Interview with a Conservation Photographer Showcasing America’s Neglected Ecosystems

# David Herasimtschuk: A Lifelong Commitment to Nature Through Conservation Photography

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Beneath the famous summits of Colorado’s rugged high country lies a pair of Colorado River cutthroat trout, moving gracefully with ancient rhythms in the crisp, clear water. Hidden within the gravelly beds of a small lake’s outlet, they spawn—a time-honored ritual that connects the ecology of high mountain lakes to their far-off river valleys. This scene is captured by conservation photographer **David Herasimtschuk**, whose career intertwines his deep passion for nature with a goal to visually narrate the complex and often overlooked ecosystems of North America’s rivers, woodlands, and freshwater environments.

**David Herasimtschuk**, hailing from the banks of Colorado’s Cache la Poudre River, may not have foreseen how far that initial bond with nature would lead him. Starting from childhood adventures of toad catching and splashing in rivers, his interest in wildlife blossomed into a structured education in **wildlife and fishery biology**, evolving into a devoted career focused on safeguarding at-risk ecosystems through **visual storytelling**.

As the **lead photographer** for **Freshwaters Illustrated**, a non-profit organization that highlights the incredible beauty of freshwater ecosystems, Herasimtschuk strives to reveal concealed aquatic realms. His photographs and films broaden public awareness of the remarkable biodiversity present in these systems and the grave threats they encounter. Alongside his terrestrial conservation efforts, he establishes himself as a vital visual advocate for the environment, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

In this exclusive interview with *My Modern Met*, Herasimtschuk shares insights into his path, inspirations, and the significant environmental changes he has observed throughout his career.

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## Childhood Curiosity Evolving into Lifelong Passion

*How did your affection for environmental and wildlife photography develop?*

Herasimtschuk reminisces about his early days by the Cache la Poudre River in Colorado with warmth and nostalgia. Playing in the frigid mountain waters and directly experiencing the natural environment during his youth forged a lasting connection to freshwater habitats. “The river became a living classroom,” he reflects, teaching him the intricacies of observing animals and ecosystems both above and below the water. This immersive exposure cultivated a profound understanding of nature that he carries with him to this day.

During his time at **Colorado State University**, these childhood interests transformed into formal coursework. Spending summers in high-altitude freshwater environments as an aquatic technician for the U.S. Forest Service, he took part in surveys of vulnerable species that often evade public notice. It was during this period that Herasimtschuk recognized the influence of photography to enhance conservation efforts.

“I began taking my camera into the field to document these rare species,” he states, “and quickly grasped how visual storytelling could strengthen initiatives to protect these dwindling species and their ecosystems.”

Now, armed with both a scientific background and exceptional photography talents, Herasimtschuk uses his lens to not just capture images, but also to educate and motivate. His efforts with **Freshwaters Illustrated** shed light on the freshwater environments that are frequently overlooked in mainstream environmentalism—despite supporting nearly half of the world’s fish species.

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## A Fascination with Old-Growth Forests

*What inspires you about the forests of the Pacific Northwest?*

Once Herasimtschuk focuses his lens on the forests, especially those remaining mostly untouched by human activity in the Pacific Northwest, a new passion is ignited. The ancient forests of **Oregon’s Coast Range**, with their towering Douglas firs, Western Hemlocks, and Sitka Spruce, inspire a profound sense of awe and wonder, a sentiment Herasimtschuk feels few other locations on Earth can rival.

“These ancient landscapes resonate deeply within the spirit,” he states, sharing how strolling among these majestic trees provides a sensation of stepping back through time. However, his appreciation for these ecosystems extends beyond their visual splendor. These old-growth forests serve as environmental cornerstones—they sequester significant amounts of carbon, regulate water supplies, and provide essential habitats for various species.

Yet, these breathtaking, age-old giants are becoming increasingly rare. Extensive logging over the past century, propelled by commercial interests, has ravaged much of these habitats. With only scattered remnants of these ancient forests remaining, Herasimtschuk mourns that fewer individuals than ever will experience the enchantment of these towering woodlands.

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## The Decline of Salmon: A Symbol of Ecological Collapse

*What is one of your most memorable wildlife encounters here?*

For Herasimtschuk, few wildlife encounters are as poignant or unforgettable as his time spent with **wild salmon**. Each autumn and winter, he embarks on a yearly journey to chronicle the salmon’s legendary migration. From the moment they return to their birth rivers to spawn, to their final moments before death, every phase is closely monitored by his camera.

“There have been instances where