a hedge trimmer. He was 55.
“Harley was a firm believer in collaborative, bottom-up planning and decision-making, and he saw the Biodiversity Council as a mechanism to further that effort,” Assistant to the Regional Forester Jon Kennedy said. “He possessed an in-depth knowledge of natural resources issues and an astute understanding of the political environment in which he worked.”
In an article completed shortly before his death and printed in the July/August issue of California County magazine, Greiman wrote:
“Melting of bounds across the political and natural landscape is imperative if we are truly interested in applying such concepts as ecosystem management in achieving resource and economic sustainability goals.”
Director Richard Wilson of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection praised Greiman's ability to “bring people together when there were differences and to bridge bureaucratic lines to get things done. He was a government professional of the highest caliber.”
Greiman, a native of Iowa, graduated from Utah State University with a degree in forestry and wildlife biology. He began his 34-year career in the Forest Service in Colorado, then transferred to the Los Padres National Forest in Southern California. Later, he was district ranger in Downieville on the Tahoe National Forest, the job currently held by his widow, Jeannie Masquelier.
In 1983, Greiman advanced to the regional headquarters in San Francisco where he served until being assigned to Sacramento.
He also is survived by his daughter Jennifer Greiman, a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Berkeley.