Bio
Jon has called Bellingham home since 2013, when he relocated from Bozeman, Montana. Raised in the Midwest where his passion for fishing and the outdoors began, moving to the Rocky Mountain West fanned those exploratory flames. Coinciding with his time spent in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem were interests developed in conservation (while volunteering for several seasons with the Montana Conservation Corps), along with passions in mountaineering, hunting, fly fishing, skiing, and more.
A self proclaimed student of life, Jon has approached the PNW with a similar sense of wonder, adding river navigation and scuba diving to his outdoor endeavors. In 2016, driven by his conservation background and a desire to protect both public lands and the environment for future generations, Jon was a founding board member and served as first acting President of North Sound Trout Unlimited. He continues to help lead this organization to this day, and North Sound Scenic Tours felt like a natural extension of this work to share his appreciation for the habitat he loves so much.
He has been lucky to bring his fly fishing obsession with him while traveling, but enjoys his home waters best.
Vision
To be recognized as a premier provider of authentic, educational, and exhilarating outdoor experiences in the Pacific Northwest, setting the standard for eco-tourism and fishing instruction that directly contribute to the appreciation and hopeful protection of the region's natural heritage.
Values
- Stewardship: prioritizing environmental health by minimizing negative impacts and actively supporting conservation efforts.
- Authentic Exploration: creating genuine, immersive experiences that foster new perspectives and a spirit of discovery.
- Naturalist Integrity: providing accurate, insightful information about local ecology, geology, and wildlife.
- Safe Adventuring: balancing rigorous safety with the pursuit of exhilirating and memorable adventures.
- Community Connection: respecting and engaging all peoples in the region with integrity.
Conservation Commitment
Through a percentage of all funds raised with North Sound Scenic Tours, Jon intends to donate both time and money back to environmental causes he supports locally:
- Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association
- North Sound Trout Unlimited
- Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group
- Skagit Land Trust
- Skagit River Bald Eagle Interpretive Center
- Whatcom Land Trust