About
About The Emerald Lens
My freshman year of college (2009), The Emerald Lens started as a blog for my well-researched, eloquently written, defense-of-recycling style rallies to environmental action. Then I realized the following something important. Navel-gazey, defense-of-recycling style rallies to environmental action are time consuming, aren’t very fun to write, are a snooze to read and should be rewarded with school credit or paycheck.
Then this space became a place to practice “essays about a Western, outdoor life through my lens”, a portfolio space as I grew into working in freelance writing. But those essays, awkward yoga photo shoots and quick n’ dirty reviews have moved onto other platforms (again with the paycheck theme) and you can check em out here through my portfolio.
The Emerald Lens has always grown with me. Now as I (#adulting so hard) blend a career with freelance writing, non-profiteering (yarg!), guiding and adventuring around the West this is a journal space where I can show you “behind the scenes” of my work. It’ll stay unbranded and unadvertised, just like a good western human or puppy dog should be.
About Emerald LaFortune
Idaho born and raised, Montana educated and now balancing both as I glide gracefully (HA ha ha) away from the seasonal hustle. I’m a river guide for Outdoor Adventure River Specialists, executive director of the Redside Foundation, brand ambassador for Northwest River Supply and sour gummy worm fueled freelance writer. Strikingly adequate and overly enthusiastic about a variety of sports including whitewater boating, fly fishing, climbing, skiing, mountain biking, backpacking and bowling, I’ve never met a sport I wont flail at for awhile. I’ve loved to write ever since I realized my best friend was a WAY better artist than me and my childhood dream to draw pictures and own lots of party shoes wasn’t going to pan out.
Making new friends is fun! Especially if you have or ARE a three month old puppy. Give me a shout – emerald.lafortune[at]gmail.com.
Thanks for reading! – EL
Hey EL –
Got to your blog through moldy chum. Great article! My wife Emily and I have spent many-a whisky fueled campfire conversations discussing the issues you raise in your article. Thanks.
What do you know about how the film grant will be used? Is there a proposed story line for the film?
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Thanks Karlin, I’m glad you enjoyed the piece! It looks like Trout Unlimited and friends will be prioritizing cold water fisheries and women representation in front of the camera (and behind it as well, I hope). There’s more information here: http://www.tu.org/tuwomenf3t. Thanks for stopping by! – Emerald
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Hello – I came to your writing and creativity from the Oars website. My daughter wants to be a guide – she is 14 and struggling with a couple of things. If and when you get a moment can you email me? I was looking for an email contact (didn’t see anything on the Oars site) when I saw your instagram post about malls. I hate malls. Haven’t been in one in a while and it will be too soon when circumstance or my kids force me back.
Awkward Yoga, Pretty Place is pretty awesome too.
I also used to guide the Middle Fork and Trinity (my daughter) had her first trip off the top in 2007 at age 5. (3.2 level so it was kind of perfect).
I blogged for a couple of years
http://idahorivertime.blogspot.com/ but the format was too hard to edit. Trin’s first trip is in there in June and May of 2007 has some pretty interesting stuff around the Lake Creek log jam and lines after it was open. Still doing private trips just not posting them up.
The messy drybag pack instagram says you are heading to the Smith. Have a blast and I hope to hear from you when you return.
Best,
Jerry
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Hi Jerry! It’s a great profession. Send her my way if she’d ever like to talk about some more of the ins-and-outs of the job! Best wishes.
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Hi Emerald. I pulled up your Oars posts and let her read some of this as well as your reply. She is really interested. What would be the best way to have her chat with you at some point?Not sure if this is the best format. trinityhadam@gmail.com is her email if you would like to contact her. Thx. Jerry
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