Nelson Mathews is the Vice President of Western Rivers Conservancy, a group whose slogan is “Sometimes, in order to save a river, you have to buy it.” WRC buys land along the West’s finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat, protect key sources of cold water and provide public access.

They buy strategic properties that allow for the greatest conservation impact, and then transfer those lands into the hands of permanent conservation stewards. They partner with long-term stewards like the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, state parks, Tribal Nations and universities to ensure their conservation efforts are permanent.

As for Nelson, he developed a passion for all things rivers when he took a summer job in the 80’s as a whitewater rafting guide in the Sierra Foothills. After a stint practicing law in California, Nelson followed his passion and went to work managing The Trust for Public Land’s river conservation efforts in the West. During his 27-year tenure with the organization, he worked to conserve more than 100,000 acres of land with recreational, historic and environmental significance.

Nelson grew up in the foothill town of Placerville, California, and now resides with his family in Bend, Oregon. He continues to lead trips as a whitewater guide and serves as the chairman of the board of directors for the American River Touring Association (ARTA).

Thanks to Nelson for the conversation, thanks Western Rivers Conservancy for their important work, which you can see at https://www.westernrivers.org/