Kevin Pope earned his PhD in biological sciences at South Dakota State University and is leader of the U.S. Geological Survey-Nebraska Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit housed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he also serves as professor for the School of Natural Resources. Dr. Pope's research program concentrates on understanding complex social-ecological systems, especially inland recreational fisheries. He has written more than 115 journal articles. Dr. Pope received the Award of Excellence from the Fisheries Management Section of the American Fisheries Society for inspirational leadership in the fishery profession.

Larkin Powell earned his PhD in ecology at the University of Georgia and is a professor in the School of Natural Resources at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he also serves as Associate Dean for the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Dr. Powell's research program focuses on landscape dynamics, animal demography and movements, and decisions made by private landowners. He has written more than 120 journal articles and authored, coauthored, or contributed to seven books. Dr. Powell received the Excellence in Wildlife Education Award from The Wildlife Society.