Meet the A-Team: Tamara Susa
Every member of the RFSP Advocacy Team, aka the A-Team, brings their own gifts to this work. Some write to elected officials, some share their stories, and some rally their networks. All of them help make the case that wildlife need safe passage through our valley. Tamara brings her lens.
A talented photographer, filmmaker, and soon-to-be gallery owner, Tamara came to Aspen in 2012 after winning a trip here, stayed for a winter, and never left. She never goes anywhere without her camera, and the valley’s wildlife has a way of showing up when she least expects it. Over 14 years of documenting this place, she’s watched it change, and joining the A-Team is her way of giving back. We sat down with Tamara to talk about chance encounters, the future of the valley, and why she’d be a fox.
What’s your day job?
I am a photographer and filmmaker, and about to be a gallery owner!
How long have you lived in the Roaring Fork Valley, and what brought you here?
I moved to the valley in 2012 after I graduated from college in Chicago. Earlier that year, I won a trip to Aspen through an online giveaway and it was a life changing experience. I was one of those people who came for a winter season, and I’m clearly not going anywhere.
What's your most memorable wildlife encounter in the valley?
A few years ago I was running on the Crater lake trail, and almost ran into a moose family on the trail while staring at my feet navigating the rocky trail. As always I had my camera in hand and I managed to snap some photos!
What's your favorite spot in the valley and why?
I have so much appreciation for the Maroon Bells-Snowmass wilderness and I am so thankful I get to call this place my backyard. I love to explore the trails any time I get a chance, and I can’t really say I have a favorite since there are so many mesmerizing viewpoints along the trails.
What made you want to get involved with Roaring Fork Safe Passages?
When I take a photograph, I feel like I’m taking a piece of nature and using it for my own benefit. So I believe it’s important to give something back. Over the years I’ve been documenting this place, I’ve witnessed so many things change, whether climate or development related. I was so excited when I learned of RFSP, and the work you are doing to protect the wildlife that is vital for these places.
Have you ever had a personal experience with a wildlife-vehicle collision? How did it affect you?
I had a close call with an elk on HW 82 by the airport where the proposed crossing is. It scared the crap out of me. This happened last winter after RFSP already published their proposed crossings, and it only made it more clear to me how important this work is.
When you imagine the Roaring Fork Valley 20 years from now, what do you hope to see?
Every place obviously changes over time, but I hope for the future that we get to keep our wild spaces, open spaces, and if we must build, instead of expanding on homeowner development to see a bit more employee housing development, and of course, wildlife crossings!
What's always in your car/backpack when you're out in the valley?
A camera! I don’t go anywhere without it most of my wildlife photos have been taken by chance running into animals by the road. My favorite was a family of bears in front of the grocery store in Snowmass - I was just running errands, but managed to get this super cute family photo!
If you could be any animal that uses our valley, which would you be and why?
Oh I’ve never thought about this before! I think I’d like to be a fox - they are independent but not solitary; curious but cautious; and a little mischievous
What's been the most rewarding part of being a RFSP advocate?
Seeing that this work can have an impact. We can make a change. Every personal act, no matter how small it is, can make a difference and I really hope more people get involved with this incredible organization!
What gives you hope about this work for the future?
That more people get informed, involved, and passionate to protect the animals we share the valley with. I’ve traveled to many places around the world and so many areas have lost their wildlife or it has become incredibly elusive. We are so lucky to get to share this valley with such variety of wildlife. Let’s keep it that way!
