Jay moved to Montezuma County in the spring of 2000 after teaching and living on the nearby Navajo Nation for nine years. It was there he fell in love with the wide open spaces and rugged beauty of the Four Corners area.

His work at Montezuma Land Conservancy is inspired by a childhood experience where he witnessed an old-growth hardwood forest where he helped his dad collect firewood from a farmer’s woodlot converted to suburban subdivisions.

In 2011 his passion for running rivers led him to a position working to raise awareness about the issues facing the Dolores River. He helped start a local grassroots group, Dolores River Boating Advocates, and he currently serves on their board of directors. He also serves on the advisory board of the Southwestern Colorado Research Center and the board of the Four Corners Farmers and Ranchers Coalition.

In addition to messing about in boats, Jay enjoys climbing mountains, wandering canyons, mountain biking, yoga, and skiing. If he can convince his two kids to join him on adventures, he’s an especially happy camper.