Michael grew up in mountains of North Idaho and Northwest Montana where his love for the region was fostered at an early age. After graduating from North Idaho College in his hometown, he ventured to Missoula, Montana where he received his B.A. from the University of Montana with an Environmental Studies Degree. After graduation he returned to his beloved Yellowstone National park where he continued his work as a ranger naturalist. During his final two years with the Park Service Michael had the honor of being one of hte park's two bear education rangers where he shared his knowledge of bears with visitors from all over the globe.
After seven years rangering in Yellowstone, Michael left the Park Service and founded Yellowstone Country Guardians, a grassroots nonprofit organization based in Gardiner, Montana. He currently serves as the organizations Director, working on the ground to inspire local communities to nurture the wildness and spirit of Yellowstone Country through education and outreach programs at the community level.
Michael continues his work as a freelance nature writer, a part-time fly fishing guide, and Gardiner High School's head boys' basketball coach. Michael lives with his wife Crystal and daughter Kamiah at the North entrance of Yellowstone Natrional park in Gardiner, Montana.