Colorado - American Whitewater is pleased to announce the addition of Chris Menges as a Stewardship Fellow in Colorado, where he joins our Colorado River Program as the Gunnison River Stewardship Assistant.  Chris will be working with AW staff on ongoing strategic efforts to define recreational flow-needs across the Colorado River basin, and to grow our network of grassroots activists engaged in advancing river management policies at the state and federal levels. 

In this new role, Chris will work with American Whitewater and our Stewardship Team on project-related analysis and research, as well as communicating and advocating for our work to our members, resource agencies, funders, elected officials, and other stakeholders.  Chris brings a unique set of skills to the AW team, including experience in developing non-profit comapigns and policy platforms, reporting, auditing and verifiying environmental standards, and experience facilitating multi-stakeholder and participatory decision-making processes.

Chris recieved his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a Minor in Political Science from Western State College in Gunnison, CO. He has spent several years working with Industry Partners, including serving as Brand Manager for Colorado Kayak Supply. Chris recently completed a Masters of Science in Climate Science and Solutions at Northern Arizona University, and worked as a researcher for the Portland Oregon-based Climate Solutions this past summer. As the Climate and Clean Energy Director at Crested Butte's High Country Citizens Alliance between 2008 and 2011, Chris' work helped advance regional clean energy deployment and emissions-reduction strategies.

As we kick our Gunnison River campaign into full gear this next month, Chris will also be working with select volunteers to ensure that American Whitewater is positioned to leverage the best science-based information on water policies, river health and recreation opportunities in the region. As you plan your trip around Colorado in 2013, make sure to carve out time to stop by the AW booth at regional whitewater events, and say hello to Chris and the rest of the AW staff.