Eric Balken grew up in Salt Lake City, building a connection to Utah’s mountains, rivers, and deserts at a young age. In his youth, Eric volunteered with local non-profits gaining experience in public land surveys, membership outreach, and grassroots organizing. Eric has been deeply involved with Colorado River policy for the past decade, helping spearhead multiple research and advocacy initiatives at GCI. Eric has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Geography from the University of Utah and serves as an advisory on the Future of the Colorado Group