Bruce Ward

Bruce Wardhas been a passionate advocate for the great outdoors for over 30 years. From the White House to the Halls of Congress to the wilderness of Alaska he has lived to serve “the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.’ (Gifford Pinchot, first Chief of the US Forest Service).

He has spoken at conferences across the country for a number of years stressing the importance of our public lands and creating the next generation of conservation advocates, especially by connecting them to the outdoors through all types of recreation experiences.

As the recent keynote for the Forest Business Network, with over 250 international participants from around the world, he received a standing ovation for his presentation; From Ice Axe to Chainsaw, Making the Case for Sustainable Forestry.

He is the founder of Choose Outdoors, a nonprofit coalition of outdoor recreation interests, focused on increasing support for, and participation in, all forms of outdoor recreation in order to connect all Americans to the land. He is also the founder of the Forest Restoration and Utilization Network, bringing recreation and wood products companies together for the “greatest good.”

He has worked as a consultant for various companies focused on public/private partnerships and increasing support for outdoor recreation.

He has also served as:

White House Champion of Change for Rural America Meeting with the President, Secretary of Agriculture and senior policy makers

A founder of the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA), respected as one of the most successful grassroots organizations of its kind.

Selected to be the first President of the Washington, DC based American Hiking Society; responsible for consolidating various aspects of that national non-profit into a professional and effective advocacy organization.

The first National Coordinator of National Trails Day, laying the foundation of what is now one of the most successful celebrations of the outdoor experience coupled with a message of volunteerism.

President of the Rotary Club of Conifer, an assistant Scout Master, Co-chair of the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Resource Partnership

President and founder of Choose Outdoors, “Connecting All Americans to the Land through Outdoor Recreation

Choose Outdoors National Director for the US Capitol Christmas Tree fro