Chris Brown

Chris is active in numerous local conservation causes and historic preservation and service projects. His career began at American Rivers in the 1980s, when he led campaigns to protect over 1,000 river miles, secure $25 million in appropriations, and break the Congressional logjam on Wild and Scenic River (WSR) designations.  In 1988, he joined the National Park Service to co-lead the expansion of the fledgling Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program into a nationwide presence with over 80 staff. Chris also co-founded the Interagency WSR Council and served on the planning team for President Clinton’s American Heritage Rivers Initiative.  As Director of Wilderness and WSR for the U.S. Forest Service, Chris oversaw expansion of the WSR System and improved agency stewardship of rivers.

Chris has paddled, rafted or fished on rivers in 49 states.  At River Rally 2011, Chris was honored with the James R. Compton Award for his three decades of accomplishment.