*Sometimes David brings companions into the mountains, including Pepper the Schipperke.*

Meet David Lee, our newest staff member here at Teton Conservation District!

As our Water Resources Specialist, you might meet David in our office selling well test kits, at a presentation on water quality information, or in the field sampling one of our many beautiful streams. David originates from central Florida, where he received a B.S. in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florida. He was drawn out west to Colorado and California where he worked for federal agencies conducting riparian restoration projects and protecting and managing wilderness areas. After receiving an M.S. in Forest Hydrology and Watershed Management from Virginia Polytechnic and State University, David again found himself in the western U.S. performing hydrology work for federal agencies, including the Bridger-Teton National Forest in 2019. He’s happy to be back in Jackson and is passionate about working on watershed protection in Teton County. Want to learn more about David? Enjoy this Q&A with him!

*David contemplating the ever-changing weather in Rocky Mountain National Park.*

Why did you decide to purse a degree and career in water resources?

I have been excited about water since I was a little kid. I grew up paddling and fishing and have always been drawn to the idea of protecting “wet” spaces. During my undergraduate degree, I was able to work with one of my professors on a water availability project on a longleaf pine plantation, and I was immediately hooked. I saw the importance of understanding the dynamic challenges brought forward by water quantity and quality issues. I also saw how invested everyone was in finding appropriate solutions. It gave me a sense of optimism that the problems we face are solvable.

What do you like about your job?

I love that this position allows me to work with so many different groups of people. I think that diverse minds can have significant positive impacts on the community, whether by working with partners on restoration projects, communicating with residents about water quality, or providing insight on ways to improve water quality in Jackson Hole.

What are some challenges you face in your work?

Managing deadlines and planning for opportunities that extend far into the future can be challenging. It is a good opportunity for me to look ahead with a clear mind.

If you could have a different career, what would it be?

I’ve always thought that meteorology was fascinating. Storm-chasing, forecasting, modeling, you name it. Maybe I’ll incorporate that into my next life.

If we could only have one season forever, which season would you pick and why?

It would easily be spring. I’ve always been in love with watching the annual green-up. And the skiing is still good, creeks start to rise, weather gets warmer…it’s all a perfect mix for me.

*David enjoying a well-earned view from the summit block of Cathedral Peak.*

What’s the coolest wildlife encounter you’ve ever had?

We were paddling on a spring-fed creek in north Florida, and we happened to pass an alligator. It was a large bull, laying on a log submerged in the water. During mating season, males will let out low, sustained growls to attract mates and ward off other males. We happened to see this up close (from a respectable distance away—the opposite bank). The alligator’s body shook the water surface violently, rippling the water and sending waves across the creek. To this day I think about how our boat shook from his growl.

Do you want to share an embarrassing memory with us?

My mom was a real estate agent when I was very young, and I remember going to one of her showings with her. The house had no furnishings of any kind. I ended up playing around the pool with my sister and falling in (what can I say; I’ve always loved water!), forcing me to stand in my underwear and air-dry in front of the potential buyers. Thankfully I don’t think it spooked them too much; they still bought the house.