Chuck Heywood journeyed to the Colorado mountains for ski trips beginning at age 8, and returned to backpack and climb during the summers while a teenager. He fell in love with the San Juans and the Uncompahgre River valley during a quest to climb all of Colorado 14’ers in 1979. Because living near abundant wilderness was a lifetime goal, he eventually realized the dream of moving to Ouray County.
Chuck attended the University of Colorado before receiving bachelor of science and masters of science degrees in earth science from the University of California at Santa Cruz. He subsequently worked as a geophysicist and hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey for 36 years; first doing marine geology, then studies of aquifer mechanics and land subsidence, and eventually specializing in modeling groundwater flow and solute transport. He developed regional and local aquifer-system simulations used by local and state partners to more effectively manage water resources in New Mexico, west Texas, Louisiana, the Virginia coastal plain, Washington, Colorado and other areas in the western USA.
Chuck has remained an active pilot for over 30 years, flying small airplanes and occasionally gliders. He assisted many environmental organizations as a volunteer pilot providing aerial perspectives of conservation projects throughout Central America and Mexico for over 15 years. He is passionate about preserving environmental quality, and continues to donate his time and airplane for similar projects in Colorado.
Chuck and his wife, Sonja, live near Ridgway, where they continue to enjoy hiking, biking, floating rivers, and other outdoor adventures. Their two sons, Bryce and Dillon, both attended the Ridgway schools and presently serve in the Air Force and operate a marketing business, respectively.
