This month, we are pleased to feature Denis Sene, Jr. (DJ), Forestry Program Manager with the American Samoa Community College - Agriculture, Community and Natural Resources Division.We invite you to meet DJ!    

What was your first position in the field of forestry?
I started off as the Urban Community Forestry Specialist.

How long have you been in your role?
I have been a Manager for three years.

What do you enjoy most about being a member of the Pacific Islands Forestry Committee?
I enjoy connecting with other Pacific Islands and the Region 5 office. This committee is filled with very bright, cheerful, and friendly individuals. It's always a pleasure being able to meet up in different islands or states for meetings, workshops, or conferences. Being able to discuss innovative ideas and solutions, potential opportunities, and various challenges in our forests at our respective island/state is a very productive and helpful component of this committee. 

What do you see to be the emerging issues in American Samoa?
Emerging issues for American Samoa focus on the following:

  • Sea level rise
  • Invasive species
  • Land conversion
  • Storms (intense and frequent)
  • Landslides / soil erosion

What would you do (for a career) if you weren’t doing this?
I would become a nurse or an architect. I always wanted to be a bartender or masseur as a side job too.