Event Information
Join the Innovative Finance for National Forests (IFNF) team for a panel conversation around recent trends and challenges in outdoor recreation management. The three panelists will share their expertise around fostering sustainable recreation tourism, utilizing conservation finance mechanisms, and how to best leverage partnerships to accomplish shared goals.
This event is open to the public and can be attended in person or via Zoom. Please register for attendance here.
Location: Rady Hall 109 (#13 on the campus map)
Recommended Reading
Increased Visitation to Public Lands & Responsible Visits:
https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/news-analysis/public-lands-summer-crowds/
https://www.outsideonline.com/culture/opinion/national-parks-solutions/
Background on the Field of Conservation Finance
Conservation Finance 101: https://www.conservationfinancenetwork.org/conservation-finance-101
Conservation Finance Toolkit (background reading on various conservation finance mechanisms): https://www.conservationfinancenetwork.org/series/conservation-finance-toolkit
Conservation Finance for National Forests: https://www.conservationfinancenetwork.org/2020/07/22/forging-fresh-ideas-for-forests-an-interview-with-nathalie-woolworth
Meet the Panelists
Andrew Grossman
Title: Director of Destination Development, Colorado Tourism Office
As Director of Destination Development for the Colorado Tourism Office Andrew works with communities across the state to realize their potential as tourism destinations. Guided by the belief that we are all stronger together, he helps identify common challenges and opportunities within a diverse set of tourism stakeholders to develop a common vision for the change they want to see in their community.
Prior to joining the Colorado Tourism Office, Andrew was the Destination Development Manager for Travel Oregon and the Director of Partnerships for Sustainable Travel International. In his free time, he can be found backpacking to alpine lakes or soaking in Colorado's eclectic hot springs.
Ben Lawhon, MS
Title: Principal: Recreation Solutions Group
Ben Lawhon is a seasoned conservation professional with a deep commitment to environmental protection through public/private collaboration, research, and education. He is the Founder and Principal of Recreation Solutions Group where he works with parks and protected areas to assess, understand and solve visitor use issues and impacts. Ben previously worked for the Leave No Trace organization for over 20 years, serving as the Senior Director of Research and Consulting. Ben has served on numerous national and regional non-profit boards and is currently serving on the Recreate Responsibly National Steering Committee.
Marcus Selig
Title: Chief Conservation Officer for the National Forest Foundation
Marcus Selig is Chief Conservation Officer for the National Forest Foundation (NFF). In his position, he oversees NFF’s programs and operations across the 193 million-acre National Forest System and manages national partnerships with foundations, corporations, individuals, nonprofits, and the U.S. Forest Service for the purpose of enhancing and protecting our National Forests and Grasslands. He has two decades of experience working with government agencies, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations on forestry and environmental issues. Prior to joining the NFF, Marcus managed forest programs for Grand Canyon Trust and spent several years practicing environmental and energy law in Washington, D.C. Marcus is also a lecturer in Sustainable Finance in Western Colorado University’s Outdoor Industry MBA Program.