Maradel Krummel Gale is an American academic and lawyer who served as an Associate Professor in the Department of Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon. Her work focuses on planning law, environmental policy, and international sustainable development. She is also known for directing programs related to Micronesia and the South Pacific and for her involvement in intercultural communication and community development initiatives.
Early life and education Maradel Krummel Gale completed her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies in 1961. She later obtained a Master of Arts in College Personnel and Guidance from Michigan State University in 1967. She pursued legal studies at the University of Oregon School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor in 1974. Her academic training laid the foundation for her later work in public law, environmental policy, and planning.
She grew up in the state of Washington and worked for two summers on forest service lookouts on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Career Academic career
Gale began her academic career at the University of Oregon in the mid-1970s. She served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Planning, Public Policy, and Management from 1974 to 1983. During this time, she was involved in teaching, research, and administrative roles, including serving as Acting Head of the department in 1980.
Visiting and government roles
Gale held visiting academic positions, including roles at Oregon State University, where she taught resource management legislation. She also served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Oregon School of Law, teaching environmental law and directing a legislative clinic.
In addition, she worked with government agencies such as the U.S. Forest Service and contributed to land management planning programs. She developed and delivered training programs for federal personnel on legal requirements in environmental and land-use planning.
Consultancy and international work
Between the late 1970s and 1980s, Gale worked as a consultant and principal at UniPlan Associates, focusing on planning and resource development. She conducted socio-economic and environmental impact analyses for organizations such as the Bonneville Power Administration.
Her international work included collaboration with the Peace Corps and USAID, where she contributed to community development and agroforestry projects in countries such as Senegal, Kenya, and Rwanda. She also directed training programs for volunteers in Micronesia.
Volunteer activities
Gale was actively involved in environmental, civic, and community organizations from the late 1960s onward. She was a founder and the first president of the Oregon Environmental Council, an organization focused on environmental advocacy.
She also served on several advisory committees and public bodies, including the Oregon Coastal Conservation and Development Commission, where she was appointed by Governor Tom McCall. Her volunteer work included participation in environmental campaigns, public policy initiatives, and educational outreach programs.
Maradel Gale was recognized for her contributions to environmental stewardship and community engagement through notable local honors. In 2018, she received the Phyllis Young Award from the Bainbridge Island Land Trust, which acknowledges individuals who exemplify the organization’s mission through their daily work and impact on the community. The previous year, in 2017, she was named Environmentalist of the Year at the Bainbridge Island Environmental Conference.
Publications Gale has authored and co-authored numerous academic papers, reports, and policy studies. Selected works include:
The Volunteer Lobbyist in the State Legislature (1972, with Richard P. Gale) co-author of the book From Chicken to Eagle – Seven Women Paddling Whitewater and Navigating Life, which explores themes of women's empowerment and personal development. The volume was edited by Kamala Bremer and Roselyn McKeown-Ice.
Awards and honors Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence (1986) Woman of the Year, Lane County Council of Organizations (1986) Golden Key Honorary Faculty Initiate (1989) Finalist, Ersted Award for Distinguished Teaching Finalist, Kellogg National Fellowship
Professional activities and service Gale held leadership and advisory roles in several organizations, including:
National Academy of Sciences (peer reviewer for USAID programs) American Planning Association (national leadership roles) Association for Women in Development Bureau of Land Management advisory councils The Micronesia Institute (Advisory Council member)
References