Ever wondered how you can do more for public lands but you aren’t sure where to start? Outdoor Alliance’s Outdoor Allies series explores how other outdoor adventurers got their start and their advice for how you can harness your passion for the outdoors into protecting the places you love. Jure Poberaj lives in White Salmon, Washington with his partner, Nina, two cats, and Fritz, their sweet old Australian Shepherd. Jure kitesurfs, mountain bikes, and skis in the Columbia River Gorge. Nina and Jure own and operate White Salmon Baking Co, a small bakery and café serving artisan breads and pastries.

I’d love to start by hearing more about where you grew up, your background, and what you like to do outside.

I was born in Slovenia and moved to the D.C area when I was young after my dad was hired as the head coach for the U.S. Canoe and Kayak team. My brother and I were lucky enough to live a few minutes away from the Potomac River, where we spent most of our childhood swimming and kayaking. Summers were spent traveling with my dad kayaking and training.

Where did you first hear about Outdoor Alliance, and what attracted you to the organization?

I first heard about Outdoor Alliance through Louis Geltman, who I’ve been buddies and paddling with for the better part of 20 years now. He’s exposed me to many of the issues that Outdoor Alliance is working on. I was attracted to the organization because I believe exposure and access to outdoor recreation is a basic human right that needs to be protected. From keeping lands and waters public and equitable to fighting climate change to getting legislation passed, Outdoor Alliance is getting things done.

What motivated you to join 1% for the planet?

My partner and I made a goal that when the bakery paid off what we borrowed to start the business, we would find a way to give back. I’ve been following Patagonia and 1% for the planet now for quite some time and we both love and spend much of our time in the outdoors so we felt that it would be a great way to give back and try to protect what we love.

What outdoor advocacy issues are most important to you?

Currently, land access is one of the most import issues to me. Whether it be for mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, or just open or wild space, without access to the put-ins and trailheads, we would not be able to do the things we enjoy most. So much privatization of land is happening right now, so anything we can do to help slow it down and retain the places we love for outdoor recreation is important.

Why do you think it’s important for businesses to get involved in protecting the outdoors?

I optimistically believe because many businesses have a bigger platform, they can have the power to influence others to protect our outdoor spaces. We can hope to lead through example.

In addition, businesses use a lot of resources. We need to take responsibility and give back to the land that we are taking from. The environment in which we live connects us all to the outdoors in some capacity, so without protecting the outdoors we are in a way hurting our community.

Lightning Round:

Favorite place to get outside: Buck Creek and Nestor peak trails!

Bucket list: Futaleufu River in Chile

Most used piece of gear: My mountain bike!

Outdoor Allies: Jure Poberaj