Scotty Lago is a professional snowboarder, outdoor enthusiast, and advocate for conservation and environmental stewardship. We sat down with Scotty last week to talk about his recent clean-up with the New England Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Association, and we wanted to get his thoughts on how the event went and why he joined the clean-up cause.

FORLOH Partner Scotty Lago Combines His Passion for the Outdoors with Conservation

“I was excited to join like-minded people, especially at an event close to home, commented Scotty. “I have a rule, whether out scouting, foraging, or hunting, that I pick up any piece of trash I come across.”

In speaking with Scotty, we learned about the immense community support and the great impact the event had on the local environment and wildlife. “There was a huge turnout! 75 people,” reflects Scotty. “We filled a 1-ton dump truck to the top with trash bags of garbage we found in the woods. The benefits are endless…Broken glass can cut wildlife paws, plastics break down and infiltrate water sources for humans and wildlife, and removing large items like tires allows new plant life to grow.”

Respecting the Environment and Wildlife

One of FORLOH’s brand pillars is conservation and being respectful to the environment and the animals that inhabit it, and most people don’t know the significant role hunting and fishing enthusiasts play in land and animal conservation.

“They don’t know, and it's a hard point to get across. Most people think it's an oxymoron, but if you look at the facts, hunters and fishermen are the biggest conservationists in the country,” commented Scotty. He went on to say, “besides being an American-made product, FORLOH’s commitment to conservation was a huge draw for me. As I like to say, align yourself with like-minded people with similar goals, and you can accomplish big things. That’s exactly my goal with FORLOH.”

Preserving Nature for Future Generations

Scotty shared his commitment to preserving nature for future generations, stating, "The more I'm in the woods, the more I'm learning about nature and our impact on it. I'm truly amazed by nature, and I want to preserve it for myself and future generations."

When asked how he engages and motivates young people to get involved in conservation and advocacy for outdoor sports and recreation, Scotty emphasized leading by example. "Sharing on social media about leaving the woods a better place than when you went in...whether that's during a camping trip, hunting, or just enjoying nature."

Scotty's work with the New England BHA perfectly fits his overall goals and vision for promoting sustainable and responsible use of public lands. He believes in the power of organizations to unite people with similar goals to make a difference. As a public figure and advocate for conservation and environmental causes, Scotty balances his personal interests and activities with his responsibilities seamlessly. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized how fortunate he is that his personal passions are his work.

For individuals who want to get involved in conservation and advocacy efforts for outdoor sports and recreation, Scotty advises seeking out local conservation groups, finding people with similar beliefs and goals, and starting as small as picking up trash on the side of the road. “My son is two years old, and I’ve taught him to look for trash when we are in the woods together. He gets so excited when he finds something,” Scotty reflected.