I am a sport angler fishing for everything that swims using flies, baits, and lures. Seeing the risks being faced by my target species, I became a conservationist, working to protect these species and every aspect of their habitats.

The Northwest Steelheaders taught me what needed to be done and the best ways to do it. As an association of hundreds of anglers, it opened doors and gave power to its advocates in working with local decision makers.

When the Steelheaders became NWF’s Oregon Affiliate doors opened at the federal level and along with all the other affiliates, our voice became stronger.

Salmon & Steelhead and other fish habitats are integral to habitats for just about every living thing from plants and insects to mammals, including humans. (I have had many opportunities to point out that “salmon are a forest product too”) These connections are why I enthusiastically support my other affiliates. Native fish benefit greatly from their work.

It has been an incredible honor to serve on the NWF board for the past six years representing the great affiliates in the northwest. It has given me the opportunity to walk among the giants of conservation. It has afforded me visits to effective conservation sites throughout this great nation. During these past two terms I have served on the board Audit, Conservation, and Credentials Committees and have been vice chair of the Governance Committee.