Having been fortunate enough to be reared with the experience of Idaho’s vast public lands I have grown to appreciate the unique contributions they have made to my life. Backpacking into numerous mountain lakes of Payette National Forest gave rise to my first introspective thoughts about the nature of the world, humanity, and my own character. Enjoying hot-springs within Boise National Forest I proposed to Luna, my fiance, and along the South Fork of the Payette River I baptized my second son. These experiences and so many more are gifts whose existence and integrity is due to conservationists of the past and present. I’d like to be a part of that.

    Being at Boise State afforded me the opportunity to participate in Professor Anchustegui’s enlightening ‘Environmental Ethics’ course. Given an objective explanation of anecdotal experiences I have witnessed including degraded stream banks, unpalatable spring water and seemingly scorched tracks of land and watersheds I resolved to become more aware of our public lands mismanagement. I asked Professor Anchustegui for advice upon which she readily gave me a list of organizations based upon my aspirations for law school and wish that my contributions would be meaningful on the ground. Listening to and speaking with Jon Marvel representing WWP during one of his visits to BSU I learned of the ambition, integrity, and results that Western Watersheds has contributed to the conservation community. Through research I became aware of WWP’s remarkable legal portfolio. Reading a few court decisions and press releases convinced me that Western Watersheds is as resolved to conserve and enforce the legal mandate of the sustainable management of our land as adversarial interests are intent to exploit it.

    Katie Fite sealed the deal concerning my involvement with WWP. Her pronounced passion for wildlife, ‘boots on the ground’ niche, unquestionable knowledge, and warm-hearted encouragement continues to contribute to my understanding and comfort.

    My hope is that my sons will know a world of diverse wildlife, pristine water sources, and a general character which recognizes the difference between ‘use’ and ‘abuse’. Western Watersheds’ service, and my involvement, is one of the best ways I know of showing them that.