Howard J. Brown is a resident of Apple Valley. He is a geologist with more than 24 years professional experience as an exploration and mining geologist and mining engineer. He has lived and worked in the Mojave Desert for more than 22 years, and has considerable experience working with non-governmental environmental organizations and recreational user groups, as well as industry representatives, private industry, and local, county, state and federal regulatory agencies involving permitting, mineral exploration and development. Howard has a bachelor of arts degree in geology and is a published writer.