EcoFlight: Flying High to Protect the West
The Sierra Club and many conservation organizations worked successfully for President Obama to protect 550 million acres in the West and the Pacific as new national monuments. Pictures and letters and meetings all helped, but how can so many acres of wild lands be presented visually? Enter EcoFlight, partner with over 300 environmental and conservation organizations.
EcoFlight provides a unique aerial perspective to conservation work. EcoFlight has flown conservation groups, policy makers, media representatives, concerned citizens and young adults over our Western landscapes. There is nothing more powerful than seeing the amazing beauty of our public lands, along with the impacts of development, from high above in a 6 seat Cessna 210. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Aspen, Colorado, Ecoflight works on issues as diverse as a proposed copper mine in Washington, Bears’ Ears National Monument in Utah, and landscapes adjacent to our national parks. Bruce will expand on the EcoFlight’s mission, success, and plans for the coming year.
EcoFlight’s mission is clear: “EcoFlight educates and advocates for the protection of remaining wild lands and wildlife habitat using small aircraft. The aerial perspective and our educational programs encourage an environmental stewardship ethic among citizens of all ages.”
As EcoFlight’s Executive Director, Bruce has been providing an aerial perspective for the critical issues in our Western landscape for over 30 years. A Himalayan climber, the outdoors is close to Bruce’s heart. Bruce is an ATP-commercial pilot with multi-engine, instrument, instructor, and floatplane ratings. He has flown over 10,000 hours of conservation missions in multiple countries, in bush and mountainous conditions. Passengers on his many environmental flight missions have included governors, senators, congressmen, scientists, and students of all ages.
Bruce and EcoFlight have received numerous awards, including the Conservation Hero Award and Best Business Award in Conservation. Bruce lives in Colorado and is an Aspen Mountain Rescue member, Buddy Program mentor, and has served on the board of Aspen Center for Environmental Studies.
