As the paddling season winds down and winter settles in, the American Packrafting Association is keeping the spirit of adventure alive with our annual Speaker Series. Join us for three engaging live Zoom events that dive into what matters most: preserving our rivers, staying safe, and celebrating our vibrant community. Each session focuses on one of APA’s key pillars—access & stewardship; education & safety; and fun & community.
★ Everyone must register to attend ★
We’re thrilled to kick off our Speaker Series with an incredible panel of advocates discussing the future of the Dolores River—once a premier western river, now one of the most endangered in the Colorado Basin. This conversation goes beyond just the Dolores; it highlights the broader significance of protecting watersheds, ecosystems, and communities across the country. Advocacy efforts for the Dolores River serve as a model for national river conservation initiatives.
Join us for a deep dive into river access and stewardship issues, featuring a dynamic Q&A panel that includes the filmmakers behind River of Sorrows and hosted by APA's Access & Stewardship Chair, Dan Broman, we are thrilled to welcome our guests below.
Watch the film before attending to ensure you're up to speed with the conversation.
Rica joined Dolores River Boating Advocates in 2022 as the Advocacy and Stewardship Director, bringing over six years of experience working along the Dolores River. Previously, she coordinated the Dolores River Restoration Partnership at RiversEdge West, leading efforts to enhance the riparian corridor. Rica holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies and GIS from Fort Lewis College and an M.A. in Geography and Water Resources from the University of Wyoming, where her research focused on stakeholder values in the Dolores River watershed. Originally from southwest Colorado, she is passionate about protecting the region and loves rafting desert rivers with family and friends.
Cody M. Perry is a land and water advocate specializing in grassroots organizing and conservation storytelling. As co-founder of Rig To Flip, a creative media house focused on the Colorado River Basin, Cody highlights the connections between land, water, wildlife, and people. He has collaborated with nonprofits, federal agencies, outdoor brands, and local communities to promote landscape protections across western Colorado and eastern Utah. Originally from a ranching family in southern Arizona, Cody has lived on Colorado’s western slope since 2001, working as a ski patroller, outdoor educator, and freelance filmmaker. His passion lies in sharing stories of the West.
Brett Davis served as the Assistant Director of Outdoor Pursuits at Fort Lewis College for 16 years, where he led students in outdoor adventures and built strong connections in the southwest region. With a B.A. in Economics and an M.S. in Sport Management, he has a diverse background in education and outdoor leadership. Now retired, Brett is focusing on traveling and exploring the Four Corners area and beyond, often engaging in multi-sport adventures like biking and paddling, sometimes accompanied by llamas on his expeditions.
At APA, promoting packrafting safety is a top priority as we grow our community. Get ready for the upcoming paddling season by exploring key safety skills with expert insights from Jule Harle, the 2024 Golden Paddle Award Winner. As a packrafting instructor and guidebook author, Jule will share valuable tips for staying safe both on and off the water, followed by a Q&A session.
As winter winds down, it’s time to start planning your next adventures! Join us for an evening with the inspiring Jeff Creamer, packrafting enthusiast and arguably ski raftineering's biggest advocate. Jeff will share exciting stories of his large-scale expeditions and creative uses of packrafts, including his passion for combining skiing and packrafting. The event will include a Q&A session, so come prepared with your gear-related questions!
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