In the heart of the American West, where the mountains meet endless open spaces, I saw something worth protecting — and something worth fighting for. That’s why I founded the Mountain West Recreation Alliance.

As someone who has built a life around the outdoors, I know firsthand how powerful our public lands are — not just for adventure, but for connection, healing, and community. These spaces are where memories are made, skills are built, and a sense of belonging to something bigger than ourselves takes root. I also know that without advocacy, stewardship, and active engagement, these lands risk being degraded or lost for future generations.

From day one, MWRA was built on a simple belief: access to outdoor spaces is a fundamental right. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we work to keep Idaho’s public lands open, healthy, and accessible for everyone — now and in the future.

Our work spans four key areas:

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  – I’ve made it my mission to be at the table when policies are shaped. We work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure that land management decisions reflect the needs of the people who use and love these places — while also protecting them for the long term.
  
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  – Through workshops, volunteer projects, and public events, we give people the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to be active stewards of the land. I’ve seen how one conversation or one cleanup day can spark a lifetime commitment to conservation.
  
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  – We promote and protect a wide range of activities — hiking, fishing, overlanding, mountain biking, camping, and more — always with an emphasis on responsible use and respect for the environment.
  
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  – I’ve learned that real progress happens when we work together. MWRA partners with other nonprofits, land managers, and community organizations to take on the big challenges in land conservation and recreation access.
  

Over the years, these efforts have led to tangible results: improved trails, new bridges, stronger partnerships with agencies, and more funding directed toward public land maintenance. But beyond the infrastructure, our greatest achievement has been building a culture of shared responsibility for the outdoors in Idaho.

MWRA isn’t just an organization I started — it’s a reflection of my belief that the best adventures are the ones that inspire us to protect the places we love. Together, we can make sure Idaho’s wild spaces remain open, healthy, and thriving for generations to come.