HOW ONE VOLUNTEER BECAME A LEADING MOUNTAIN LION ADVOCATE

Bob’s relationship with the Mountain Lion Foundation began in 2009, when his personal research into Puma concolor led him to the organization. Very quickly, his commitment turned into action: he played a pivotal role in successfully stopping the Washington Cougar Hounding Pilot Program, a turning point that catalyzed his founding of the Washington Cougar Coalition (WA Cougar) and his appointment as MLF’s Washington State Field Representative.

15 YEARS OF ADVOCACY: LEGISLATIVE, LEGAL, AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

Over the past 15+ years, Bob has become one of MLF’s most dedicated advocates, strategists, and institutional leaders. Working with volunteers and NGO coalitions, they have:

• Blocked multiple harmful legislative bills targeting cougars in Washington.
• Represented MLF nationally—Bob served as a panelist at the 11th Mountain Lion Workshop in Utah (2013).
• Successfully appealed the Washington Fish & Wildlife Commission’s improper setting of hunting guidelines (2015), leading to the first-ever overturn and rollback of a citizens’ commission ruling in Washington state history.
• Helped build and support a coalition that secured the appointment of new commissioners (2021–2023) who prioritize science-based decision-making over extractive “opportunity.”

A TRUSTED VOICE IN WILDLIFE POLICY AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Bob is one of MLF’s most consistent and credible voices in public policy spaces. He regularly testifies before commissions, engages with agency staff, collaborates with whistleblowers and enforcement officers, and represents MLF at community outreach and educational events.

ADVANCING INNOVATION IN NON-LETHAL WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT

Beyond his formal advocacy work, Bob has also contributed to:

• Developing strategies to increase transparency in wildlife enforcement, including FOIA-based investigations and pushing for body-camera standards.
• Exploring innovations in non-lethal wildlife management, such as the Karelian Bear Dog program and relocation/aversive conditioning models for bears and cougars.
• Advancing a visionary proposal for a Court of Special Jurisdiction for Wildlife & Natural Resource Crimes, designed to elevate the seriousness of poaching and ensure consistent prosecution.

BOARD LEADERSHIP ROOTED IN SCIENCE AND SERVICE

In board leadership, Bob has served as a member of the MLF Board of Directors since 2016. His tenure has been defined by deep commitment, institutional memory, and unwavering advocacy for science-based policy and strong protections for mountain lions.

This year, Bob stepped down as Chair of the Board after years of extraordinary service in that role. We are deeply grateful for his leadership, his steady vision, and the countless hours he has devoted to strengthening MLF. We are equally grateful that he will continue to serve as Vice Chair, ensuring that his insight and experience remain central to our work.

THE POWER OF INDIVIDUAL ACTION: HOW ONE PERSON SHAPES A MOVEMENT

In the end, Bob’s story is a reminder that protecting America’s lion takes all of us. Every volunteer, advocate, donor, and supporter plays a part in shaping a safer future for mountain lions. Change happens because individuals decide to act—and together, we become a force that cannot be ignored.

Bob reminds us that one person can make a difference—but together, we make a movement.