My Nonprofit Reviews
Christopher Boyer
Review for LightHawk, Telluride, CO, USA
The aerial view is an incredible, but expensive, tool in the understanding of complex landscape issues, and Lighthawk is a truly amazing organization that makes this tool available, at no cost, to conservation organizations throughout North and Central America.
I am a lifelong conservationist, and a trained hydrologist/geomorphologist, yet I credit the aerial view as being both the cornerstone of my conservation ethic, and the foundation of my understanding of complex landscape processes. Consequently, as soon as I first learned about Lighthawk I became dedicated to joining as a volunteer pilot.
In addition to providing pilots and aircraft to important conservation efforts Lighthawk gives me (and nearly 200 other pilots nationwide), the opportunity to make truly significant contributions to the preservation of habitat and ecosystems.
Mission coordination is accomplished by an amazing staff of regional program directors who review flight requests, pair them with appropriate pilots, and inform the pilots and passengers of the important details about the mission.
I have flown about 230 flight hours on 50 Lighthawk missions providing an aerial vantage point to conservation photographers, journalists, filmmakers, state legislators, tribal leaders, ranchers, scientists, and advocates. I remain convinced that Lighthawk is as effective as a conservation organization can be in breadth, depth, and efficient use of resources.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...Helping legislators, tribal leaders, affected landowners, and conservation partners see, document and understand the scale and extent of oil and gas development. ...Providing an aerial photography platform for conservation photographers documenting pristine and impacted ecosystems, wildlife migrations, Wild and Scenic River designations. ...Giving aerial tours to media, foundation representatives, and legislators so they could better understand regional landscape and community issues.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Lighthawk is exceptionally well organized and efficient, the staff seems universally satisfied and motivated, and they are very good and demonstrating their appreciation for the efforts of the volunteer pilots. I would fly more if I could afford to--if only someone could come up with a clever way to contribute to the expenses of volunteer pilots...
