Brian Jacobson

My paddling career began at 15 as a result of an ill-fated trip in a Styrofoam sailboat, an unknown river, and a blown out dam. I was instantly hooked. I went to an outfitter and bought a boat, never having sat in a kayak before. Boating quickly became a key part of my life both from the river experience and the fellowship that developed with my paddling friends. I joined AW in 1976 mainly to get the Journal to read about exciting rivers around the country and the world. Over time my perspective expanded to appreciate the stewardship work by AW to protect river access and improve river management.

After a well spent youth as a raft guide and photographer on the Ocoee, Chattooga, and Gauley, I eventually completed college and began a career as an environmental engineer. My work is generally cleaning up soil, groundwater, and preventing surface water impacts from the industrial practices of the 60s and 70s. My perspective is always guided by would I float the receiving stream after the work is complete. Success often involves complex decisions involving the client, the regulator, project cost, and practical considerations. This work experience translates well to the challenges AW faces with stewardship projects.

I became involved with AW as a volunteer in the 1990s on the Chattooga effort as AW started petitioning for access and study. My involvement grew with time and by 2005 I was immersed in the project and came to fully appreciate the AW volunteer/professional model. The progress that has been made on the Chattooga helped me appreciate the successes AW is having on similar projects across the country. Within two hours of my house I can, or shortly will, be able to paddle the Cheoah, Tallulah, Upper Nantahala, and Tuckasegee as a result of AW’s work.

Stewardship involves more than changing the operation of a dam or regulations of an agency. It involves changing local opinions, often on a person by person basis, and keeping the local paddling community involved in the process. I hope my service on the board will help AW to continue to achieve the successes we are currently seeing on our rivers.