Following His Passion: Arthur Potts Joins Kaniksu Land Trust

Arthur Potts’ path to conservation wasn't exactly a straight line. 

Like many who are drawn to a career in conservation, his path took many turns before joining Kaniksu Land Trust as its new Conservation Projects Manager. Arthur officially started with KLT on June 15.

When he first entered college, Arthur planned to study political science and eventually attend law school. But as he spent more time thinking about what truly interested him, he realized his heart was somewhere else entirely.

"I was always interested in conservation and biology," Arthur said. "Growing up, hunting and fishing on my family's land is part of what makes me who I am."

That realization led him to change course and pursue a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Management at Texas A&M University.

After graduation, Arthur built a successful career in environmental consulting and natural resource management. For more than a decade, he worked on environmental projects across the country, eventually serving as an environmental scientist, senior biologist, and later as Terrestrial Program Manager for Avista.

But over time, he found himself reflecting on what mattered most.

"I started thinking, ‘I can keep doing consulting work and be part of developing land and earn a paycheck,’" he said. "Or I can do something I truly enjoy and still earn a paycheck."

Just before the pandemic, Arthur joined Avista, where he managed a variety of land and natural resource programs. During that time, he worked closely with Kaniksu Land Trust Conservation Director Regan Plumb on conservation and recreation projects in the Clark Fork area.

Those collaborations gave him a close look at KLT's work.

"I really respected what Kaniksu Land Trust was doing," Arthur said. "The focus on community involvement was something that really stood out to me."

Community has become increasingly important to Arthur over the years. In addition to his professional work, he has volunteered extensively, serving on the Western Montana Conservation Commission, participating on its Executive Committee and Aquatic Invasive Species Committee, and serving as Chair of the Noxon School Board.

"Community involvement is a really important value of mine," he said. "It's something I want to instill in my kids."

Last year, Arthur and his family moved from Noxon to Sandpoint, hoping to become even more connected to the community around them.

"I was just trying to find a more meaningful way of life," he said.

Now, as Conservation Projects Manager, Arthur will work closely with landowners, agency partners, volunteers, and community members to help protect important lands across North Idaho and Northwest Montana. His work will include conservation easements, stewardship of protected properties, volunteer engagement, and support for public access lands.

It's a role that combines his background in wildlife biology, land management, relationship building, and community service.

For Arthur, it also represents something more personal.

After years of following opportunities that made sense professionally, he chose to follow the work that felt meaningful. And sometimes, that's where the best paths lead.

"We're excited to welcome Arthur to the KLT crew," said Regan Plumb, Conservation Director for Kaniksu Land Trust. "His experience, collaborative approach, and genuine commitment to both conservation and community make him a great fit for this work and the people we serve."

For Arthur, joining Kaniksu Land Trust feels like a natural next step that brings together his love of the outdoors, his commitment to community, and a career dedicated to caring for the places that matter most.