Dena has lived in Alpine for almost a decade and this is her first summer volunteering on behalf of public lands … but she has previously been a ranger in Yellowstone National Park and the manager of a campground in Shenandoah National Park. Find Dena this summer on the Town of Star Valley Ranch crew on the BTNF’s Greys River District.
But Dena hasn’t only had careers on public lands. A licensed USCG 100-ton boat Captain, Dena was co-owner of a riverboat company in Savannah, Georgia and has worked in education. Currently she works remotely for a law firm specializing in estate planning and family offices.
She wanted to volunteer as an Ambassador on the BTNF this summer because of her personal experience with the forest. “The Bridger-Teton contains some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country,” she says. “Volunteering there allows me to combine my love of the outdoors with meaningful stewardship work.”
Dena says public lands are important because they preserve our natural resources, provide access to outdoor recreation, and allow people from all backgrounds to experience places that might otherwise be inaccessible. “They are worth protecting and maintaining for future generations,” she says. “Some of my favorite experiences have been hiking, camping, and exploring on them.”
Future adventures Dena would like to have, include exploring Alaska’s Inside Passage and taking a cross-country journey following the Lewis and Clark Trail, making sure to experience the history and landscapes along the way. “I have a long bucket list,” she says. “I also love history, travel, and music, so I am always looking for ways to combine those interests.”
Dena’s position is supported by a grant from the Town of Star Valley Ranch Travel & Tourism Board.