A law student’s connection to the West

Advocates for the West is pleased to provide learning experiences for future environmental leaders through ongoing internship, externship, and clerkship opportunities. We spoke with Meridian Wappett, former Advocates for the West extern and current University of Montana law student, about her passion for, and connection to, the West.

Advocates for the West: Will you please introduce yourself?

Meridian Wappett : Growing up in Idaho, I developed a deep connection to wild rivers, especially the Salmon River. This love for the outdoors fueled my desire to have a career in public lands and conservation advocacy. Now, as a second-year law student at the University of Montana, I’m channeling my experience and passion into legal action. Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to extern with Advocates for the West, a dream come true. Working on cases in my home state with inspiring attorneys further solidified my passion for devoting my career to protecting the West’s important places.

Advocates for the West: What did you work on while with Advocates for the West? What was a highlight from your time?

Meridian: While at Advocates for the West, I worked with Idaho Conservation League (ICL) on potential litigation and the Stibnite mine litigation. The highlights of my time at Advocates for the West were the connections I made, our intern trip to the Sawtooths to see past and present litigation Advocates for the West has undertaken in the area, and the weekly seminars on various aspects of practicing public interest environmental law.

Advocates for the West: What are some of your goals?

Meridian: My life passion has been, and always will be, working to protect and conserve the West’s public lands. Post-graduation, I intend to continue serving our public lands through a career serving environmental nonprofits by providing free legal services to protect their important places.

Advocates for the West: Tell us about your connection to special places in the West.

Meridian: My connection to special places began in Idaho. I had the unique opportunity to spend my childhood running the whitewater rivers that power the western United States. The Salmon, the Snake, the Clearwater, and the Grande Ronde opened up my world and instilled in me a deep love for wild places and wild things. As I grew up, these rivers also became my workplace, guiding tourists from around the world who came to the West seeking adventure and wilderness. Moreover, through my work and education, I have become increasingly aware of the many threats and dangers facing our public lands. As a child, I noticed small things like litter. As I have grown up, I’ve learned to see the larger picture: the exploitation of Indigenous people’s sacred lands, the effects of our warming planet, resource exploitation, and the pollution of our waterways in the name of agriculture and industry. My personal and professional experience on western rivers has engrained my commitment to protecting them.

Advocates for the West: What is your vision for the West?

Meridian: I envision a West where wild rivers, like the mighty Salmon, and all public lands, are safeguarded through strong legal frameworks. These laws would prioritize the health of these ecosystems, ensuring clean water, healthy wildlife populations, and intact habitats. This legal shield would prevent reckless development and safeguard what makes the West special. However, my vision extends beyond pure preservation. I dream of a region where a thriving human presence coexists sustainably with the preserved wild character of the area.

Advocates for the West: Why should someone support Advocates for the West?

Meridian: Advocates for the West is a powerful voice for the wild places and rivers we all cherish. They fight tirelessly to protect these irreplaceable resources through strategic litigation and advocacy. By supporting Advocates for the West, your contribution directly translates into legal action safeguarding public lands, wildlife, and the clean water we depend on. Their victories are our victories, ensuring a healthy and vibrant West for generations to come.