Bill Houston

Bill’s lifelong passion for environmental advocacy led him to join the National Wildlife Federation's affiliate, the Natural Resources Council of Maine, to protect the West Branch of the Penobscot River from the Big A dam, in the early 1980s. For several years Bill worked with NRCM to organize a Guide's Rendezvous—a conference designed to empower guides to take actions to protect Maine’s environment. He served on the Board of Directors for NRCM for seven years, with two years as Board President. In 2002, NRCM recognized Bill’s efforts to protect Maine's wild and scenic places by honoring him with an Environmental Achievement Award.

A Master Maine Guide with thousands of river miles guiding raft, canoe, and kayak trips throughout North American and Europe, Bill has taught outdoor leadership and skills at Somerset Career and Technical Center for the past 25 years. He developed the pioneering two-year course to prepare high-school-age students to work in the natural resources and outdoor recreation industries while instilling in them an appreciation of nature and a conservation ethic.

Bill served as chair of the State of Maine's Whitewater Guides Advisory Board for many years and is a life member of the Maine Wilderness Guides Organization.