David H. Van Lear, Ph.D., is the Clemson University Bowen Professor Emeritus of Forestry. He has received numerous accolades, including the Barrington Moore Memorial Award from the Society of American Foresters and the Outstanding Hardwood Research Award from the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Van Lear was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Fire Ecology and the Charles Flory Award from the South Carolina Forestry Association. A dedicated member of Trout Unlimited, he earned their Distinguished Service Award in 2010. Van Lear has authored four books, including Hooked: Fifty Years of Learning and Fishing in Yellowstone, reflecting his passion for fishing and nature.