Member Spotlight: Beau Downing

What is your name?

Beau Downing

What do you do for work and what is your slash?

I am a restoration project manager (environmental scientist) for the Montana Natural Resource Damage Program (NRDP). I oversee the implementation of stream, floodplain, and riparian habitat restoration projects in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin and the Upper Blackfoot Mining Complex (Headwaters of the Blackfoot River). I operate with funds generated from previously settled or litigated natural resource damage claims against parties responsible for injury to the natural resources held in trust by Montana. I also serve as the NRDP technical lead for the 2015 Bridger Pipeline Spill that happened on the Yellowstone River near Glendive. When I'm not working I can be found hanging with my wife and two sons, hopefully in the woods.

How did you land in Helena?

I was working as a fluvial geomorphologist at an engineering consulting firm back east, which catered mostly to the natural resource extraction industry. I was interested in a change of pace, so I applied to several jobs out west. I was fortunate enough to get an interview for the Stream Protection Act Coordinator at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. I was offered the position, so we (Melissa, Ronin, Kingston, and myself) packed up our house and headed to Helena in September of 2010.

What is the best piece of advice that you ever received – career-related or otherwise?

"Family comes first, work comes second" - I was very fortunate when I moved to Montana that I had a supervisor that understand that work/life balance made for a better more engaged employee. It was something that was missing in my professional career before coming to Montana.

When do you feel the most yourself?

When I'm near, in, or around a stream or river. I have been drawn to water my entire life, and feel most comfortable with myself and the world around it.

Where is the last place you explored and where do you want to explore next?

I went on my first Smith River Trip this spring, and it was a trip to remember. I loved being on such a beautiful and majestic river. I'm heading to the Grand Canyon in February of 2017 for a kayak self support trip, so that's the next big adventure. Between now and then I'll be taking my two boys to the ocean for their first time, and we will continue to discover all the great outdoor places Montana has to offer.

Tell us something about yourself that we didn’t ask:

I was a professional whitewater kayaker and raft guide for much of my late teens and early 20's. It was an epic time in my life, and laid the foundation for everything I do professionally today.