Work Philosophy Statement

Over the past few years, my writing has taken on a new direction. The intersection as being an avid angler and outdoorsperson to a conservation writer has been slowly begun to control the narrative of my writing. Seeing the natural world slowly slip through our fingers due to human impact firsthand has inspired me to take action. I edited this video from footage of past years to highlight an important issue for the North Umpqua River. The Winchester Dam is a harmful obstacle causing serious harm to an endangered run of very valuable fish: the steelhead. This video was a way for me to explore Adobe Premier with footage taken of good friends enjoying early summer on the North Umpqua searching for these amazing fish.

As we get older, we come to realize how our influences, observations, and experiences shape how we view the world around us. These and many other aspects of our lives begin to shape how we show up for those around us, how we participate in society, and how we hope to make a difference. I am an outdoors person. I am a fly fisherman. I participate in nature. For over three decades, I have been wandering into far-flung corners of the natural world, from New Zealand, Australia, to the wild rivers of southwest Alaska, my backyard rivers and streams of northern Colorado. Where I live in the Pacific Northwest, I have watched in real time as the human footprint encroaches further on the last remaining wild places around us. These places are becoming more threatened by the day. And because of this, I have chosen to dedicate the rest of my life to becoming an advocate for these places.

Depending on who you talk to, a calling can come from anywhere. My calling came from interacting with a fish. Steelhead are a species of trout endemic to the Pacific Northwest rivers, those that terminate in the Pacific Ocean. They are born trout in the streams ranging from southern Alaska all the way down into northern Mexico. Through a calling of their own, they make a remarkable change. After spending their young juvenile life in the stream they were born in, these fish slowly make their way out into the vast void of the Pacific Ocean where they feed, grow, and get strong. Eventually, they make their way back to the river which they were born to birth the next generation. They overcome seemingly impossible obstacles – most of which are manmade. In the fleeting moments where my life connects to theirs, when I get to hold one in my hands to wonder about all that they have witnessed in the ocean and on their journey back into their homewaters, I have found my calling.

These fish are the purest expression of nature. They are resilient. They are adaptable. Yet they are fragile. Seeing their world shrink around them because of the impact of humanity has left an unforgettable impact on my life. These animals, and the places they have evolved in over hundreds of thousands of years, deserve to remain intact. Here is where I have found my calling.

Having gained skills and experience writing about conservation issues, I found myself in a unique position to combine my writing background to speak out for the things I hold near and dear to me. Time spent on the river is starting to become less of a pastime and hobby, and more of a purpose. I now focus my writing on expanding protection and awareness to conserve and protect the last great places we have on this planet, where wild things can thrive into the future.

I am Nick Basaraba, and this is my calling.

ETHICS STATEMENT

As an aspiring journalist, storyteller, and media communicator, I define my values and approach to my work through a personal code of ethics. This code is the foundation of what I believe, and the standards I hold myself to when presenting information to the public.

I take it upon myself to be an advocate, not just for non-human environmental entities, but also for those who do not share in my personal privilege or that of my culture or society. I am aware that anything I speak about may affect the lives and experiences of other members of our society.

I strive to communicate with honesty, even when covering topics that go against my personal beliefs and contradict my principles through thorough research and ethical information gathering. In a time when facts seem negotiable, my work will convey accurate information without the use of unethical tactics, coercion, or manipulation in information-gathering. By doing so, I strive to remain an independent communicator who will not accept bribes or quid-pro-quo agreements in favor of fairer treatment of people, organizations, or companies.

All information, facts, research, or data I use will be attributed properly to their source for credit and for a reference to the reader. When necessary, I will seek the permission of any owner of intellectual property before using their ideas, images, or words in my own work. My ethos does not involve the use of Artificial Intelligence in source gathering or for generating writing. If I use AI in any way, I will disclose this to the reader to increase the transparency of my writing process.

All topics will be approached with fairness and accuracy, especially when faced with opinion-focused topics. Stakeholders involved will be given reasonable opportunities to express opinions and facts that go for or against said topic to ensure fair reporting. By doing so, stories remain balanced and inclusive so that readers may come to their own conclusions.

When mistakes occur, I will correct them promptly and transparently. I will continue to ask questions, remain curious, and do my best to investigate all situations impartially to convey topics in ways that are thoughtful, informative, entertaining, and purposeful.