Dexter Allen loves being in the great outdoors. So much so, in fact, he’s decided to do it for a living.
Originally from Southern California, Allen moved to Arizona at age 18, fresh out of high school. He eventually ended up running the wood shop for a boat manufacturer.
“We were building everything from cabin cruisers to ski boats,” Allen said.
Later, Allen decided to put a boat to use. He spent 20 years as a river guide, taking people up and down the Salt, San Juan and Verde rivers. Allen has also worked for Yavapai College and taught older people to kayak.
Once, after assisting the U.S. Forest Service with a project to remove invasive plant species, Allen asked the forest officials what else he could do to help. They offered Allen a job and for the last decade he’s served as the river ranger for the Coconino National Forest.
For the full story, see the Wednesday, May 30, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
