Area of Focus
Tarn’s primary focus is developing, enacting, and enforcing state-level policy to protect 50% of Western lands from development, safeguard and restore wildlife habitat, and ensure that recreational access is equitable and sustainable. She also works to obtain the necessary conservation financing to support these policy efforts. She represents WRA in coalitions of diverse partners to achieve these aims.
Background
Tarn began her legal career as a law clerk for the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado. Since then, she has worked in private practice and as an attorney for Colorado Attorney General’s Office in the natural resources and environment section. She has helped public and private clients achieve their goals in water rights, real estate and land use, and civil litigation, and also has experience as legal counsel for local governments.
She joined WRA in 2023 to use her legal and policy expertise to tackle the most urgent problems facing the West, including the climate crisis and threats to lands, watersheds, and biodiversity. Tarn lives in her small hometown on the Western Slope of Colorado, writes creative nonfiction essays, and spends as much time as possible adventuring with her spouse, two young children, and tri-colored dog.
Accomplishments
Tarn is dedicated to pro bono legal service and volunteers with legal aid organizations. She currently serves on the board of directors for both the Colorado Outward Bound School and the 10th Mountain Division Hut Association and previously sat on the Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado board. Prior to law school, she worked for El Pomar Foundation and as a legislative aide in the U.S. Senate, and also worked seasonally as an instructor for the Colorado Outward Bound School leading extended rafting, backpacking, and canyoneering courses in Utah.
Education
- Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the Colorado College
Favorite thing about the West
Tundra meadows, the smell of sagebrush after rain, and desert slot canyons.
