By Jordan Howes, West Virginia Highlands Conservancy

Go ahead and introduce yourself.

I’m Mike Jones, currently based in Morgantown, and work all over the state as the Conservation Manager for the West Virginia Rivers Coalition. As Conservation Manager for WV Rivers, I am responsible for convening West Virginians for Public Lands, educating the West Virginia public and agency and elected officials about our public lands and threats to our public lands, and working with a variety of stakeholders to protect the right of private owners of family farms and forests to protect their land and future with meaningful conservation easements. I am delighted to be the WV River’s representative on the WVHC.  

Where are you from, and how are you connected to West Virginia?   

I lived and worked in Florida for way too long! I was looking to relocate into the Appalachian Mountains to New England area and was offered an opportunity to attend West Virginia University. I thought ‘how bad could it be?’ I fell in love with West Virginia, its beauty, its challenges, and its people. I am not leaving.  

Where did you go to school, and what did you study?   

I am currently at West Virginia University part-time, completing my dissertation for a Ph.D. in political science and public policy. My dissertation topic is whether Appalachia should be recognized as a distinct geographic location with its folks have statistically significant differences over 15 years of survey data in response to a political attitude question (approval of the president) and a series of environmental policy questions. I also have a Master’s in Political Science from West Virginia University; a Master’s in Environmental Politics from University of Central Florida; a law degree from the University of Florida; and a Bachelor’s from the University of Chicago (political science).  

Care to share any hobbies you enjoy?   

I love living in Morgantown, near downtown, as I can walk about anywhere (except groceries!). I really enjoy walking or more formal hiking! Both connect me to the world, to nature, and to some peace and calm!  

What is your favorite natural landscape to visit in West Virginia?  Why is it your favorite?  

Honestly, this question is like being asked ‘which one is your favorite child?” It is impossible to pick! I am a hiker, and I love taking hikes and pictures on any WV Public lands!  

How did you get involved in environmental advocacy? Was there a turning point in your life where you knew you wanted to pursue this?   

I have always been interested in environmental policy and advocacy, and devoted time to environmental advocacy while working full-time as an attorney. I decided to end my legal practice and explore full time environmental policy work. As I was studying at West Virginia University for the Ph.D., I became involved with a variety of WV environmental advocacy non-profits; and ultimately applied to WV Rivers for full time employment.  

How did you learn about the West Virginia Highlands Conservancy? How long have you been involved with the organization?   

I became aware of (and a supporter/member of) WVHC almost as soon as I arrived in West Virginia. Since gaining employment with WV Rivers, I have worked closely with WV Highlands on a variety of WV Public Lands projects and a variety of legislative bills we supported or opposed.  

What do you most look forward to as West Virginia Rivers representative to the Highlands Conservancy Board?  

I look forward to continuing to work closely with WV Highlands in our conservation, rivers, and public lands work. Being on the WVHC’s board as a member representative gives me an opportunity to be working even closer with WVHC to keep our WV public lands protected, to work for water quality, and to work for permanent safeguards for Mon Forest waterways. 

What is the best advice you could give to someone who is looking to get involved in environmental advocacy?   

Never, ever, think that you cannot make a difference. My best advice is get involved: join some environmental advocacy groups in your area, take part in their activities, answer the action alerts! You’ll quickly be “involved in environmental advocacy!” Looking to be employed in environmental advocacy? Don’t sell your experiences short in volunteer and advocacy skills – I guarantee you know MORE than you think you do!