Communications

In this blog, I explore the complex and often conflicting relationship between outdoor recreation and wildlife conservation, drawing from my personal experiences growing up in Bozeman, Montana—once a quiet outdoor haven now facing rapid growth. Through reflections on booming mountain towns like Bozeman, Canmore, and Sun Valley, and a deep dive into recent research on recreation noise and wildlife disturbance, I challenge the popular narrative that more public access automatically leads to better conservation outcomes. By integrating personal insight, ecological principles, and current scientific literature, this piece questions whether our pursuit of nature might be contributing to its decline, and advocates for a balanced, management-oriented approach to preserving the wild spaces we hold dear.

This infographic analyzes key barriers that prevent equitable access to outdoor recreation in Colorado, using data from the 2025 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP). Drawing from a statewide survey of over 765 residents, the visual highlights top obstacles such as time constraints, overcrowding, and health or mobility limitations. Paired with strategic goals from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the infographic outlines actionable solutions in four focus areas: access and opportunity, stewardship, conservation, and financial sustainability. By presenting these findings in a clear, visually engaging format, the project aims to inform policy, support grant applications, and guide future initiatives toward creating more inclusive and sustainable outdoor recreation systems across the state.

O’Dell Creek’s restoration is more than a project, it’s a story of resilience and renewal, from a degraded waterway drained by 19th-century ranching practices to a thriving wetland ecosystem once again teeming with life. Blending scientific research with deeply personal narrative, the project traces the ecological and emotional journey I shared with my late father, Alex Diekmann, a conservationist instrumental in the creek’s revival. Using visual storytelling techniques—including maps, timelines, and habitat data—this piece highlights the restoration’s ecological impact, such as increased biodiversity and improved habitat resilience, while also honoring the quiet, powerful moments that define our relationship with nature and those we love. It’s a tribute to both place and person, showing how restoration is not only a science, but also a legacy.