As the director of Ascent’s planning and environmental work in the parks, trails, and open space sector, I am passionate about helping public agencies make difficult policy and planning decisions informed by science, especially when those decisions must balance public access, protection of sensitive natural and cultural resources, and economic or political considerations. I lead all aspects of project and plan development, including visioning, identification of opportunities and constraints, alternatives analysis, plan development and conceptual design, and environmental review and permitting. In addition to my emphasis on recreation and natural resources planning, I’m also an expert in wildfire resilience and in CEQA, NEPA, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency environmental compliance.
Through active participation in professional conferences, training instruction, and authorship of planning and environmental pieces, I regularly share my passions in recreation planning, natural resource management, and environmental compliance. My publications include journal articles on collaborative planning, streamlining of environmental regulations, and biodiversity conservation. I also like to get my hands dirty by volunteering on trail maintenance projects.
When not working, I can usually be found outdoors mountain biking, trail running, camping, paddling, or skiing with my wife, two kids, and two dogs.
California State Parks Planning On-Call Contract
TRPA Lake Tahoe Shoreline Plan and EIS
Sierra Nevada Conservancy Sierra Nevada Grant Programs CEQA Compliance On-Call Contract
MA, Environmental Planning, Prescott College
BA, Wildlands Ecology and Management, Sterling College
AA, Natural Resources Management, Sterling College
Trailblazers (trail maintenance volunteer)
Ascent Mentorship Program
