The Idaho Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Ambassador program was launched in 2020 and is made up of volunteer community leaders across the state. Conservation Ambassadors are the local voices and boots on the ground for current conservation work and issues in their communities, exemplifying the conservation-minded Idahoan. Each Ambassador brings with them their own unique set of skills, passions, and background. From habitat restoration work and wildlife monitoring to expanding hunting and fishing opportunities, these individuals bring enthusiasm to grow Idaho’s conservation ethos in their own special way.
To be connected with a Conservation Ambassador near you or to learn more about Idaho Wildlife Federation’s Conservation Ambassador program, contact Daniel Ritz at DRitz@IdahoWildlife.org
To apply to become a IWF Conservation Ambassador, SUBMIT AN APPLICATION and we’ll be in touch!
AARON STINY, Driggs, ID
Aaron grew up in Northern California where he spent his high school and college years managing an urban fly shop and outfitter. Aaron spent most of his free time chasing Steelhead in coastal rivers throughout the state. After graduating from Chico State he moved to Eastern Idaho where he held sales and marketing roles for fly fishing brands FarBank and Umpqua. The move to Idaho introduced him to bird dogs, big game, blue ribbon trout streams of the Rockies, and the public lands issues that go along with them.
Aaron spends his free time exploring the trout lakes and streams of Idaho and Wyoming, chasing upland birds over his Setter Sage, mostly unsuccessfully hunting big game, and ski touring around the Tetons. A camera is usually in his hands. He works as a Firefighter Paramedic in Driggs, where he resides.
FORREST TINDALL, Idaho City, ID
Forrest is a custom knifemaker, photographer, shooter, fly fisherman, backpacker, hunter, and all-around outdoorsman. He’s the owner of Tindall Knives, where he makes handmade custom knives.
He grew up wandering the mountains of Idaho and the greater Western US, and has been camping since he was in diapers. Doing trail work in the Pacific Northwest, he spent years sleeping in tents, bathing in streams, and hiking the mountains. He even cut part of the current Pacific Crest Trail in Washington.
JULIA WELCH, McCall, ID
Julia enjoyed an upbringing of outdoor exploration in the hardwood forests and fields of Upstate New York. After completing her B.S. in Wildlife Science at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, she accepted various jobs, working as a wildlife biologist, naturalist, and environmental educator throughout the United States and Canada. In 2012, Julia worked as a wildlife rehabilitator in McCall, Idaho, and immediately recognized her love for its incredible landscape and public land access. She left to continue her varied environmental work and achieved her M.S. in Conservation Biology from Antioch University New England in 2016. After a season spent working as a wildlife guide in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Julia finally found her way back to Idaho. She began teaching at a nature-based preschool, working as a wildlife technician, and partnering with local non-profits on place-based education. Now, she works for the U.S. Department of the Interior, helping to manage international conservation projects and support combating wildlife trafficking efforts. Julia feels most at home in the forest foraging for berries, mushrooms, edible and medicinal plants. Since moving to Idaho, she’s traversed ridge tops and ravines, hunting elk, backpacking, biking, and birding.
Kyla West, Post Falls, Idaho
Kyla is a graduate of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science, but began her professional commitment as a wildlife biologist at age 15. Over the last decade, Kyla has developed a robust interdisciplinary scientific and applied research portfolio which includes work in wildlife rehabilitation, habitat management, population monitoring, and ecology-based restoration.
With a particular focus on carnivore ecology and behavior, Kyla has researched keystone and endangered species across the country. She advocates for public engagement in science by collaborating with diverse stakeholder groups to inform wildlife management programs and policies. Concomitant to IWF’s values, her commitment to species restoration, conservation, and education, combined with strong considerations in ethics and heritage, has been a consistent part of her work. Kyla holds leadership positions within the PNW Outdoor Women Group and Artemis Sportswomen for eastern Washington and northern Idaho, and is eager to further IWF’s legacy in the same region.
Brett Garamendi, Garden City
Brett Garamendi is a freelance outdoor photographer and cinematographer. Born and raised in a small town in Idaho, his upbringing was centered around the outdoors and appreciating the natural gifts the world has to offer.
Beginning to explore the world of media as freshman in high school, Garamendi now holds nearly 10 years of experience creating visual media. In a world so centered around clickbait and sponsors, prides himself on choosing to showcase the natural cinematic beauty Idaho and states like it have to offer.
With hunting and fishing being ingrained in his every fiber, Garamendi strives to do what he can to bring awareness and action to these outlets so we can maintain the way of life we love for years to come.
Cody Montgomery, Sandpoint
Cody, his wife and 2 girls currently reside in Sandpoint, Idaho. Born and raised in St. Maries Idaho, Cody is a 4th generation North Idaho/NW Montana Native.
Cody works as a Wildland fire and fuels specialist for the United States Forest Service. As a fuels specialist, he plans and implements prescribed fires and mechanical slash reduction activities to reduce the threat of uncharacteristic wildfires and improve fish and wildlife habitat. 2023 will be his 22nd year as a wildland firefighter. Cody’s Great-grandfather was a wildland firefighter in North Idaho in the 1910 fires.
Cody attended the University of Idaho and graduated from Oregon State University. Received a degree in forest management and a minor in fish and wildlife resources from OSU.
He enjoys every facet of the outdoors from trapping to hunting to birding but waterfowl and whitetails take the cake. He is excited for my 10-year old daughter's deer hunting season in 2023.
Cody’s greatest points of focus are on local grassroots issues especially preservation and conservation of public lands and waterways with a specific focus on public access, wetland conservation, and sustainable and smart development of Idaho as it continues to expand into rural areas. Cody is the sportsmen and women's representative on the Priest River Watershed Group Steering Committee whose focus is to restore habitat and water conditions on the Priest River in North Idaho.
Ben Herndon - Moscow, Idaho
Ben is a freelance photographer, writer, and filmmaker based in north Idaho. On the photo side, he gravitates toward adventure, recreation and conservation at the intersection of rock and river (with the occasional foray into landscapes and history of the Inland Northwest, USA). On the film side, he prefers a more quirky, narrative approach that many find refreshing while some mindlessly scroll on their phones. Email: c,,mbenherndon.com IG: @donofhern